Who's Going
Design Lovers, Eccentric Artists, Foodie Weekenders
Reason to Stay
Design Hotel, Historic Location, Cafe Scene
Hotel Type
Design Hotel
Unlike Berlin or Prague or Warsaw, Budapest never saw the follow-through of the art and fashion boom that swept larger Eastern European cities in the 2000s. While Budapest gained names like Four Seasons, Buddha Bar and Louis Vuitton; fashionable elite abandoned the city to first-tier artists that were priced out of almost everywhere else. Today, a thriving artists class exists and with it places like Balthazar in the city's historic but all but forgotten Buda neighborhood. Along a cobblestone terrace, a trendy boutique hotel sits under a red marquee with glass frontage that leads to a dark, Parisian café inspired lobby ala Baz Luhrmann. Red brick walls juxtapose red leather banquettes and brass decor that's more about the people surrounding than any design statement.. The in-house eatery serves up a brasserie menu with Hungarian specialties and crowd that's one of the trendiest in the neighborhood. While some prefer Balthazar more for late-night dinner than an actual hotel stay, it's one of the best a terrace and cafe scene you'll find in Buda.
The Room
Historic details of the building are preserved but tossed with quirky pop art and eclectic spirit. The property is home to 11 individually designed rooms and suites fluffed with found antiques and more comfy upholstered pieces. Each room is individually themed with original wall colors or wallpaper and artwork by Vivienne Westwood, Keith Haring or Andy Warhol. Bathrooms offer limestone details with chrome fixtures and L'Occitane products that are an upgrade not often found in Budapest.
Preferred Room
Loft Suite
Special Features
Cafe Scene, Design Hotel
Amenities
Restaurant, Lounge, Bar
