I love staying at hotels with rich histories—especially when they’re five-star elegant beauties like the Corinthia Hotel Budapest. With its intriguing past (a published book details the famous people and happenings here in photos and words) and promising future, the landmark hotel seems to reflect the city’s historically glamorous appeal along with 21st century luxury and refinements.
Formerly called Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal, the hotel was originally built in 1896 to commemorate the Hungarian Millennium (2016 marks its 120th anniversary); today, the exterior today looks much the same as it did 120 years ago.
(Photo courtesy of Corinthia Hotel Budapest)
But its riches to rags to riches story has had a circuitous route. In 1991, due to various reasons (ie. WWII damage, the 1956 Hungarian Upraising), the building had fallen into disrepair and was closed. In 1997, the Maltese Corinthian Group bought the vacant building, invested in a multi-million dollar restoration—and then basically gutted the interior while preserving its façade. When it reopened its doors in 2003, the transformation included marble floors, a re-constructed Grand Ballroom, a striking six-story atrium, plus crystal and gold accents everywhere–including the sculptures flanking the stunningly grand staircase that guests see when they first step inside the hotel. 
It’s a breathtaking entrance if there ever was one.
And even if you’re arriving after a long flight, feeling (and looking) disheveled and a bit less than elegant like I (and my family) did, the welcome was still warm, friendly, helpful and in English.
Although it’s not within walking distance of the city’s more touristy Buda Castle District area, I found the hotel’s central Pest location still made a great base for exploring the city– close to many popular restaurants and bars with excellent public transportation connections nearby (tram and metro stops). A 10-minute walk puts you on famous Andrássy Avenue. Lined with beautiful turn-of-the century mansions and townhouses, the boulevard (dating to 1872) was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 2002. Besides the State Opera House, the avenue has plenty of shops and cafes. A walk further down Andrássy will have you overlooking the Danube in 20 minutes or so.
The hotel has 440 rooms—including 26 luxury or “royal residences” that are situated in their own lovely building connected to the hotel via a covered walkway, and surrounding a central garden/courtyard. (Guests here still have access to all the five-star hotel facilities, including the Royal Spa.)
(Photo courtesy Corinthia Hotel Budapest)
Because my husband and I were traveling with our twentysomething son and planned to be in the city a few days, we opted to book one of these “royal residences” which not only offered us a second bedroom but also a fully equipped kitchen (we used it for breakfasts) and spacious dining and living areas.
If I were traveling as a couple or solo, I would probably prefer to stay in the hotel proper, where rooms might be less sterile with better views (either the atrium or a Budapest citystreetscape). Rooms range from Superior King and Twin options, to Executive King rooms and suites that have access to the Executive Lounge (private check in and out, complimentary snacks, etc), plus marble bathrooms, Bose audio systems and Nespresso coffee machines.
(Junior Suite: photo courtesy Corinthia Hotel Budapest)
All rooms feature free wi-fi and complimentary access to its Royal Spa.
The hotel’s Royal Spa has its own “phoenix rising from the ashes” story. Built in 1886, even before the original Royal hotel was built, through the years it suffered decline and eventual abandonment. By 1983 it was set to become a parking facility. While saved from that fate, it still was not restored until it was incorporated into the current hotel’s new blueprint and opened in 2006. The showcase is of course the refurbished swimming pool in the Art Deco building. The hotel also has a fitness room, saunas, steam baths—and numerous spa treatments available. To help keep the element of relaxation at a maximum (and noise at a minimum?), children under the age of 16 are only allowed in the pool from 11-3pm.
(Royal Spa: Photo courtesy Corinthia Hotel Budapest)
A half dozen eating and drinking options in the hotel include two bars plus fine dining at the Rickshaw Restaurant with its Far East accent to Hungarian-inspired dishes at the popular Bock Bistro. But I have to admit, my favorite go to spot was for the pastries and coffee at its Szamos Marcipan Royal Café.
Room rates start at approximately $210.
For more information or to make reservations, check the website. You can also make your reservations through the many booking sites such as Booking.com or Hotels.com.
Review and photos (except where noted) by Donna Tabbert Long
