In mid-December, I went to meet my cousin in Budapest. We were spending just a few days there before heading to Italy for Christmas. Before I left the States, I reached out to preferred partner Four Seasons Budapest to see about a site tour. When they came back with an industry rate, I accepted. Four Seasons Budapest is in the Gresham Palace, and I knew from photos it is seriously decked out for Christmas. Here is my experience of the Four Seasons Budapest Gresham Palace!
Four Seasons Budapest
The Four Seasons Budapest is located at the foot of the Chain Bridge, which spans the Danube River. It is adjacent to Széchenyi Square and minutes from Deak Ferenc Square. The cathedral is just behind the hotel, and Fashion Street is only five minutes walking distance. There are plenty of upscale and local dining and drinking options around this part of town. Baths – similar to Turkish baths – are popular in Budapest. While the Széchenyi Baths are the most famous, it’s worth checking out a few others like the Gellert Baths across the river.
The crown jewel in the Four Seasons Budapest is the view across the Danube to Fisherman’s Bastion and Budapest Royal Palace. River view rooms are coveted here, and some of the best suites have the most exquisite views.
Gresham Palace
Gresham Palace is named for the London-based Gresham Life Assurance Company, who purchased the original building, Nako House, in 1880. They decided to build a more elaborate palace for their headquarters, and commissioned Hungarian architects. Construction began in 1906 and the building opened in 1907.
It has always been a form of residence and office space, even in its earliest years as headquarters of the Gresham company. During the Second World War, it was heavily bombed, and later used as barracks by the Red Army. The palace fell into shambles as the years passed, and was home to decrepit apartments and squatters. After the Soviet Union fell in 1990, the building passed into the hands of the government.
In 1998, another hotel company purchased it and agreed to renovate it, keeping its original Art Nouveau beauty. Four Seasons took over in 1999. There is one surviving stained glass piece on the western side of the interior.
Staying at the Four Seasons Budapest Gresham Palace
Arriving at Gresham Palace is like arriving to your own personal palace. Everyone, from the door staff to the front desk to the housekeeping service, is warm and welcoming. At Christmas, the grand lobby was decked out with silver and gold, snow and fir trees, and vibrant gemstone tones. Tableaus of villages, skating scenes, and the makings for merry hot chocolate were arranged artfully through the ground floor.
During my site tour, I had the chance to see a variety of other rooms. One of my favourites was the tower suite. There are two tower suites – one in each tower – and with little spiral staircases into the bedroom they are perfect for a romantic getaway. I also viewed one of the other suites. Most rooms have been renovated; all Four Seasons have gone through a soft renovation over the last few years. At the Four Seasons Budapest, only a few elements remain not renovated.
Our room at the Four Seasons Budapest
I arrived before my cousin did, and checked in. We were upgraded from the Gresham room to the Danube River view room. My clients get upgraded as well, and usually to a river view room. The views, simply put, were outstanding. It was already dark when I arrived, and yet I could see the Buda side in detail. The lights above the Chain Bridge and the Royal Palace glimmered in the cold winter air.
We had a welcome note from the sales rep (who is now with the Hungarian Tourism Board!), two dishes with chopped fruit, and two macarons.
Most rooms have an entryway. Our bathroom was just off the main door and boasted a deep soaking tub with a separate shower. The toilet and bidet were on the far end. Four Seasons Budapest uses L’Occitane toiletries. Housekeeping comes through twice daily, and offers an evening turn down service.
Our room had two twin beds, although the other option is a king size bed. As with all Four Seasons hotels, the linens and pillows are to die for. My cousin, who studied in Vienna for the semester, said it was the best bed she had ever slept in. Having slept in another Four Seasons bed myself, I can tell you they are truly divine no matter where they are.
We took the opportunity to explore the Christmas markets near the hotel that evening. After returning, my cousin went to enjoy the spa while I headed for the lobby bar and a glass of wine. When I returned, housekeeping had come in to turn down the room. There were bottles of water by each bed, and the curtains had been drawn.
Dining at the Four Seasons Budapest
There are several restaurants at the Four Seasons Budapest. Kollasz, the Hungarian word for “collage,” is just to the left of the entrance. It is open from breakfast through to late night and serves a wide variety of local and continental foods. Virtuoso and Preferred Partner breakfast is served in here, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It was extensive, with three vast stations of food, including an entire one for breads and jams. The second station is all meats, cheeses, and salmon, while the third – in another room – is hot foods. In the summer, guests can relax on the terrace outside while the winter garden is open year round.
To the right of reception is the lobby bar and lounge, which serves light meals, coffee, and tea all day long. Guests can sit in the intimate bar space or in the high-ceilinged Peacock Passage, which is full of cosy chairs and couches. I had dinner here during my stay, and can tell you it was delicious.
The spa at the Four Seasons Budapest
I cannot get away without telling you about the spa at the Four Seasons Budapest. Spas, after all, are a signature element of the Four Seasons brand and a integrated part of Hungarian heritage. The Four Seasons Budapest spa does not disappoint. It is located on the top floor of the building and boasts a long infinity edge pool overlooking the interior of the building as well as mens and womens saunas and steam rooms. It is contemporary, yet evokes the calm and tranquility of the bath culture of Eastern Europe. There are massage and treatment rooms as well.
Getting to Budapest and the Four Seasons
Budapest is quickly becoming a highlight for many European tours. It is often a stop on the Danube River cruises. Azamara, Ama, Crystal, and Viking all host river cruises that spend time in Budapest. The cruise docks are steps from the entrance to the Four Seasons, which makes Gresham Palace an excellent pre- or post-cruise hotel.
If exploring Budapest by foot is on your list, then this is an ideal location. The Budapest Airport is about 30-40 minutes by taxi or private driver. You can fly into Budapest on a variety of international carriers, like KLM, Turkish, Swiss, and United – among many others. Budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz! also fly into Budapest.
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