Estilo Fashion Hotel ★★★★

It’s a writer’s dream, is Budapest. The city’s expansive, turbulent history (still evident in the buildings pock-marked with bullet holes) provides a textured backstory, and the ornate, detailed architecture supply a setting that anyone and everyone can get lost in. I think it’s because Budapest has something slightly whimsical about it, too, which encourages even the most serious of minds to dream, wonder, and imagine. However, despite it being a writer’s dream, Budapest is a city that I somewhat struggle to put into words. I can picture it in my head with all senses, with its strong personality and subtle nuances, but I can’t for the life of me find the words to describe it.

Somewhere that represents well, though, is the Estilo Fashion Hotel. Dominated by bright, buoyant colour and a diverse décor, it is a fusion of urban design and functionality. Something that, come to think of it, defines Budapest perfectly. It’s urban, it’s a little bit gritty, but it’s gloriously stylish and so very practical. Walking into the elegant, colourful lobby, it all fell into place – the Estilo has personified Budapest effortlessly. It’s done the impossible and reproduced the original vibe of the city, as well as its penchant for great design and its love of art and colour.

Defining itself as a new genre of hotel, the Estilo offers a slice of Budapest life in every room, from the trendy, hip restaurant serving delicious nouveau-Hungarian cuisine (not just your typical goulash), to the comfortable, well-designed rooms that are bursting with colour. Each floor is a feast for the eyes, with stripes of colour bringing white walls to life – bursts of vibrant blues, reds, oranges, and yellows around every corner. But, despite its lively colour-scheme, the atmosphere of the Estilo is characteristically relaxing and peaceful, much like the rest of Budapest. Yes, there may be lots going on, but there is always time to take a minute, to chill out, and to simply enjoy the moment.

So, simply enjoy is what I did. And I can’t wait to go back and simply enjoy it again.