For sheer class, nothing tops the Gresham. Upon arrival, any visitor, perhaps here for inventive cocktails at Múzsa or a romantic meal at the KOLLÁZS Brasserie, will be marvelling at the mosaic tiling and peacock motifs surrounding Budapest’s most impressive hotel lobby. Those lucky enough to stay here – and that often includes Hollywood A-listers and those working on yet another film production in town – will soon appreciate the level of care and detail that has gone into this hotel conversion of what was, a century or more ago, an insurance office surrounded by classy apartments.
Books have been written detailing the colourful and notorious past of this former cabaret and den of spies – suffice to say, its transformation by Canada’s Four Seasons group in the early 2000s not only thrust this landmark into the 21st century, it painstakingly honoured its Art Nouveau heritage, tiny tile by tiny tile.
For location, as those staying in a river-view room or suite will testify, the Gresham also wins out. Other luxury lodgings line Pest’s picturesque embankment – none sit right over the Chain Bridge, lit up after dark like a countess’ necklace. As this is Budapest, the Gresham has a spa and infinity pool, too, tucked in under the roof, available treatments (Hungarian moor mud therapy, anyone?) a notch above.
Most of all, the Gresham focuses on the bespoke, not only in terms of wine tastings but unique Budapest experiences. Chess with a world-renowned grandmaster? No problem. Speedboat tour through the city? Semmi gond. If you’re going to splash out, splash out here.
Neighbourhood
Overlooking the Danube, you’re a Chain Bridge away from Buda, the funicular and the Castle District. You’re also close to the very heart of town on one side and Budapest’s gastronomic and business quarter on the other.
Nearby
Trattoria Pomo D’Oro: Centrepiecing the Little Italy created by culinary TV star Gianni Annoni, this top-quality restaurant is flanked by a pizza bar and ice cream parlour.
MÁK Restaurant: Michelin-recommended showcase for classy examples of Carpathian Basin cuisine.
Lánchíd Söröző: Immediately over the Chain Bridge one bus stop away, this cosy locale hits the spot for authentic goulash.
Time Out tip
Even if you’re just passing through, look out for the hotel’s special events, often imaginatively conceived and related to the Gresham’s multifaceted history.