Budapest is the capital of Hungary. Its 19th-century Chain Bridge over the River Danube connects the hilly Buda district with flat Pest. This beautiful city has loads of fun history to explore, like the funicular that runs up Castle Hill to Buda’s Old Town, where the Budapest History Museum traces city life from Roman times onward.
Although there is a Ritz-Carlton, a Four Seasons, and a Kempinski in Budapest, consider the Aria Hotel. It is a less well-known luxury hotel with the most “Budapest” atmosphere of any hotel in the city.
You can fly on British Airways directly into Budapest from London Heathrow.
Location
The wonderful, intimate boutique hotel Aria Hotel Budapest is situated in the heart of Budapest, steps from the main street.
This exquisite hotel is perfectly located in a pedestrian-friendly area, complete with delightful shops, restaurants, and captivating attractions. Moreover, it’s just a stone’s throw away from the serene Danube River and the iconic Chain Bridge, making it an ideal base for exploring the city.
Its lavish interiors are hidden up a side street, which means that you only find it if you know what you are looking for. That said, it tops TripAdvisor, as the readers choice “No 1 Hotel in the world”, so it is not a secret anymore.
Style & Character
The entire hotel is inspired by music, and the lobby has a welcoming vibe. The scale throughout the hotel is intimate and inviting, and the musician-themed decorating is inspiring. A major hit with guests is the complimentary cheese and wine accompanied by live music, which flows generously each afternoon.
There are four wings in the hotel, each dedicated to one of four major genres of music: Classical, Opera, Contemporary, and Jazz. Each room and suite features caricatures by internationally acclaimed artist Joseph Blecha to celebrate the world’s greatest musical legends.
These charming artworks pay tribute to some of the world’s most legendary musical figures, including luminaries like Maria Callas, Count Basie, Bob Dylan, James Brown, and Hungary’s very own Franz Liszt.
Facilities & Dining
The lobby, library adjoining bars, and restaurant areas are ultra stylish. Breakfast here is excellent and is served in the Music Garden. At night, you can enjoy fine dining at Cafe Liszt, while the rooftop High Note SkyBar is an absolute highlight of the hotel, offering wonderful cocktails and bar food against the backdrop of the surrounding rooftops and the historic Basilica.
Rooms
All the rooms have lots of fun features, including iPads to use within the hotel, a Nespresso coffee machine, and Molton Brown amenities. The rooms have been well designed with lots of useful sockets to charge devices and a large flat-screen TV with music and movies as well as standard channels.
Room Tip: Request a street-facing balcony, as it is delightful to open the French doors and have the sun stream in.
The hotel has four sections, each with its own elevator, which means you are never more than a few steps from your room. Classic Wing rooms are beautifully furnished in a classic style with Neo-Baroque style furnishings, which have been modernized with streamlined forms and colors. Some rooms have terraces that are delightful in summer.
Jazz Wing rooms are inspired by the ambiance of a 1920s jazz club, with spotlights and polished chrome trunk-style writing tables. The edgy roughness of hard floors is mixed with exposed brick ceilings and accent walls, which were created using the original brick from the historic 19th-century building.
Opera Wing rooms exude elegance. Neo-Baroque furnishings have been modernized with cool shades of grey and sensuous shades of lilac and orchid. Beautiful Murano Venetian glass chandeliers, tufted velvet headboards, and historical musical instrument sketches complete the look.
Finally, the Contemporary Wing is inspired by the Pop Art style of the 1970s. Bold colors and whimsical elements that include custom-made headboards create an ambiance that’s both fun and funky.
The hotel also offers free high-speed wifi throughout; complimentary bottled spring water; complimentary multi-media library; Molton Brown amenities; in-room iPad; free use of the Harmony Spa heated pool, steam, sauna, Jacuzzi, aqua bicycles, and fitness room; complimentary selection of International newspapers and a yummy fine chocolate turndown service too!
Service & Facilities
There is also a small exercise room, a hot tub, a stylish musically themed pool, a steam room, and a sauna, along with a spa for pampering treatments.
Food & Drink
In terms of dining, the hotel features the High Note SkyBar, serving refreshing cocktails, delicious bar snacks, dinners, and a truly gorgeous panorama of Budapest. Café Liszt bar, lounge, and terrace offer Hungarian and light international dishes and cocktails, coffees, and macarons. Finally, The Music Garden is a stunning glass-enclosed courtyard in the hotel’s heart, where guests and non-residents can enjoy cocktails and refreshments while listening to musical entertainment.
Conclusion
Whether you are staying here or not, the view from the Skybar is exceptional, and you must spend an evening there with a cocktail.
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