Corvin Center Suites ★★★★

This is one of the most beautiful moments to visit Budapest, when the weather turns clear and cold and the many domed roofs and spires sparkle in the crystal air; the season of Christmas markets and crisp late autumn walks in the beautiful countryside surrounding the city. It is a time of year when the ornate shop windows and stunning architecture, from its many cathedrals and churches to its elegant bridges, are all lit up in a million golden lights, setting its splendid beauty aglow as it admires its own dancing reflection on the Danube. I love this city and its unfailing enchantment, yet there is only one small drawback - it is difficult to stay much longer than a couple of days because it can be somewhat pricey. This year I have the solution! I have my very own central city pad from which to roam around town and live like a real local. There is another crucial difference and definite bonus- this time I am coming with my love, who has never been here and whom I am eager to introduce to the city that stole my heart early on in my travelling days.

We arrive at night, the whole city spread out beneath us glittering like a Christmas tree and with the river snaking serenely between the city’s regal rooftops like black silk. I have given my partner the window seat and I am already proud and pleased as punch as I observe the expression on his face as we land, I know all his high expectations (primarily built up by my eulogising) won't be disappointed. I am excited! I feel as though I am presenting him to a distant, favourite great aunt with the keen anticipation that they will get on famously. As our taxi takes us into the heart of town he keeps looking and pointing, “It's all so beautiful!” he can't help exclaiming, and I recall very similar reactions when I first visited all those years ago.

Eventually we reach our apartment, located in bright, modern building that is situated in a charming non-touristy district, meaning there are great little cafés and shops to buy your groceries like any ordinary Budapester. It is close to all the action, however, just two metro stops from Deák Square, which is the central hub for all the major attractions, although there is plenty to see all over the city. It is also just across the river from one of my favourite places on the planet, the Gellért Hotel thermal baths, some of the most breathtakingly beautiful thermal springs in the world. I am itching to take my man to see its sumptuous Art Nouveau décor, sweeping arches and steaming outdoor pools with water direct from the hot spring in the neighbouring Gellért hill. There are few pleasures greater to me than to lie, rosy cheeked, in the caressing warmth of the healing water, watching it evaporate into the cold air around me as I lie back and look up at a wintry sky.

With all this to look forward to I am impatient to move into our home for the holiday, to see what kind of place will be providing a base from which to explore this marvellous city! I soon discover that it is a clean, bright space, with parquet floors underfoot, wide windows and all the feel of a slick, stylish city pad that is chic whilst remaining earthily practical, cosy and child-friendly. My man calls for me to come and see the bathroom, which has a bathtub, a detail he always loves and so do I; ideal to warm up after being out on a chilly evening whilst supper cooks in the oven. I feel gleefully smug and happy, this is perfect. From the impressive flat screen TV, sofa, a bed so fluffy I can see it will be hard to drag ourselves out in the morning and the immaculate, fully kitted out kitchen, I feel truly at home already! Home in my pied-à-terre in Budapest with my wonderful man by my side! What more could a girl want?