With impressive architecture, rich history and delightful cuisine, OHLALA explored Budapest while staying at the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace.
Budapest is one of those mystical cities whose very name conjures a sense of rich history and great adventure. Travellers worldwide make their way to this enchanting location where East meets West to experience this one-of-a-kind destination.
OHLALA was recently invited to spend an unforgettable two days and nights at perhaps the grandest venue in the city, Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest. We indulged in this opulent property and all it has to offer.
BREATHTAKING SIGHTS
As we drove through the historical city’s charming streets laden with romantic architecture, we already knew we would have to return to this part of the world to explore Budapest and its wonders. We were surprised by the amount of greenery we witnessed en route and combined with the waterways and beautifully crafted buildings, we felt instantly drawn to this captivating place.
THE GRAND PALACE
Once we arrived at Four Seasons, we knew we were taking in more than just a luxury hotel.
Constructed in 1906, the Gresham Palace has long intrigued residents and visitors alike with its sheer magnificence. Recognised as one of the world’s finest Art Nouveau/Secessionist structures and known for its historical mix of high finance and bohemia, its evolution into the only Forbes fivestar hotel in Hungary is fascinating.
Built by the most talented Hungarian artists and craftspeople of the era for the Gresham Life Assurance Company, the building became Budapest’s most prestigious address as well as a place to shop and be seen in the exclusive boutiques in the ground floor arcade. It was also the meeting place of Hungary’s most influential artists.
The siege of Budapest during the Second World War threatened to destroy this iconic venue. The German Army’s retreat in 1944 led to the blowing up of the Chain Bridge. The peacock gates were wrenched off their hinges and the façade was scarred by the explosion. Nominal repairs were carried out soon after but, due to a lack of money and materials, the building underwent a serious downgrade. In 1948, British and American diplomats were to be the next inhabitants of the famous palace. Eventually named a protected landmark in the 1970s, the mansion gradually fell into a state of disrepair.
Many years later, as Gresham had done, Four Seasons hired the best talent in Hungary to restore the building. Wrought-iron specialists, silversmiths, stained-glass makers, ceramists, mosaicists and other craftspeople assembled to preserve whatever artwork remained and to reconstruct the palace based on research into how it was first built.
It took thousands of hours for a unique team of highly trained masters to bring the building back to its former glory. By 2004, the palace’s Art Nouveau beauty had been exquisitely restored, combined with the works of many noted Hungarian artists and sculptors who left their mark on the historical building. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Budapest was born there.
THE IMPRESSIVE HOTEL
Entering the iconic wrought iron peacock gates, we felt we were stepping into the history of Budapest. We were captivated by the enchanting lobby adorned with more than two million mosaic tiles, illuminated by a striking chandelier.
Our first staff encounters as we entered the brilliant building were the impressive bellmen, who welcomed us in the most helpful, polite and friendly manner.
The check in process was a swift one and we were soon on our way to our room. En route, we were gifted the story of the property, its history and its evolution into the exceptional venue we were now making our way through.
This glamourous five-story hotel contains 160 guest rooms and 19 suites. These include Danube River View Rooms with fairytale sights of the city’s iconic sites, Art-Deco style Superior Rooms combining residential comfort with intuitive workspace, River-View Park Suites ideal for families, two Presidential Suites, offering all the beauty and perks of an upmarket Budapest apartment, and the Royal Suite, that delivers nothing less than the very best of everything.
Hotel amenities also include venues for weddings, meetings and events.
Although our room was situated on the first floor, we couldn’t have been any happier with the view. Kitted with everything we needed for the most comfortable of stays, we spent two nights in absolute bliss. On entry, we were even pampered with a delicious plate of dark chocolate.
DELECTABLE CUISINE
During our stay, we thoroughly enjoyed lavish meals at the in-hotel restaurants, including the famous Múzsa Bar, named Best European Bar at the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards in 2021.
At Four Seasons, we had the option to indulge in dishes ranging from contemporary French cuisine to Hungarian specialities and Asian flavours. We particularly appreciated the buffet and á la carte breakfasts where, I must say, I sampled the best French toast I have ever tasted, perfectly caramelised with a very milky and tender interior. Simply delicious!
The hotel also offers scrumptious in-room dining, refined cakes to go, a three-course Sunday brunch, bespoke private grape tasting and Herend Afternoon Tea, served in the speciality porcelain manufacturer’s hand-painted sets, on weekends complete with Hungarian cakes and savoury delights.
A PAMPERING SPOT
One of my favourite experiences at the property was visiting the wellequipped spa.
Housing an indoor pool with a fabulous view, tasteful décor, a curated selection of treatments, a diversity of spa products and skilled therapists, this sanctuary combines advanced wellness techniques with traditional Hungarian rituals that restore visitors’ natural vitality through personalised experiences.
Amongst these offerings are massages, signature experiences, facial and body treatments, nail care and beauty therapies.
SIGHTSEEING TOUR
As the hotel is located in the very centre of Budapest, the city is very accessible to all guests.
This magical metropolis was made all the easier for us to experience thanks to a motorised city tour that was booked for us through the hotel. Led by an excellent guide, we made our way around Buda and Pest, taking in the Danube River, the amazing architecture, the fascinating streets and the general hustle and bustle of this historical location. We couldn’t have had a more colourful and enjoyable encounter with the city.
TIME TO SAY GOODBYE
It felt like we blinked and it was already time to leave Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest, along with our new favourite city. Despite having only spent a couple of days and nights at this unforgettable location, we felt we had formed a connection with this historic place. We promised to revisit this special place and once again stay in the palace amongst hotels.
For more information, please visit www.fourseasons.com/budapest/
@fsbudapest