Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest ★★★★★

Budapest is well reputed for its beauty and history, and yet, to compare Buda and Pest is to compare two loving but distinct siblings. From the hills of ancient Buda, where the castle sits atop a refined, residential area, covered in beautiful gardens and squares, we cross the river in to the hustle and bustle of a more cosmopolitain, Pest. Where the shops, museums, theatres, and bars mean the history and beauty of the city is perfectly interwoven with all the commodities of a modern-day capital city.

In order to immerse myself in the atmosphere of the city, I chose to stay in the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus, centrally located, in Pest but a stones throw away from the river. The hotel in many ways echoes the two identities of the capital. The glass façade and striking architecture, coupled with the curved, elegant interior is that of a stylish, modern building, although the ambience of more traditional Budapest is created by the beautiful displays of art. The “Corvinus Collection” is a body of work collected with true passion and interest over the course of 20 years. It features more than 1,000 objects of art, which adorn the guest rooms, suites and public areas of the hotel, and the “Kempinski Gallery” on the first floor exhibits the works of Hungarian artists.

The light, refined feel of the hotel is mirrored in the spacious rooms. With a wonderful view over Pest you can take in the city whilst enjoying every delightful commodity you might expect from a five star hotel. The marble en-suites, decorated with mosaic finishes, are also lavishly comfortable.

On top of all this, the spa is a sublime centre of well-being. There is a selection of treatments available and it is equipped with a small gym, Finnish and aroma saunas, a heated pool, an ice fountain and a relaxation area. However, there is also something unique about this spa, and that is the Hungary Holistic treatment, their signature treatment is the only one of it’s kind in the city. Inspired by the belle époque spas of Budapest, it uses mineral rich, healing mud excavated from a natural reserve in south east Hungary to create a 90 minute heavenly treat for you.

There is no need to hunt the streets of Budapest to find a good restaurant before you’ve tried those of the hotel: you can enjoy a creative modern design, or a summer terrace while savouring delectable, traditional Hungarian and Viennese dishes at the ÉS Bisztró. Or, the Nobu restaurant offers a highly sought after culinary experience with their new-style Japanese cuisine. And if you’re looking for a spot to relax then the hotel café is the place to be; the aptly named ‘Living Room’ is warmly decorated, welcoming and very cosy. Although in the evening there’s no place like Blue Fox The Bar which has created the perfect balance between a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere, it’s intimate yet social and the cocktails have a flair for flavour.

Although the atmosphere, the rooms, the food and the spa are all wonderful, it is perhaps the admirable quality of service from the staff that perfects the visit. There is a separate help desk where you can get your questions answered, make dinner reservations, or book opera tickets, and the staff are friendly and accommodating from the moment you arrive.

To put it simply; the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus is so much more than a luxurious hotel, it offers you a unique stay in a unique city.