Architecturally stunning, it is no surprise that Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest is part of Hyatt’s The Unbound Collection, a brand known for properties in historic and important buildings. Within the central downtown core and perfect for both business and leisure travelers, the hotel is a gem for visitors that want to stay somewhere special. Here are five of the top reasons to visit this unique and special hotel.
The history
The building was originally designed for Baron József Brudern by the same architect responsible for the Hungarian National Museum who wanted it to look similar to the famous shopping passageway in Paris, Passage des Panoramas. With its ground-floor shops of the highest brands and luxury goods, it immediately took the name, popular among locals as Párisi Udvar (or Párisi Court), but interestingly, the building never operated as a hotel before joining The Unbound Collection.
Brudern himself lived on the second floor until the building gained new life a century later as the Central Savings Bank. What are today’s guest rooms and public areas were once offices. Despite surviving World War II unscathed, the building later fell into disrepair until the hotel came onto the scene taking over four years to renovate it to its former glory. It took so much time given the historic protections of parts of the building like the quarter of a million Zsolnay ceramic tiles on its façade.
The elevator was the first one in Budapest, and it is still intact in the historic central staircase. Three times a week, the hotel hosts an afternoon tea hour for hotel guests where managers explain tales of this building and the surrounding neighborhood.
The lobby
In the heart of the lobby and past the lounge is the main restaurant, which pays homage to the city’s famous café culture. Locals and tourists flock to book a table beneath the domed archways of the lobby just for the experience. Luckily, there is a separate entrance for non-guests to keep the lobby lounge more private.
The style is a bit eclectic as it blends Moorish, Arabic and Gothic features into the design. When it was built, the hotel was said to have one of the largest continuous ceramic tiles in Europe. Today, the Villeroy & Bach ceramic floor tiles add spectacular color as do the stained glass and mosaic art throughout the space. The experience changes from day to night, and this is part of what draws so many visitors to experience such a glamorous lobby (arguably one of the city’s most special).
The dining
The Párisi Passage Restaurant is the heart of the lobby serving Hungarian and international dishes from morning to night. The breakfast buffet, a perk for Globalist members of the World of Hyatt program, has a colorful spread of local dishes, too. Even the coffee is from a Hungarian coffee roaster and is both strong and well-balanced. There’s also an a la carte menu of choices throughout the day.
My Hungarian goulash and cabbage rolls of roasted goose were a delightful dinner option, which were paired with local wine options including a bespoke Chardonnay blend made by a local vineyard for the hotel. In fact, each dish on the menu has a complementary drink pairing to maximize the flavor palate.
It was too tempting to dine onsite beneath the glamorous ceiling than head for an outside restaurant. The live music only added to the atmosphere. Other visitors stopped by the bar at Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest to order something from the lengthy cocktail menu while they enjoyed the setting. Another option is the popular ÉTOILE Champagne Bar, which draws both guests and locals.
The rooms
With so much grandeur and color in the lobby, it’s surprising to find their cream, beige and white backdrops. They are immediately soothing with framed mirrors, cushioned headboards, armchairs by windows and desks positioned for great views of the neighboring street. Guests can customize their sleep by choosing from a pillow menu.
Top-floor suites have stunning outdoor terraces overlooking the city, and the largest Presidential Suites have two or three bedrooms that can connect to each other.
Marble bathrooms have glass shower stalls with drenching pressure and Noir toiletries from The White Company. Towels, robes and wide vanities are in all. If you’re looking to relax in the spa instead, the hotel has treatment rooms, sauna and steam facilities, and a relaxation pool. There is also a small fitness facility although when the weather isn’t too hot, a jog along the Danube is preferable.
The location
Within walking distance is the Danube River, Parliament building, bustling shopping streets, main market and so many other popular destinations. It is in the eastern part of the city (on the Pest side) and convenient to public transportation options.
If you want to experience some of the local cultural attractions that go beyond a standard tourist tour, take advantage of Hyatt’s long list of FIND Experiences, which are curated activities like truffle hunting in the country side or a private boat tour with picnic and Champagne along the Danube. Even better, you can pay for these experiences using World of Hyatt points, but if you choose to pay in cash, you can also earn World of Hyatt points for the transaction.
And of course, any stay at the hotel that is paid for with The World of Hyatt Credit Card would be eligible for bonus point earning. Between now and Sept. 17, World of Hyatt members that have the Hyatt-affiliated credit card and register by Aug. 15 can receive a 20% points rebate when redeeming points for an overnight stay at any Unbound Collection property, including Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest.
