Hungary - Eastern Europe - page 296

whether the VAT is included in the quoted price. Unless otherwise indicated, prices
in this topic include the VAT.
Note: We have found that the websites of hotels are frequently inaccurate with
respect to rates, so make sure to call the hotel to confirm.
THE INNER CITY & CENTRAL PEST
Very Expensive
Art'Otel Budapest by Park Plaza Opened in 2000 by a German chain, this
is the first Art'Otel outside of Germany. The premise behind the concept is that each
hotel spotlights the work of a single artist. In this case, the artist is Donald Sultan.
There are more than 600 of his works in the hotel and he designed everything from
the furniture and the carpets to the silverware. The modern side of the hotel is a seven-
story building facing the Danube, while the rear comprises of four two-story baroque
town houses, which now serve as rooms, suites, and the Chelsea Restaurant. Rooms
on the top three floors of the new building facing the Danube command the best
views, while rooms in the old houses have higher ceilings, some original fittings and
features, but no view. Three floors are smoke-free.
I. bem rakpart 16-19, 1011 Budapest. & 800/814-7000 in North America, 0800/169-6128 in Britain, or
1/487-9487-5500. Fax [phone]. www.artotels.com. 164 units. 198 € -228 € ($237-$273) double; 100 € ($120)

($24) Danube view supplement. Lower weekend and Internet rates. VAT included. Children 12
and under stay free in parent's room. Rates include breakfast. AE, MC, V. Parking 3,000 Ft ($15/£7.70) per day. Metro:
Batthyány tér (Red line). Amenities: Restaurant; bar; sauna; exercise room; concierge; valet parking; business cen-
ter; art shop; salon; limited room service; wireless Internet in public areas; rooms for those w/limited mobility. In
room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, dataport w/ISDN, wireless Internet, minibar, coffeemaker (in suites and executive
rooms), hair dryer, iron/ironing board on request, safe, voice mail, robe.

extra for suite; 20 €

Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Prepare to have your breath taken
away as you step into the Art Nouveau entrance of this elegant, palatial property, on
par with the finest in the world. Directly opposite the Chain Bridge and a postcardlike
view of the Buda Castle, the Four Seasons has the most picturesque location of any
hotel in town, and rooms overlooking the Danube can rightfully claim to have the best
views in the city. Opened in June 2004, the hotel was originally completed in 1906,
and was nearly destroyed in World War II. It has now been painstakingly restored—in
a 5-year, $110-million renovation—down to the last detail. Like all Four Seasons' prop-
erties, this hotel strives to pamper guests in every way. From the lobby topped with a
glass cupola and the chandelier made from clear glass leaves hanging in front of the
reception desk to the fitness center and spa spanning the entire top “attic” floor of the
hotel and bathrooms fitted with Spanish marble and deep-soak bathtubs, attention to
detail here is strong. While all rooms are beautiful, the most expensive suites are
equipped with bedroom sets made of mother of pearl. The restaurant Pava serves Ital-
ian cuisine and is one of the best in town, and the Gresham Kávéház is located on the
site of a popular 1930s cafe and is a bit less formal. The Bar and Lobby Lounge is
located below another glass cupola, serving light snacks, a large selection of wine, and
an extensive martini list (rare in Hungary), along with live nightly piano music.
V. Roosevelt tér 5-6, 1051 Budapest. & 800/819-5053 in North America, or 1/268-6000. Fax [phone].
www.fourseasons.com/budapest. 179 units. 280 € -830 € ($336-$996) double; 950 € -4,500 € ($1,140-$5,400)

suite. VAT not included. Children stay free in parent's room. Breakfast 26 €

($45) per day. Metro: Vörösmarty tér (all lines). Amenities: 2 restaurants; bar; indoor swimming pool; sauna; exer-
cise room; concierge; business center; salon; airport transfer; 24-hr. room service; massage; laundry service; dry clean-
ing. In room:A/C, satellite TV w/pay movies, fax machine available, high-speed Internet access, minibar, hair dryer,
safe, robe, newspapers, voice mail.

€ ($31) extra. AE, DC, MC, V. Parking 39