Christmas Lights in LHR & BUD via BA F, The May Fair Hotel and Four Seasons Budapest
Jan 2, 2015, 5:51 am
#31
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Germany
Programs: Some
Posts: 11,519
Jan 2, 2015, 9:12 pm
#32
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: YVR - Vancouver, with most winter weekends in Whistler.
Programs: Aeroplan 35K, Alaska MVP, Marriott Titanium / Lifetime Platinum, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 4,609
Wow - the Four Seasons Budapest looks really comfortable.
I agree. That is one impressive view. ^
I agree. That is one impressive view. ^
Jan 2, 2015, 11:22 pm
#34
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA Platinum
Posts: 502
I watched a documentary about the Tower of London recently and they actually have a crow keeper, there is a mandatory count of crows required at the Tower, it is a tradition (I can't remember the specifics of it now), but it was an interesting tid bit to your seeing a giant crow... It's because they are fed on the queens diet! Here here!!!
Jan 3, 2015, 3:31 am
#35
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Germany
Programs: Some
Posts: 11,519
I watched a documentary about the Tower of London recently and they actually have a crow keeper, there is a mandatory count of crows required at the Tower, it is a tradition (I can't remember the specifics of it now), but it was an interesting tid bit to your seeing a giant crow... It's because they are fed on the queens diet! Here here!!!
Jan 3, 2015, 6:01 am
#36
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,151
Definitely on the pricey side for Budapest, but I thought it was worth every penny.
I watched a documentary about the Tower of London recently and they actually have a crow keeper, there is a mandatory count of crows required at the Tower, it is a tradition (I can't remember the specifics of it now), but it was an interesting tid bit to your seeing a giant crow... It's because they are fed on the queens diet! Here here!!!
Jan 10, 2015, 7:39 am
#37
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,151
Five Days In Amazing Budapest
Five Days In Amazing Budapest
While we were a bit camera-fatigued and didn’t take too many photos of the Budapest part of our trip, I’ll share a few that made it.
We were incredibly lucky with both the weather -- it was comfortably in the high 40’s/low 50’s throughout our stay -- and the food: every meal was great to fantastic.
My Budapest restaurant recommendations, in order:
I’d go back to each and every one of those.
Anyway, to some there’s more to traveling than eating, so here are some photos of Budapest
We walked up the gorgeous Andrassy Avenue -- like a miniature, quieter and less-touristy Champs-Elysees, beautifully lit up for the holidays -- to Heroes Square:
We stopped to watch the locals do twirls at this massive ice rink...there were some seriously good skaters here:
Vendors at the Christmas Markets sell Kurtos, a dough that’s rolled around a cannister and cooked over coals before being tossed with cinnamon and sugar (or other toppings). Not bad.
We also stepped into Rózsavölgyi Csokoládé, a shop that makes gorgeous chocolates using traditional Hungarian flavors (for example, those round ones in the bottom right are made with tarragon -- very tasty).
And finally, a Hungarian classic: Unicum. A liquor that people generally love or hate, it’s herbal and medicinal-tasting. I love Fernet and this is quite similar, so I really enjoyed it. It was perfect after a night of eating and drinking, and we indulged in a shot of this stuff as a nightcap more than once, even buying a bottle at Duty Free to bring home.
When we returned and our Hungarian friend and neighbor saw it, she cringed and nearly gagged. So, definitely not one for everyone
On our last night, we caught a beautiful sunset up one of the sidestreets near our hotel, though I seem to have ruined the photo by being in it. Here’s my best attempt at a fix
I didn’t bring a camera, but we also enjoyed our trip to the Széchenyi thermal baths; a must-do if you visit.
On our last morning, we were sad to leave this beautiful place (and dead set on returning one day soon), but eager and ready to get home and dry out a bit.
It was the day of Christmas Eve and the roads were empty, so our cab ride to an eerily quiet Budapest airport was quick and uneventful.
Up next: The Platinum Lounge Budapest, BA Club Europe BUD-LHR, The Concorde Room at LHR T5, and British Airways 777 First Class.
While we were a bit camera-fatigued and didn’t take too many photos of the Budapest part of our trip, I’ll share a few that made it.
We were incredibly lucky with both the weather -- it was comfortably in the high 40’s/low 50’s throughout our stay -- and the food: every meal was great to fantastic.
My Budapest restaurant recommendations, in order:
- Borkonyha - a very cozy wine bar/kitchen
- Klassz - a Hungarian bistro, no reservations but we only waited a few minutes
- Aszu - a bit more upscale, but still quite warm and the wines were excellent
- Taverna Dionysos - a Greek place that was perfect for when we got a little tired of Hungarian cuisine
- Cafe Kor - Hearty bistro, excellent value
I’d go back to each and every one of those.
Anyway, to some there’s more to traveling than eating, so here are some photos of Budapest
We walked up the gorgeous Andrassy Avenue -- like a miniature, quieter and less-touristy Champs-Elysees, beautifully lit up for the holidays -- to Heroes Square:
We stopped to watch the locals do twirls at this massive ice rink...there were some seriously good skaters here:
Vendors at the Christmas Markets sell Kurtos, a dough that’s rolled around a cannister and cooked over coals before being tossed with cinnamon and sugar (or other toppings). Not bad.
We also stepped into Rózsavölgyi Csokoládé, a shop that makes gorgeous chocolates using traditional Hungarian flavors (for example, those round ones in the bottom right are made with tarragon -- very tasty).
And finally, a Hungarian classic: Unicum. A liquor that people generally love or hate, it’s herbal and medicinal-tasting. I love Fernet and this is quite similar, so I really enjoyed it. It was perfect after a night of eating and drinking, and we indulged in a shot of this stuff as a nightcap more than once, even buying a bottle at Duty Free to bring home.
When we returned and our Hungarian friend and neighbor saw it, she cringed and nearly gagged. So, definitely not one for everyone
On our last night, we caught a beautiful sunset up one of the sidestreets near our hotel, though I seem to have ruined the photo by being in it. Here’s my best attempt at a fix
I didn’t bring a camera, but we also enjoyed our trip to the Széchenyi thermal baths; a must-do if you visit.
On our last morning, we were sad to leave this beautiful place (and dead set on returning one day soon), but eager and ready to get home and dry out a bit.
It was the day of Christmas Eve and the roads were empty, so our cab ride to an eerily quiet Budapest airport was quick and uneventful.
Up next: The Platinum Lounge Budapest, BA Club Europe BUD-LHR, The Concorde Room at LHR T5, and British Airways 777 First Class.
Jan 24, 2015, 1:47 pm
#39
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,151
Platinum Lounge BUD, BA C BUD-LHR, & BA Concorde Room Burger
Platinum Lounge BUD, BA C BUD-LHR, & BA Concorde Room Burger
Being the morning of Christmas Eve, security was nearly empty and we were through in about ten minutes.
It would’ve been less, but British Airways doesn’t pay for Fast Track Security at BUD for its premium passengers, unlike real luxury airlines such as AirBaltic, EasyJet and Wizzair
Stopping at Duty Free to buy one final bottle of Unicum, we eventually made it to the Platinum Lounge.
It was....fine.
Some light snacks and drinks on offer...
And a menu with some pretty odd a la carte options...
Sushi from this place? I don’t think so.
I did some work and watched planes shuffle around the tarmac for a bit.
There’s a livery you don’t see every day...
Eventually, a boarding announcement was made for our flight to Heathrow. On arrival at the gate, we got ushered downstairs onto a bus, where we waited for 15-20 minutes for more passengers to arrive. Light load today (maybe around 30 passengers), and we all rode over to the plane together.
Same “business class” as before...
Everything was running smoothly, and we were on our way in short order.
I’ll never get tired of views like this:
The flight was easy and uneventful. I didn’t get any photos of the food, as we didn’t order any, but the crew was excellent, coming around to refill drinks every few minutes. Sadly, just club soda for now...I was saving myself for the TATL
Another on-time landing, another bus ride to the terminal. This time we arrived at T3 and schlepped over to T5.
We entered the Concorde Room, and only had 20 minutes or so before we had to leave for our gate (yet another train ride away -- was this place designed by the train and bus companies?).
But first, to try the most divisive burger on FT:
My verdict? Meh. Oddly sweet (and dry) bun, dry meat. Good fries, though. And the whole thing washed down with a couple glasses of grand siècle? Terrific
We finished up and got ready for one last haul through Heathrow, and a wonderful flight home...
Up Next: BA 777 First Class, LHR-IAD
Being the morning of Christmas Eve, security was nearly empty and we were through in about ten minutes.
It would’ve been less, but British Airways doesn’t pay for Fast Track Security at BUD for its premium passengers, unlike real luxury airlines such as AirBaltic, EasyJet and Wizzair
Stopping at Duty Free to buy one final bottle of Unicum, we eventually made it to the Platinum Lounge.
It was....fine.
Some light snacks and drinks on offer...
And a menu with some pretty odd a la carte options...
Sushi from this place? I don’t think so.
I did some work and watched planes shuffle around the tarmac for a bit.
There’s a livery you don’t see every day...
Eventually, a boarding announcement was made for our flight to Heathrow. On arrival at the gate, we got ushered downstairs onto a bus, where we waited for 15-20 minutes for more passengers to arrive. Light load today (maybe around 30 passengers), and we all rode over to the plane together.
Same “business class” as before...
Everything was running smoothly, and we were on our way in short order.
I’ll never get tired of views like this:
The flight was easy and uneventful. I didn’t get any photos of the food, as we didn’t order any, but the crew was excellent, coming around to refill drinks every few minutes. Sadly, just club soda for now...I was saving myself for the TATL
Another on-time landing, another bus ride to the terminal. This time we arrived at T3 and schlepped over to T5.
We entered the Concorde Room, and only had 20 minutes or so before we had to leave for our gate (yet another train ride away -- was this place designed by the train and bus companies?).
But first, to try the most divisive burger on FT:
My verdict? Meh. Oddly sweet (and dry) bun, dry meat. Good fries, though. And the whole thing washed down with a couple glasses of grand siècle? Terrific
We finished up and got ready for one last haul through Heathrow, and a wonderful flight home...
Up Next: BA 777 First Class, LHR-IAD
Jan 24, 2015, 2:42 pm
#40
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,151
British Airways 777 First Class, LHR-IAD
Boarding was quick, and I changed into my pajamas right away. Something should feel wrong about wearing pajamas and drinking champagne at 5 in the afternoon, yet I felt no such shame.
(My wife, on the other hand, is the reserved and proper one, and waited patiently until we reached cruising altitude to start chugging wine.)
The seats (“junior suites”) were the same as on the inbound, so I didn’t bother re-photographing them. If you’re just joining, here are a few shots from our first flight...
The amenity kit contained all sorts of things I left behind when we landed. I’m no eye gel connoisseur, but at least it all looked nice:
The crew was terrific, just the right balance of warmth, encouragement and lack of judgment that I like in the people who pour my drinks
Some nuts and a Johnnie Walker Blue to start...
Today’s menu:
The corn cake was pretty good, though a little bland:
Langoustines and mushroom salad, however, were excellent:
I passed on the soup, but my wife liked it:
And while the beef cheek was tender and tasty, the filet was far, far too well done to get any joy from eating it:
At this point, I must confess things started going downhill a bit, at least as far as cataloguing the flight for this report. Laurent-Perrier and Johnnie began to get the best of me, and my usual cat-like reflexes to photograph everything I see started to slip.
I got about halfway through this Christmas Pudding before remembering to take a picture.
It was probably pretty good.
The cheese plate was excessive and also decent:
About six drinks later, I have no idea what I found so fascinating about this scene that I simply had to capture it for you:
After that, I slept like a baby until about 45 minutes from Dulles, and woke up for one last unnecessary indulgence before the entire week of detox I later needed to finally feel human again.
We landed on time, quickly got through Global Entry and were thrilled to be treated to a thorough Christmas Eve bag search by a group of incredibly bored customs agents.
Nearly 20 minutes later, after unpacking every corner and pocket of my bag and satisfying himself that he done his duty to keep America safe, the agent waved us along and we finally headed home.
A wonderful trip, and two incredible cities we’re excited to return to.
Coming up soon: Singapore and Bali via Cathay Pacific First Class and Singapore A380 Suites.
Boarding was quick, and I changed into my pajamas right away. Something should feel wrong about wearing pajamas and drinking champagne at 5 in the afternoon, yet I felt no such shame.
(My wife, on the other hand, is the reserved and proper one, and waited patiently until we reached cruising altitude to start chugging wine.)
The seats (“junior suites”) were the same as on the inbound, so I didn’t bother re-photographing them. If you’re just joining, here are a few shots from our first flight...
The amenity kit contained all sorts of things I left behind when we landed. I’m no eye gel connoisseur, but at least it all looked nice:
The crew was terrific, just the right balance of warmth, encouragement and lack of judgment that I like in the people who pour my drinks
Some nuts and a Johnnie Walker Blue to start...
Today’s menu:
The corn cake was pretty good, though a little bland:
Langoustines and mushroom salad, however, were excellent:
I passed on the soup, but my wife liked it:
And while the beef cheek was tender and tasty, the filet was far, far too well done to get any joy from eating it:
At this point, I must confess things started going downhill a bit, at least as far as cataloguing the flight for this report. Laurent-Perrier and Johnnie began to get the best of me, and my usual cat-like reflexes to photograph everything I see started to slip.
I got about halfway through this Christmas Pudding before remembering to take a picture.
It was probably pretty good.
The cheese plate was excessive and also decent:
About six drinks later, I have no idea what I found so fascinating about this scene that I simply had to capture it for you:
After that, I slept like a baby until about 45 minutes from Dulles, and woke up for one last unnecessary indulgence before the entire week of detox I later needed to finally feel human again.
We landed on time, quickly got through Global Entry and were thrilled to be treated to a thorough Christmas Eve bag search by a group of incredibly bored customs agents.
Nearly 20 minutes later, after unpacking every corner and pocket of my bag and satisfying himself that he done his duty to keep America safe, the agent waved us along and we finally headed home.
A wonderful trip, and two incredible cities we’re excited to return to.
Coming up soon: Singapore and Bali via Cathay Pacific First Class and Singapore A380 Suites.
Jan 25, 2015, 12:17 am
#41
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: AA EXP/LTP, BA GGL/CCR/GfL, HH D/LTD, SPG/MR Plat/LTP
Posts: 10,076
Thanks for an entertaining TR with nice pics.
It's great to read a report on a city one visited some 30 years ago, and immediately get an urge to go back for the food, the music, the architecture and much more.
It's great to read a report on a city one visited some 30 years ago, and immediately get an urge to go back for the food, the music, the architecture and much more.
Jan 29, 2015, 2:13 pm
#44
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,151
Jul 15, 2015, 3:56 am
#45
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
Programs: Disillusioned Cent
Posts: 1,880
Great TR, LM225. You inspired me to visit Budapest which was on my bucket list for quite some time. I'll be staying at the FS in a Danube River View Room and have a reservation at Borkonyha Winekitchen for lunch this Saturday. I'll also try some of your other restaurant suggestions. Thanks a lot for posting them.