We always feel like we’re coming home when we check into a Ritz-Carlton. And this one, The Ritz-Carlton Budapest – a luxury heritage hotel right in the heart of the city’s central commercial district – was no different.
Pulling up in our vintage Trabant car to The Ritz-Carlton Budapest did raise a few eyebrows from fellow visitors, but won us applause from the hotel’s on-point staff, who whisked us into the main lobby rotunda lounge, set under a stained-glass cupola and imposing Venetian-glass chandelier. This is the in-place to take breakfast and high tea. For more substantial meals, the property’s DSK Wine & Grill offers up bistro-style dining, perfect for us carnivores.
But food wasn’t on our minds. Instead, we were taken by the Art Deco architecture. What started out in 1918 as the headquarters of an illustrious insurance company underwent a rich history to become the polished hotel it is today – said to be Budapest’s most luxurious and, arguably, best.
Our suite, one of 200 accommodations here at The Ritz-Carlton Budapest, afforded fabulous views over the city. Contemporarily styled, but with nods to old-world grandeur, it was all you’d expect from the luxury hotel brand. We took time out in the property’s lovely spa, a miniature, modern homage to the city’s bathing culture and a great way to unwind after a day of exploring.
But what really stood out here was the service – friendly, international and the staff really couldn’t have tried to do more for us. Our top pick.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Sophisticate | BUD | GMT +2 |
| While you’re Out There |
| Madonna fans rejoice. She filmed much of Evita in and around the hotel – the neo-Classical architecture in this part of the city made for the perfect replica of Buenos Aires in the Peron era. So walk around, with the soundtrack on your headphones and enjoy being on a movie set. |
Photography courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company
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