Continental Hotel Budapest ★★★★

At the Continental Hotel Budapest everything speaks of another époque, from the impressive façade and grand door, to the art deco interiors and the friendly welcome, where guests were welcomed like kings by staff that are genuinely ‘happy to help’. Lamps by Marcel Wanders, and loungers by Mies van Rohe are the finishing touches to the classic interior splendour.

Budapest looks most beautiful at dusk. And in summer, there is no better place to enjoy the light than from the spectacular hotel rooftop – where you can even take a dip in pool. As night falls, make the most of the gentle live piano music and cocktail offerings here, before hitting the town to discover the city’s nightlife. The concierge is open 24/7, providing a wealth of information on the city, activities and local specialities.

For a respite from the picturesque streets, try the hotel’s heated pool or visit the fitness suite to get your blood pumping. Otherwise, the sauna and hot tub are sure to warm your bones. For extra pampering, seaweed wraps, mud baths, sea salt scrubs or essential oil massages are among the treatment options on offer. It’s worth noting that there are also more thermal spas in Budapest to discover, than in any other place in mainland Europe.

Not just limited to Goulash and paprika, the cuisine is another discovery to be made in the Hungarian capital. The warm welcome and attention to detail of the Continental Hotel Budapest is mirrored in its Araz restaurant, under the guidance of chef Áron Barka. For those looking to go further afield, the neighbourhood offers numerous high-quality spots serving both local and international specialities.

Budapest has an impressive list of tourist attractions with plenty of historic buildings and cultural gems, including: the Chain Bridge, Parliament, the Opera House, the Royal Palace... Meanwhile, the high-up Castle District makes for an ideal spot to take in the entire city. The Danube flows just around the corner from the hotel, and the waterfront can, and should, be explored by foot. Budapest is actually two cities – hilly Buda and flat Pest – separated by the river. To get around, the metro system – the first to be built in mainland Europe – is just around the corner, otherwise you can make the ten-minute walk to the centre.

For a romantic getaway, the “Pearl of the Danube” is just waiting to be discovered, and the luxurious Continental Hotel Budapest is the perfect setting to start the adventure... and what’s more, it won’t break the bank!