Residence Baron ★★★★

Time for some sumptuous Eastern European “spa­ing” in style and so I return to one of my favourite cities to immerse myself once more in its rich beauty, stately grace and incredible thermal baths. Famed for its old fashioned boutiques, delicious cuisine, verdant mountain walks and that timeless, romantic river running right through it, Budapest is rapidly becoming one of the places to go for a weekend getaway to recharge your batteries or celebrate a special occasion.

I am winging my way in with VeryChic who has set me up beautifully right in the heart of the gorgeous downtown at a luxury hotel with everything you could possibly need on your doorstep.Chic shopping? The hotel is located right on Váci Street itself on the corner of Fövám Square. Market goods and delicatessen delights? You are a stone's throw away from the Central Market with its mouth watering strudels and Tokaji wines. Straight to a spa? The most beautiful of all, The Gellert Baths, is just across the bridge from the hotel so you can float back effortlessly after hours of luxuriating in steam baths and heated pools of natural healing waters set in spectacular surroundings. All bodes well for a perfect break of respite, romance and rejuvenation with my love by my side at the Residence Baron.

I am so taken with the setting that I almost forget to think about the hotel itself and yet as we arrive at the 19th Century old building and enter its delicately restored interior I am instantly taken with its classic Art Nouveau design of rich golds, reds, old leather and polished woods. We are greeted with a warmth and friendly care that has me feeling quite at ease and very welcome, which is essential to me for feeling truly relaxed and happy in any hotel. I can tell that here we will be well looked after! We have booked an Executive room that includes a hydro massage bathtub, which is hardly needed given our location, yet a wonderful little treat for my man and me, so we can keep pampering ourselves in the privacy of our own little boudoir.

As well as free wifi, minibar, LCD television and a safe big enough to fit my laptop, we also find complimentary slippers and dressing gowns so that we can pad out to the hotel Spa should we wish to continue our indulgent relaxation between the jacuzzi and the infrasauna. Before anything, however, hunger calls and so we go the very short distance to the hotel's Princessen restaurant, for a very British early dinner of true Hungarian style; Hen Soup and Beef Stew with red wine. The food is excellent and it is very handy to know that we always have a good place to dine just a hop, skip and a jump from the comfort of our room. In fact, that's what this hotel seems to excel at – quality, care and comfort in an exceptional location in the heart of the Pearl Of The Danube.