After more than a decade away, it was finally time to refresh my fond memories of Budapest. The city boasts a myriad of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly boutiques to ultra-luxury stays. However, one property immediately stood out for this trip: the Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel, a historic architectural marvel perched right on the grand Erzsébet Boulevard.
First Impressions
Pulling up to the hotel, the building’s exterior is nothing short of stunning—elegant, classic, and immaculately maintained. That said, the initial service left a little to be desired. When our Uber arrived, the porters stood at a distance rather than offering a hand with our luggage. Fortunately, the vibe shifted the moment we stepped onto the red carpet of the beautiful entrance hall. The lobby radiates a calming energy, offering a striking, serene contrast to the bustling streets of downtown Budapest just outside the doors.
An Eventful Check-In
We were greeted with refreshing cold towels and a shot of lemonade—a very welcome touch after a morning of travel. Because we arrived early, our rooms weren’t quite ready. However, as a GHA Discovery Titanium member, I was thrilled to learn we’d been upgraded: a Junior Suite for my parents and a Grand Premium Room with a terrace for myself. The hotel manager even came out to greet us personally before having our luggage securely stored so we could explore the city unencumbered.
When we returned later in the afternoon, the hotel was experiencing a sudden power outage. While this could easily derail a check-in, the staff handled it with total grace. They handed us drink vouchers to use in the magnificent atrium while they resolved the issue. Sipping a complimentary glass of prosecco in stunning surroundings? I certainly had no complaints. It goes down as one of my most eventful hotel arrivals to date.
The Rooms
I stayed in a Grand Premium Room on the top floor, which felt incredibly spacious. I loved the dark, moody brown color palette; it harmonizes perfectly with the hotel's broader ambiance and feels deeply relaxing. While the city view from the balcony isn't necessarily one for the history books, having an unobstructed vantage point in the heart of downtown Budapest is a true luxury.
There was a slight hiccup with housekeeping. Upon arrival, I noticed some rubbish and cigarette butts left on the balcony's side table. I notified the front desk before heading out for dinner, and returned to find a box of chocolates and an apology letter on my bed. It was a wonderful gesture—until I realized the rubbish had simply been moved off the balcony and onto the floor, tucked under a chair inside the room! I called the front desk again, and a housekeeper promptly arrived to collect it (wearing gloves, which I appreciated).
Quirks aside, the room was exceptionally well-appointed. Everything from slippers to dental kits was provided, and the Acqua di Parma bath products added a beautiful, premium touch. I'm also happy to report that my parents’ Junior Suite was entirely faultless, providing them with a supremely comfortable stay. On our final night, the hotel even left a hotel-branded Rubik's Cube in their suite as a turndown gift—a clever, thoughtful nod to the iconic Hungarian invention that left a fantastic lasting impression.
Breakfast at the Deep Water Breakfast Room
One of the major perks of staying at the Anantara is the Deep Water Breakfast Room. It shares the same architectural grandeur as the famous New York Café—often touted as the most beautiful café in the world — but sits one level down. This creates a private, secluded haven for hotel guests. You get a breathtaking dining atmosphere without having to wait in the notoriously long queues upstairs.
The breakfast operates as a semi-buffet. A small à-la-carte menu offers a few sweet and savory made-to-order dishes, while the central buffet features bakery items, charcuterie, cereals, and fresh fruit. Further in, you'll find a spread of hot English breakfast staples, unexpected additions like spring rolls, and a dedicated egg station. While the food itself didn't entirely scream "premium," I quite enjoyed the meal, and the service was attentive, with staff constantly appearing to top up our juice glasses and take coffee orders.
Afternoon Tea at the New York Café
Even though we enjoyed our serene breakfasts downstairs, we couldn’t resist the pull of the actual New York Café that tourists rave about. Thanks to the priority queue for hotel guests, we were seated in no time. Looking through the menu, we spotted several dishes we’d eaten for breakfast that morning. Seeing their standalone prices really brought home just how much of a "New York Café premium tax" is tacked onto ordering them à la carte upstairs! Cost aside, the desserts we tried—a warm apple crumble and dobos torte slice—were delicious, even if the coffee was just standard.
Spa and Fitness
Beyond the grand architecture and dining, the hotel also features a fully equipped gym and a recently renovated spa. While our daily sight-seeing schedule was far too packed to squeeze in a workout or a treatment this time, having these wellness facilities right on-site is a great asset.
The Verdict
Overall, our three-night stay at the Anantara New York Palace Budapest was a memorable one. Having the world’s most beautiful café right in your lobby is a spectacular novelty, the rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the staff is genuinely hospitable. However, if the property wants to solidify its reputation as a flawless top-tier 5-star hotel in Budapest, it just needs to polish up a few of those rough edges in its day-to-day service and housekeeping operations.
| Stay Details | |
|---|---|
| Time of Stay | May, 2026 |
| Duration | 3 Nights |
| Room Cost (Grand Premium Room with Balcony upgraded from Premium Room) | 254 EUR/night (~411 AUD/night) |
| Inclusions | Breakfast included |
| Booked through | Official website |
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