Anantara New York Palace Budapest

Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel occupies an elegant 19th-century building in the heart of Budapest, close to the Opera and Andrássy Boulevard. An extravagant architectural gem inspired by the Italian Renaissance, the hotel is impeccably decorated with Italian furniture and a fair share of gilding. Rather showy, the interior suits the building’s original façade with its glass ceiling in the lobby, bronze sculptures and wrought-iron entrance. The hotel’s seven stories and 185 rooms are designed by architect Maurizio Papiri with vintage-inspired furniture and carefully curated works of art. In the standard rooms the décor is more reserved. The exclusive rooms have rose marble bathrooms, tufted headboards and satin walls. Cream colours and natural light are accented by the Belle Epoque chandeliers. The Executive Suites have wingback chairs with gilded arm rests, satin curtains and the same Murano chandeliers and candelabras as the lobby.

The hotel's heart is the New York Café that has hosted the city’s poets and artists for over a century. Fitted with stunning frescos, Venetian chandeliers and over the top accessories — here you must try their world-famous 24-carat-gold coffee and Valrhona chocolate desserts. Explore modern Hungarian cuisine with Executive Chef Andras Wolf who oversees the New York Café and the Salon Restaurant, or enjoy snacks from the bar menu at the Nyugat Bar. The Spa at the New York Palace is decorated with reflective prisms, Swarovski crystals and has cascading waterfalls and rain showers. Along with the large pool, there’s a purifying sauna, fragrance-infused steam rooms and a small-size Turkish bath. It includes a steam bath and a relaxation pool. A fitness centre is also available. Tour the vibrant city in Anantara’s 59 years old chauffeur driven convertible VW SAMBA for an added level of fun.