Introduction
 Few
cities in Europe can match the sheer beauty of Budapest's natural cityscape, with views
from the Citadella and Castle
Hill being particularly suitable for romantic couples spending time in the city. Of
course, as well as evening strolls along the Danube
embankment and candlelit dinners in some of Budapest nicest restaurants, choosing
suitable accommodation is also key to a successful stay.
Of course, while everybody's idea of a romantic getaway varies (yes
we know the above examples are a bit clichéd) the following properties serve as good
examples of Budapest hotels that appeal specifically to couples on a romantic break (i.e.
they offer frequent special packages that may include champagne and chocolates upon
arrival, complimentary dinner, in-room breakfasts and transfer to/from Ferihegy Airport).
Romantic Hotels on the Pest side of the Danube...
 Few hotels in Budapest offer as dramatic a view of the city as the Four
Season Hotel Gresham Palace. As a five-star property overlooking the Danube and
historic Chain Bridge, it offers unbridled luxury to guests, with excellent facilities and
dining options that go far beyond the normal standards of hotel fare.
As well as cheaper standard rates, the property offers its own
'Romance package' consisting of luxurious accommodation of your choosing, a bottle of sparkling wine, chocolate-dipped strawberries and a floral bouquet in your room
upon arrival. In addition, you'll receive a candlelit gourmet dinner in the hotel's Páva restaurant
(or through in-room dining). Each morning an American breakfast for two is served in the Gresham Kávéház,
while complimentary use of the Health Club and a keepsake gift complete the Gresham's
package.
Just across the road, the Sofitel
Maria Dorottya offers equally pleasing views from many of its guest rooms, though
equivalent room types are considerably less costly than those at the Gresham Palace. In
truth, the Sofitel is a more mainstream hotel, though a recent renovation has improved the
quality of both guest accommodation and public areas. The company's own package "An
air of Romance" includes red roses and chocolate treats, coupled with breakfast
served in your room, champagne and the option to "take advantage of your room until
4pm". The latter we'll leave to your imagination, though 5-star luxury at realistic
prices is what you should expect here.
Of course, not to be outdone the next door Intercontinental
and Marriott 5-star hotels
also offer magnificent views of Buda opposite. It's also worth noting that, with the
Marriott hotel, all rooms boast a river view (as there are no windows on the other street
facing side of the property). Both are equally comfortable, though, at a pinch, we'd
probably go for the Marriott, especially as guest accommodation has recently been upgraded
to an even higher standard.
 On the other side of Pest is one of our favourite 5-star properties,
namely the Andrassy Hotel. Somewhat
smaller than the clutch of luxury properties lining the Danube embankment, we think that
benefits guests through more personal service and good attention to detail. Recent
refurbishment of guest accommodation is also a plus point, while Baraka
(the in-house restaurant) is critically acclaimed having moved from its previous home near
Astoria.
The hotel's romance package is also notable for including 3-day
public transportation passes in addition to a bouquet of roses, sparkling wine and
chocolates, while a candlelit dinner and deluxe guest room with balcony add to its appeal
still further.
Although you won't get a river view, we still like the property's
fine location near to City Park and Heroes'
Square. In fact, of the feedback we receive from guests visiting Budapest for a
romantic weekend, the most lavish praise always seems to fall for the Andrassy. In part,
it's probably down to the leafy, attractive neighbourhood in which the hotel is situated.
Perfect, in fact, for evening strolls as the sun sets over Budapest.
More centrally, the no expense spared renovation of the landmark New
York Kávéház has also seen the opening of an adjoining luxury hotel - the New
York Palace. Although some may find the decor a bit too ostentatious, we reckon you
need a certain amount of "bling" for a romantic getaway. Admittedly, the hotel's
downtown setting doesn't quite compare with a riverside view but, what's offered in
Boscolo's romance package compares favourably to offer five-star hotels in town. We
particularly like the inclusion of a transfer to/from the airport and the possibility of
an upgrade to the next room category, providing there's availability.
Romantic Hotels on the Buda side of the Danube...
 We've got a soft spot for the Hilton
Budapest, not just because they serve one of the best somloi
galuskas in town (and offer an excellent Sunday Brunch), but also because the
panoramic views offered from Danube facing guest rooms are truly memorable. Each are
furnished in an elegant, albeit conventional style, while public areas hint at the 70s
origins of the property (though we rather like the slightly retro feel of the place). In
addition, the Hilton's location within the Castle District offers arguably the most
romantic setting of any hotel in Budapest. So all, in all, we'd likely choose the Hilton
Budapest for our own romantic break, even above the superior luxury offered by properties
such as the Gresham and New York Palace hotels.
As the only four star property listed on our romance page, the Hotel
Victoria is a well-maintained property in Buda offering panoramic views of Parliament
and Pest beyond. In a way, it's hard to explain why rate this property so highly. After
all, though guest accommodation is clean and spacious, it's nothing above the norm for this type of
hotel. However, a setting next to the Danube (that encourages evening strolls), wonderful
views from higher floors, easy
access to the historic Castle District and the overall sense of professionalism and commitment
displayed by staff is enough to bring about its inclusion here. It's also a sensible
option cost wise, particularly if your budget (like most people's) doesn't extend to the
grandeur of the Gresham Palace. In a nutshell, we rate this property highly.
A Short Note on Luxury Transfers to your Hotel
For visitors on a romantic trip to Budapest who wish to start their
getaway in true style, a number of reliable limousine services are available for a
reasonable fee. Details are as follows: [information being updated 15th June 2008]
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