By Ilona Kauremszky

Celebrations have not stopped at one Budapest luxury hotel.

The latest involves a yummy bevvie of the finest French champagne in the house. Happy Hour otherwise known as “Ignite the Night” here consists of a saber-toting champagne swordsman ready to brandish a swooping arm to miraculously crack open a bottle by sabrage in one clean swoop.

“Egészségedre,” summons the experienced sommelier at Hotel Kempinski Corvinus Budapest.

In 2017 the five-star property which has 316 rooms and 35 suites and its mothership, Kempinski Hotels both celebrated grand fetes. For Budapest it was the 25th year celebration of its debut opening as the posh property in the heart of the Hungarian capital opened to huge fanfare in 1992. For Kempinski Hotels, well Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group marked its 120th anniversary.

Now this past June the World Travel Awards has honoured this leading hotel for the fifth time as Hungary’s Leading Hotel.

Guests continue to clink their glasses.

Now why should you go?

Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest Hotel Highlights
The hotel has completed a major room renovation, part of a 12 million Euro investment project. The new Kempinski Corvinus redefines luxury with its residential style ambiance. Find the latest technological requirements for the design-savvy, discerning traveler.

From April through October, the outdoor ÉS Bisztró Terrace offers light bites and drinks on Fashion Street.

Suite Pluses
The renovation project incorporates a new design from British designer Alex Kravetz whose vision of a soft color palette of elegant gold, reserved platinum and muted gray as well as warm, dark brown wood emits a stately contemporary opulence.

Choose from nine room categories like the 32 sq. meter Superior Room with its large bathroom and underfloor heating to the Deluxe Rooms which have the largest room inventory of 208 rooms. These spacious 35 sq. meter rooms have park or city views and are available as king, double, and twin bed styles.

We stayed in the newly renovated Grand Deluxe Room on the fifth floor. The room had suite qualities to it from the range of amenities to the extra seating area and double closet space. Mornings began with either Mr. Nespresso a.k.a. The Nespresso coffeemaker or a cappuccino order for our java jolt. The experience made you feel like you stepped into a refined setting as it is.

For more bragging rights, book an overnight stay at the Royal Suite Corvinus. You’ll quickly see why this exclusive suite won this year’s World Travel Awards as Hungary’s Leading Hotel Suite. It’s aptly named due to the provenance of the hotel’s name, Corvinus. Named after one of Hungary’s kings – King Matthias Corvinus. You can see the church by the Buda Castle which bears his name too. Hungarians refer to King Matthias as “the just king” for his heroic acts of charity during his reign (1458-1490).

Enjoy Renaissance-inspired furnishings while staying at the Royal Suite alongside breathtaking views of the capital. Guests at this exclusive pied-a-terre have butler service and a private airport limo.

To enhance the new decor of the redesigned rooms and suites, the hotel has purchased 31 contemporary Hungarian works of art as part of the hotel’s extensive corporate Corvinus Art Collection.

Hotel Perks
You don’t have to go far to immerse in art and relaxation. This Kempinski location has its own unique art gallery specializing in modern Hungarian art.

On relaxation head to the Kempinski SPA. Guests can use the change room facility or arrive by bathrobe via a special elevator for spa access. Once at the spa you can enjoy the heated pool with a built-in Jacuzzi wave system to help you swim your laps. There is a brand new Finnish and bio sauna plus a steam bath, and even a tepidarium and an ice fountain for the die-hard fans of freeze. 

Hotel Diversions
Where to start at this luxe locale? Anywhere will get you to divine spots. Since you are located in the heart of the capital, the most revered landmarks are footsteps away or an easy subway ride.

Here’s my favorite hit list:

Amble along glamorous Andrássy út, Budapest’s answer to the Champs Elysees for luxe shops or window shopping. Use the Millennial Underground (M1), one of the first subways in the world and actually the first on the European continent to visit the Heroe’s Square. In this cluster there are two noteworthy museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts as well as the famed Széchenyi Baths. The museum just completed a huge 7-decades in the making renovation. See the spectacular Roman Hall which is home to the second largest collection of El Grecos in the world. Széchenyi Bath is the only thermal spa in Pest.

Other highlights include the Vorosmarty Square, home of the historic Gerbeaud Cafe, a dessert lover’s fantasy as well as Onyx, Budapest’s other Michelin-starred resto -this one has two stars — worth a detour.

But then again don’t go anywhere – the Ferris Wheel dubbed the Budapest Eye is in front of you by the Elizabeth Square (Erzsébet square). A memorial tree dedicated to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, is also located here. Fans visit daily and continue to leave tributes and votive candles. Michael Jackson used to stay at the Kempinski and was a huge fan of the hotel. Hundreds of celebs also favor this tony property.

Dining
The ground level is a bustling food emporium considered part of Budapest’s new culinary scene. You might hear, “Gastronomic Quarter Downtown Budapest” to describe this dining hot spot with its variety of eateries. For instance, find Nobu, Europe’s first central European location. This Michelin-starred gastro shrine not only delivers on Japanese it’s known for, but the restaurant also dives into Peruvian flavors as well as iconic Hungarian touches like the Paprika Margarita.

Over at The Living Room, this contemporary café invites hotel guests and others to sit back and relax. Tuck inside an artful private living room, home to your new friends who enjoy munching on delectable cakes served with fine teas and robust coffees. The display of Hungarian cakes will be enough for you to stay a while.

The night owls can tuck into Blue Fox The Bar, a nightlife hot spot which features its own music sommelier. Choose from creative cocktails to gourmet burgers.

Lastly, the ÉS Bisztró is a casual, down-to-earth restaurant where the foodie tribe comes together. És is Hungarian for “And” which stands as the link between the Austrian-inspired and Hungarian fare. Go for the breakfast buffet, a bonanza of food that’ll kick-start your taste buds. We love the boiled egg station with its choices of soft or hard boiled farm fresh eggs. Who else does that?

Overall Impression
A modern interpretation of the regal things in life, the revived Kempinski Corvinus Budapest maintains its prize win with stiff hotel competition around all its corners.

Booking
You can make your booking at the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest website. Rates for two in a Premium Superior Room from EUR 199 per night including taxes and breakfast. You can also book your stay through Expedia or other booking sites. The luxury hotel also features special offers.

Photography by Ilona Kauremszky

Ilona Kauremszky was a guest of Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest which did not approve this editorial.