If Budapest isn’t already on your travel wishlist, it’s time to add it. The Hungarian capital offers incredible value compared to other European cities, with world-class restaurants, stunning architecture, and thermal spas you can easily spend a full day in. The Kempinski Hotel Corvinus puts you in the middle of the best tourist destinations. This five-star hotel is minutes from the Chain Bridge, Vörösmarty Square, and the city’s renowned baths (but it also has an excellent on-site spa if you’d rather stay close to home). The modern property blends European style with Hungarian hospitality.
Overall Impressions
I stayed at the Kempinski Corvinus Budapest for a few sunny days in May, and it offered the perfect home base to explore Budapest’s castle district, try traditional food in and around the Central Market Hall, and explore the city’s many winding streets. The hotel is large, modern, and has all the amenities you’ll need for a long weekend in the city.
Pros
- Located within walking distance of many tourist attractions
- Nearby public transportation is easy to navigate
- Hotel is clean, bright, and well maintained
- On-site spa offers quality service and has unique amenities
Cons
- The hotel isn’t as charming as a smaller boutique property might be
- Small fitness center
She Buys Travel Tip: Walk from the hotel down Fashion Avenue towards the Central Market for a look-see. Instead of eating at the tourist-packed restaurants inside the market, head to Langos Papi for a traditional flatbread topped with cheese, sour cream, and local sausage.
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Accommodations
The hotel has 353 guest rooms, including 39 suites and a palatial Presidential Suite. The rooms have a simple, clean aesthetic, with black and white marble bathrooms and minimalist modern decor. The star of my standard king-sized guest room was the view from the large bay window.
What’s Nearby
The hotel is situated across from the Ferris wheel in Erzsébet Park. By day, the wheel carries tourists and locals up and around for great city views. By night, the wheel is illuminated into a sparkling display.
On the other side of the hotel is Budapest’s Fashion Street, a pedestrian-friendly zone lined with souvenir shops and boutiques. A 20-minute stroll down the bustling stone street brings you to Budapest’s Central Market Hall, which is a must-visit. Though you won’t find the city’s best bites inside, it’s worth a walk-through to check out the local delicacies, including bulk spices, charcuterie, jewel-toned dried fruits, and all kinds of dairy products.
Leaving the market, cross one of the city’s several statuesque bridges to the Buda side, where you can explore the grounds of the 14th-century Buda castle and visit the National Gallery. The hillier Buda side of the city offers great vistas to take in the Danube and note the architectural differences between the two sides of the river.
Amenities
After a day of exploring, the hotel is a refuge to recharge before dinner. The on-site spa offers a comprehensive treatment list, including massages, body scrubs, and facials. Exercise facilities include a small but sufficient fitness center with cardio equipment and a heated pool. Before or after a spa service, don’t skip a relaxing visit to the Finnish saunas, steam bath, and tepidarium.
Dining
The hotel has four dining locations. ÉS Bisztró is a modern Hungarian bistro open from breakfast to dinner serving traditional fare like goulash as well as fine steaks and burgers. The only Hungarian location of Nobu is also on-site, serving the refined Japanese cuisine the international chain is known for. Blue Fox The Bar serves specialty cocktails alongside a menu of light bar bites and a selection of wine, beer, and spirits.
The Living Room is Kempinski’s take on Hungarian cafe culture. It’s a sprawling space that bleeds into the lobby on the ground floor, where guests can lounge in overstuffed armchairs and sip espresso drinks or snack on pastries and afternoon tea. Finally, ÉS Deli is a casual takeaway spot to grab breakfast, sandwiches, and to-go drinks throughout the day.
Getting There
The closest airport is the Ferenc Liszt International Airport, which is a 20- to 30-minute drive from the hotel, depending on traffic. Keleti station is an international train station with service to Germany, Austria, and other nearby countries. It’s a 10-minute ride on public transportation from the hotel.
If you’re looking for a centrally-located and well-run accommodation in Budapest, the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus is an excellent choice. What it might lack in charm or uniqueness it makes up for in cleanliness and comfort. The rooms are spacious, light-filled, and well taken care of. The staff is helpful when needed but not overly obsequious, and the location within walking distance of dozens of tourist destinations can’t be beaten.
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