The indulgent spirit of Hungarian hospitality is rightfully legendary – many hotels here offer world-class accommodation and services with genuinely caring professionalism, often offered for remarkably friendly prices. In this instalment of our monthly Checking In series, we look around at the latest developments in Budapest’s hotel scene for the most up-to-date news, special promotions and unbelievable bargains in October 2018.
HVS Global Hospitality Services reports increasing growth in Budapest’s hotel market
In mid-September, leading hospitality-industry consulting firm HVS released a report confirming increasing growth in Budapest’s hotel market, noting that while city tourism suffered during the global economic crisis a decade ago, in the last three years, “Budapest has seen a significant 12% growth in visitation, far surpassing pre-crisis levels”. HVS points out rising trends that make Budapest “one of the fastest-growing hotel markets in Central Europe”, such as increased interest in Hungary’s capital among developers and operators, above-average revenue-per-available-room (RevPAR) figures, and continued growth in hotel supply since 2010. The report highlights several hotels in development that are set to debut here in the near future, including the Párisi Udvar Hotel of the Hyatt Unbound Collection (pictured above), the Hard Rock Budapest and the W Budapest Hotel. Summing up, HVS states that the “outlook for visitation to Budapest remains positive” – to read the complete report, click here.
Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest renovates saunas in its deluxe spa
The sumptuous spa area of Budapest’s Kempinski Hotel features a heated indoor pool and relaxation area overlooking the tree canopy of Erzsébet tér – and now this city-centre facility is even more inviting with the recent renovation of its sauna and steam-room chamber. The new Finnish sauna, made of beautiful American Tulipwood, can seat ten visitors amid temperatures of 80-90° C and humidity of 10-30%, while a new bio sauna (also made with American Tulipwood) hosts up to six guests enveloped with soothing light therapy and pleasant aromas amid temperatures of about 65° C and humidity of 25-35%. The chamber’s stylish ice fountain, Kneipp foot soak and tiled steam room all remain, as do the many rejuvenating massage offers and other treatments provided by Kempinski The Spa – and all of these therapeutic amenities are available to anyone, as the hotel offers day passes and spa memberships to the general public. Visit the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus website for more details.
Five-star Budapest hotels host harvest-season wine events welcoming the public in October
Two top-class Budapest hotels are celebrating the harvest season by hosting tasteful wine events this month, welcoming everyone to join the tipsy festivities. On 13 October, the grand Corinthia Hotel Budapest presents Olaszrizling October (honouring one of Hungary’s main grape varieties, widely known as Welschriesling) by more than 70 wineries from terroirs nationwide. Connoisseurs can try unlimited sips of this flavourful white while meeting those who produce it – check out the Olaszrizling October website for ticket info. Then on 19 October, the riverfront InterContinental Budapest observes Global Champagne Day with a bubbly bash in the hotel’s panoramic Corso Restaurant. Spectacular sparkling wines such as Bollinger, Dom Pérignon, Laurent-Perrier, Veuve Clicquot and many other exclusive libations will tickle noses late into the night, accompanied by truffles, caviar, oysters and other intoxicating delicacies – see the InterContinental Budapest website for details.
Buddha-Bar Hotel Budapest celebrates its 6th birthday with a lavish Monaco-themed party
It’s been six years since the five-star Buddha-Bar Hotel Budapest opened for business in downtown’s Klotild Palace following an extensive restoration of this historic building, and to celebrate this anniversary the management hosted a lavish birthday party evoking Monaco’s high life within the hotel’s super-chic lounge. DJ Papa of the Buddha-Bar Monte Carlo travelled here to supply glamorous tunes at the turntables of this sumptuous palm-lined bash alongside the Buddha-Bar Budapest’s own DJ Mada. Guests savoured fine sparkling wine and Asian specialities while enjoying entertainment like a dazzling LED lightshow, dance performances and professional-quality casino games such as roulette and blackjack. For more information on the hotel’s ongoing series of posh parties, check out the Buddha-Bar Budapest website.
Hotel NH Budapest City welcomes winter guests with City Dreamers offer
Anyone who is planning to visit Hungary’s capital during the upcoming cold season can receive a warm welcome with a serious discount at the four-star Hotel NH Budapest City, thanks to the new City Dreamers offer available for a limited time. Book a winter stay at this high-quality Pest-side hotel – located directly behind downtown’s gorgeous Vígszínház theatre, steps away from the frequent 4-6 tram line – before 22 October to receive savings of up to €40 per night when visiting between 29 October and 31 March 2019. Every room at the Hotel NH Budapest City features comfortable mattresses, tea- and coffee-making amenities, plus free Wi-Fi, and guests who reserve a City Dreamers package can bring children up to the age of 11 to share a room with their parents for no extra charge. See the international NH Hotel Group website to learn more about the City Dreamers deal, and the Hotel NH Budapest City website for details on the local accommodation.
