Known for its roots in Asian hospitality, but a growing focus on European grand dames properties, Anantara has found a crown jewel for its portfolio in Budapest. The Italian Renaissance building that houses the Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel was originally the European home of the New York Insurance Company (hence the hotel’s name).
Today, its former offices have become some of the city’s most luxe accommodations housing business travelers, tourists and river cruise guests. They are treated to the epitome of hospitality in the heart of one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals. Here are five top reasons to visit Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel.
The history
Within the city’s Grand Ring, this historic building dates back to 1894 when the New York Insurance Company wanted a grand palace for its European headquarters. The interior atrium is like a central courtyard of colonnades rising five stories high. The arched pathways that look down to the lobby give the space a regal feel.
Perhaps the most important venue of the hotel is its adjacent New York Café, which has become a tourist attraction. Once the gathering place for intellectuals, business people and elite society, today it welcomes nearly 2,500 tourists a day for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. The minimum spend is only 18 euros, but it is worth it to dine amid one of the city’s most beautiful surroundings. A string quartet or other musicians perform nonstop.
The building itself is a historic structure protected by the state, and Anantara was not allowed to make many changes in it. So the impressive way they modernized the space while respecting its past deserved kudos. Among the things I noticed most are the double-paned glass windows for soundproofing, drenching shower pressure (notable for a historic building) and a subterranean spa that uses a mix of Hungarian and Eastern practices for its menu. The indoor pool, sauna and steam room seem to be built amid the rocky walls of the base of the building.
The dining
New York Café is the superstar, but the main dining room that shares the same interior is not far behind. White Salon has a mix of Hungarian and international dishes that are spectacular in taste and presentation. The goulash here is the best I tried in the whole city, and the breakfast spread was spectacular. Particular favorites were the Hungarian cheeses and spreads, the wide range of freshly pressed juices and the healthier salad selection.
Atrium is the all-day lobby lounge that is a must-visit to watch the sunset cocktail presentation (complimentary drinks are passed for a taste). The menu includes light bites like salads and sandwiches and a lengthy beverage list. The Hungarian wines on the menu are a delight and something that most tourists may have not tried before.
The Poet Bar is up a few steps and tucked into a dim corner, ideal for an evening aperitif. It has views of the bustling street and its own menu of light bites. A specialty for Anantara is Designer Dining, an experience that allows guests to select special locations around the hotel (like the Presidential Suite or a private space in New York Café) to enjoy multi-course meals. There is also a bespoke Champagne breakfast experience that comes with a private buffet. It also has an a la carte menu with the best table in New York Café for views and photos.
The rooms
Silk wall coverings, high ceilings, plush beds in duvets and elegant carpeting area hallmarks of the guest rooms. An Italian theme runs through the rooms with their beige and brown hues that add warmth to these large accommodations. They are large enough or small sitting areas with sofas or arm chairs.
Minibars stock local favorites like palinka (a distilled spirit) and snacks. Designers did a fantastic job of adding power and USB outlets in different places around the room, including by the beds. Many rooms enjoy lovely exposures of the street and nearby architecture although the double-paned windows keep out most exterior noise.
Marble bathrooms have beautiful showers (suites have tubs), loads of oversized towels and a vanity with glass sinks. Pump bottles of Acqua di Parma supply a sophisticated fragrance to the toiletry lineup.
Junior Suites and larger have additional amenities tacked onto their rates, which could include things like airport transfers, breakfast or non-alcoholic minibars among other things. The Presidential Suite is the most elaborate with three bedrooms decked out in marble and Murano glass chandeliers.
The local experiences
Anantara is known for immersing guests in cultural offerings that support local purveyors. From its beachfront resorts in Asia to its city palace hotels, these curated experiences vary by hotel.
Here, the choices are particularly engaging with things like private Danube river cruises and walking tours around the market. Perhaps one of the most special and memorable choices (and perfect for those that have experienced Budapest before) is the visit to Tard.
Entrepreneur Váczi Rozi designed a small business, Matyo Design, around embroidery (something Hungary is known for already) that supports women in the small town of Tard. Guests can take the 90-minute journey to the village where the women show visitors how they sew each fabric, how to make local pasta and other parts of their daily life. It is a fun way to learn more about rural life in Hungary while supporting a small business.
Members of its Discovery loyalty program (part of the larger Global Hotel Alliance) can earn or redeem points for these experiences. Top-tier elite status cardholders even get one for free during their stay.
This is also part of The Leading Hotels of the World, and anyone that joins its free Leaders Club loyalty program is in for additional treats. This includes complimentary breakfast for two each morning, early check-in or late checkout considerations, and even potential room upgrades.
The staff
Luxury and hospitality are often terms intertwined with things like chandeliers, high-thread count linens and of course, plump price tags. But, that is not the true meaning of luxury. That comes from people. It is about anticipating the needs of guests before they even realize it. Anantara has mastered this art and taken it to its hotels and resorts around the world.
People like Mark in the Poet’s Bar. No request is out of his realm of possibility. He simply doesn’t know how to say no. Front desk staff who can work magic with housekeeping when your time between meetings or tours is tight. And a general manager who empowers his team to make decisions that improve the guest experience on the spot.
The wait staff for the restaurants and bars stay busy from morning to night, given the popularity of New York Café. This means the food and beverage role of this hotel is front and center, perhaps more so than other hotels. The team here seamlessly manages the influx of tourists to the café while prioritizing guests, and that is an impressive feat in itself.
