One for the ages: the Hungarian capital’s Pest-Buda hotel
After a stylish renovation, Budapest’s oldest hotel epitomises the city’s intoxicating mix of past and present
Budapest's eventful history has created a compelling city of multiple personalities, home to a diverse assortment of architectural styles, a buzzing cafe culture and some of the most picturesque urban vistas in Europe. Divided into two main districts by the Danube, with Buda to the west and Pest to the east, the former is the historic heart of the city, while the latter offers an array of museums, shopping and nightlife.
Nestled in the Buda Castle district is the country's oldest hotel, Pest-Buda, which first opened its doors in 1696. Reflecting the revitalisation of Budapest itself in recent years, the family-owned hotel has just undergone an interior transformation to offer elegant and contemporary accommodation while paying tribute to the baroque origins of the building.
Pest-Buda enlisted the help of interior designer Tibor Somlai to put together the 10 individually designed rooms and suites. Fittings such as solid oak wall panelling and flooring evoke a rustic feel, juxtaposed against contemporary elements such as custom-made copper lamps and floor-to-ceiling glass walls. The plush bathrooms feature freestanding baths and oversized walk-in showers, made by craftsmen from local limestone. Graphic designer Geza Ipacs, whose work includes labels for some of Hungary's leading winemakers, was brought on to take care of the marketing materials and graphic design.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The revamp also continues to the bistro, where Somlai has created a cosy atmosphere befitting the homely, comforting cuisine. The restaurant carries exclusively Hungarian wines, with a constantly rotating selection.
Successfully melding past and present, the Pest-Buda provides an ideal spot to experience an authentic taste of Budapest today.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
5 sleeper hit cartoons about Trump's struggles to stay awake in court
Cartoons Artists take on courtroom tranquility, war on wokeness, and more
By The Week US Published
-
The true story of Feud: Capote vs. The Swans
In depth The writer's fall from grace with his high-flying socialite friends in 1960s Manhattan is captured in a new Disney+ series
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
Scottie Scheffler: victory for the 'pre-eminent golfer of this era'
Why Everyone's Talking About Masters victory is Scheffler's second in three years
By The Week Staff Published
-
A weekend in Budapest: travel guide, things to do, food and drink
The Week Recommends Everything you need to know for a city break in Hungary's popular capital
By Mike Starling, The Week UK Published
-
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace review: historic adventures in Budapest
The Week Recommends This vintage hotel offers a luxurious setting from which to explore Hungary’s capital city
By Kaye O'Doherty Published