Zenit Hotel ★★★★

If someone asked me what my favourite thing was about Budapest, I would seriously struggle to narrow it down. What I do know, however, is that staying in a central location is an absolute must. It’s a city that blends old world charm with a vibrant cultural and culinary scene, and if you spend even a week there you’ll barely scratch the surface of what it has to offer. If like me, you like to travel, explore, relax and become completely disorientated in a city full of gems, then this is the place for you. To make it a bit easier, we’ve found a luxurious hotel situated right in the heart of Pest. The classic original architecture, ideal location and high-class facilities make Zenit Hotel**** a benchmark for excellence in beautiful Budapest.
Constructed in 1820 by the famous architect Mihaly Pollack, the creator of many of the city’s buildings including the National Museum, this unique hotel is located next to the most famous and popular shopping area of Budapest. And it’s closer than you think! Just two and a half hours after leaving England, I had landed in Hungary and was whizzing through the city in a taxi towards the Zenit, filled with anticipation.

I entered the main hall, crowned with a lantern, to be checked in by the friendly staff who I followed to my bedroom: a spacious area with elegant wooden flooring and high ceilings, designed as a space to unwind in. I had everything I needed and more, including free Wi-Fi, a TV with international channels, a selection of toiletries in the ensuite bathroom, a choice of pillows and a well-stocked mini bar. After unpacking and admiring the lovely view from my floor-to-ceiling window, I wandered downstairs to explore the hotel’s facilities. I couldn’t resist a bit of relaxation time in the sauna and Jacuzzi, followed by a pre-dinner cocktail in the chic bar. I indulged in a traditional Hungarian feast in the restaurant, where thanks to one of the most prestigious restaurateurs in Budapest, you can enjoy haute cuisine as entertainment in the two bars, where the open-style ‘Show Cooking’ allows you to watch how the chef crafts each of his innovative dishes.

Budapest comes alive each evening with lively bars and city excitement. On my first night though, my soft bed was calling so I decided to get a good night’s sleep and save the exploring for the rest of my trip. The city is blessed with an abundance of breathtaking architecture, hot springs, history-filled museums, bustling plazas, mouth-watering cuisine and some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. With over a thousand years of history, the buildings range from Roman ruins to Art Nouveau palaces, and it’s hard to walk a few metres without stopping to admire something.

Few hotels can combine the elegance of a 19th century building with 21st century facilities. Comfort, central location, generous spaces, good taste and outstanding service are just a few of the advantages of staying at the Zenit Hotel. It ticks all the right boxes, and ensures that your accommodation is not merely used as a base for discovering the wonderful city; it’s an integral part of your unforgettable and well-deserved holiday.