Not our first choice hotel which, when the travel agent told us the price, we baulked and after some discussion, were told that this hotel was every bit as good as the one we asked for - same star rating but, as it turned out, 1/3rd of the price. We reluctantly had to accept the realities of economics and decided to take the travel companies advice - and as it turned out, thank goodness we did.
When we arrived, it was nothing special from the outside but walking in………phew, it was stunning - and a bell boy was waiting to take our luggage in for us.
Located only a short walk away from the town centre, it is convenient for trams, bus and metro along with being very close to many of the attractions on the Pest side of the river. Equally, not too far to cross the bridges to get to Buda, however, at the height of the heatwave, we didn’t do quite as much walking as we would normally. Close to public transport was a clear advantage.
The staff (receiption & bar) were brilliant, always happy and eager to help. The public areas were very spacious and really decorated in classic style with huge paintings and mirrors. Plenty of very comfortable seating and given the heatwave, fully air conditioned. Good use of lighting, mirrors in abundance and the marble walls ensured that the cleanliness and sparkling finish was clearly visible.
We had two rooms, a double for my wife & I which again was spacious. In room bar, plenty of hanger space and probably one of the best hotel rooms I have had in many years of travel. Shower room and toilet was equally spacious, good aircon which was necessary thanks to the 40 degree daytime and not much cooler night temperatures.
Extremely comfortable bed and with comfy chairs, decent TV and WIFI included, we really did have a home from home.
My daughter’s room was on a different floor and it too, was very spacious. On two levels, downstairs was the entrance doorway a hallway and toilet with a short flight of steps up to the ‘living’ quarters. Like our room, mini bar, plenty of cupboards, drawers etc. A real home from home.
Apart from breakfast (which provided an excellent range of foods), we only ate in the lounge area on the first night.
Not an extensive menu but adequate and all three of us decided on the Chicken Paprikash. When it was delivered and we delved in, we all agreed it was delicious. A dish I have never seen before yet it’s simplicity was overtaken by the flavours and texture – a great start to the culinary delights of Budapest which we were about to experience.
Some strange quirks though. The lifts had doors front and rear and I think the building probably consists of two buildings which are now one but on different levels. Took us a bit of getting used to going to two different floor 3’s (3a & 3b). My daughter exited on the opposite side of the lift which moved up a few feet when the door we had got into it opened for our floor 3.
Also, the spa & pool are not open all day. Very short hours which saw us being too busy to be able to have an early morning swim so that feature really wasn’t available at times when most tourists would want to use it.
Overall, I would say it was an awesome experience and without doubt, when we return to Budapest in the future, it will be where we will be staying.
Awesome is the word I would use for this hotel and considering our holiday cost …………great value for money.
