Four Seasons Budapest Gresham Palace - Short trip report
Jan 18, 2013, 4:01 am
Service was really excellent at all times and the staff seemed eager to go the extra mile whenever possible. One example was the bar staff overhearing us debating whether or not to go to a club and asking the concierge to find out where was most fun that night.
Breakfast was delicious but we didn't take any other meals at the hotel, as there is only one restaurant and (perhaps surprisingly) there are so many good dining options in the city.
Unfortunately I can't comment on the spa (or gym) as we went to the baths, but when I was considering booking a massage the spa reception was extremely responsive. Incidentally, FS give you towels, toiletries and slippers to take with you to the baths. A nice touch.
This must also be one of the best value hotels I have stayed at (especially if you book via a FSPP).
Mar 20, 2014, 4:35 am
Anyone looking for a last minute getaway within Europe- spring has come early this year even to Hungary so could be a good time to go- to what is one of my favorite hotels in Europe and a great city break.
Apr 1, 2014, 1:53 am
Four Seasons Gresham Palace
Széchenyi István tér 5-6 Budapest, HU 1051
Four Seasons Gresham Palace (0 Photo)
Four Seasons Gresham Palace
Contacted by concierge regarding any assistance/etc- asked by email for one restaurant reservation and it was confirmed and waiting (written confirmation) on checkin. Did not require any additional pre-arrival services as arriving by private car.
Check In
Great recognition on arrival. Valet parking immediately managed car and luggage. Excellent service. On checkin offered an additional upgrade to a Chain Bridge River view accommodation with balcony for 100 EUR extra- took it immediately and was very happy with this. Room not quite ready due to early arrival (12:15) so went for lunch at the restaurant Gresham.
Room
This hotel has beautiful rooms in the restored Gresham palace- that being said the very best are the rooms with balconies overlooking the Chain bridge. Magical at sunset and sunrise to watch the entire Buda Castle district framed by the bridge come and fade from light.
Dining
Perfect. For anyone visiting Budapest Gresham offers a "Power Lunch" set menu for 6700 HUF per person ++ which includes water, an appetizer, salad, and a main course as well as a small dessert. Well worth it and a great place or for a meeting or to relax. There is also a small outdoor patio which on a day like Saturday was ideal due to the great weather (22C and Sunny).
Again, great service- a bit noisy as it was very busy however a perfect Martini and nice little snacks as well as a very active floor manager making sure every guest was well satisfied and a nice piano player (quite talented) in the background.
Service
Very good breakfast selections and perfect service.
I wouldn't normally mention a shoe shine in a luxury hotel review however this hotel provided the 2nd best shoe shine I have ever received- the first being at the Hassler in Rome- the shoes were perfect and were returned "gift wrapped" in such a way I didn't even want to open the package.
Spa
We didn't have time to use the Spa on this trip- on my last visit however I did and I can say that while by Hungarian standards it is very pricey it is also worth it.
Checkout
Again- perfect service in one of the most beautiful hotels in Central Europe- also a great touch of putting water bottles in the car cupholders prior to leaving. Also- the night prior to departure the housekeeping left a little gift wrapped box of cookies freshly made by the hotel- a great touch with a nice handwritten note from management.
Overall
It is unusual that I give a hotel 10/10- this hotel however gets it for perfect service, excellent restaurant food quality, great bar, beautiful rooms with magnificent view (by the way completely silent and also good temperatures), and thoughtful little attention to details. Having stayed at most of the hotels in Budapest- I can say that nothing even comes close to this hotel- also location is perfect FYI.
Apr 1, 2014, 3:31 am
Apr 1, 2014, 4:12 am
Do you have a restaurant recommendation BTW?
Apr 1, 2014, 5:42 am
Restaurants? Any particular taste you are looking for? I am probably not the best person to ask as I tend to go to foreign food restaurants in Budapest- so for example I like Nobu and Tokio (2 Japanese places- Nobu is the same group as London, HK, etc and is in the Kempinski Hotel, Tokio is just across the street from the Four Seasons)- for a great glass of wine pre or post dinner there is diVino (2 outlets- one very close to the hotel on St. Stephans Square- the other about a 10 minute walk away just off Andrassy UT)- very impressive selection of Hungarian wines from every region and sommelier with excellent knowledge and a real passion for Hungarian wine.
The restaurant by the way at the Four Seasons itself is excellent (Gresham) and definitely worth eating at- also if heading there for dinner do make reservations as it is typically very busy. Just next to the Marriott on the river is a very good Thai place as well run by a family from Northern Thailand- it has been there forever with the same family running it- I have been a regular customer for over 15 years- if you are walking along the walkway in front of the river (runs past the IC and the Marriott) you will see a large sign that reads "THAI RESTAURANT"- that is it.
Apr 8, 2014, 6:10 pm
Apr 9, 2014, 6:26 am
Apr 9, 2014, 1:53 pm
This hotel charges a large premium (understandably), for a view of the bridge. If you don't want to pay the extra cost its worth asking at check-in if they can either offer you the view room complimentary or if you can upgrade to it for a small premium.