The sad passing of architect József Finta in 2024 allowed many in Budapest to reflect upon the groundbreaking buildings he designed. The Kempinski is one of them, its gracefully sweeping curves a striking feature as you nod to the liveried flunky upon arrival and head for the open-plan reception area. Opened way back in 1992, the Kempinski still feels contemporary, partly because of the regularly changing original art on display – part of the hotel’s own collection – and partly because there’s always a cosmopolitan buzz about the place.
The dining and drinking destinations under this same roof also lend a downtown vibe. Bobby De Niro flew in to open the Budapest branch of his Nobu chain, set alongside ÉS Bisztró, its seasonal delights and steakhouse dishes also served on the terrace overlooking the pedestrianised bustle of Fashion Street. Across the huge, airy lobby area, creative cocktails and DJ tunes are mixed every night in Blue Fox The Bar.
Kempinski The Spa also attracts regular non-residents with its plentiful treatments, large pool and membership deals, hotel guests arriving in their fluffy dressing gowns, returning to their tastefully furnished guestrooms to flop on the huge bed.
In place a whole decade before most of its five-star competitors nearby, the Kempinski has not only cornered the local market to attract sports stars and famous performers, it works hard to keep this repeat custom, as a flick through the Visitors’ Book will attest. It’s a level of service that doesn’t stop at Formula 1 drivers or former James Bonds. Staff know that you’ve had a choice as to where to ping your credit card, and their gratitude is just the right level of appreciation.
Neighbourhood
Right in the city centre, the Kempinski overlooks the shop windows of Fashion Street to one side and the grassy space of focal square Erzsébet tér, and the Ferris Wheel of Budapest, to the other.
Nearby
Nanushka: Yes, you’re literally opposite Zara, Lacoste and Calvin Klein, but you’d rather browse for something completely original, Sandra Sándor’s store is for you. Great little café, too.
Rózsavölgyi Zeneműbolt: Even if you’re not after sheet music, a sought-after symphony recording or a classic Hungarian rock album on vinyl, pop in to see what music stores used to look like in London or New York 60 years ago.
St Andrea Wine & Skybar: As the Kempinski doesn’t really do rooftop terraces, this panoramic bar nearby more than makes up for it, serving signature cocktails and fine wines from the award-winning producers of the same name.
Time Out tip
Just outside the Kempinski at street level, the memorabilia-covered Michael Jackson Memorial Tree on the corner of Erzsébet tér commemorates where fans stood – this writer included –below the singer’s hotel-room window in 1996.