The Hotel: The Corinthia Hotel Budapest opened in 2003 after a significant transform-ation from what was once the Grand Hotel Royal. It has retained the impressive facade and open courtyards, has 414 rooms and is on one of the city's main thoroughfares.
The Check-in: After a 15 euro taxi ride from the airport, a doorman greeted us and took our luggage to the reception desk in a large, impressive and airy foyer. A red carpet had been laid out not for me, but for the guests of a party that evening hosted by Hungary's top celebrity/gossip magazine – a sign of the hotel's prestige in the city.
The Room: The superior double room faced into one of the cavernous, glass-roofed central atriums. The windows opened but let in a faint hint of cigarette smoke from the ground-floor restaurants and bar – the room was otherwise faultless. A king-size bed, sofa, chair and desk, double wardrobe, safe, iron and ironing board, hair dryer, mini-bar, tea and coffee-making facilities and air-conditioning all featured, plus a flatscreen TV with numerous channels – though only a few English language ones.
The Business: Free wifi internet access in all rooms and throughout the hotel. For meetings and events there's the impressive Grand Ballroom (for up to 400 theatre style) and the Valletta Exhibition centre. The latter can be divided into as many as 13 separate rooms and is 740m2 in total.
The Facilities: The highlight is the Royal Spa, carefully restored to match its original 1880s splendour. The centrepiece is a 15 metre pool, plus there's Jacuzzis, steam and sauna rooms, treatment rooms and a fitness centre. For dining, there's the Rickshaw restaurant serving Asian dishes; La Brasserie Royale for a vast breakfast buffet plus lunches and dinners; a lobby bar; the Royal Kavehaz cafe; and the Royal Bock Bistro, something of a Budapest tourist attraction in its own right.
The verdict: A very grand hotel indeed with an impressive facade that sets the scene for the level of luxury within – the 2003 restoration is a real triumph for the hotel. Attentive staff and a good location on the Pest side of the city made for a thoroughly enjoyable stay.
The details: Corinthia Hotel Budapest, Erzsebet krt. 43-49, H-1073, Budapest. Advance rates start from around 140 euros per night not including tax and breakfast. Tel: +36 (1)479 4000; see www.corinthiahotels.com Andy Hoskins
