Budapest legends. Famous hotels glorified by history or celebrities

St.George Residence It will not be a mistake to call St.George Residence a hotel museum. This residence is a member of the Historic Hotels of Europe Association. The building of the hotel was constructed 700 years ago. Later it was rebuilt many times and then finally opened under the name Fortuna Inn at the end of the 17th century. A hundred years later, in 1785, the city’s authorities decided to reconstruct the building, so the façade of the hotel was made in the Baroque style that was trendy during that time. The façade hasn’t been ever changed since then. During the wars with Napoleon, the Fortuna Inn hotel was the center of life for the high society. During the latest renovation, the hotel’s original frescos and fretwork were carefully restored, as well as the genuine glazed tile stoves, original décor of the bar and restaurant. A giant, over a century old chestnut tree and vine climbing up the façade are also carefully preserved.

Danubius Hotel Gellert A beautiful, respectable and trustworthy hotel, Danubius Hotel Gellert was open in September 1918. The hotel is combined with the internationally famous bathhouse that is named after Saint Gellert. The hotel is built near the thermal spring that has been known for more than 2000 years. The beautiful design of rooms is perfect for relaxation in peace and harmony after the healing treatments. Guests of the hotel can enter the baths for free. The Panorama restaurant is another advantage of this tremendous hotel. From April till November, a gipsy orchestra performs at the restaurant, entertaining its guests on evenings. Subtle flower fragrance and refreshing wind from the Danube only make it even more pleasant for travelers to stay at this wonderful historic hotel in Budapest. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Four Seasons Gresham Palace The history of Four Seasons Gresham Palace starts in the beginning of the 20th century. The British businessman, Sir Gresham, built a house for an insurance company, and even at that time the building attracted and charmed residents of Budapest with its unparalleled beauty – towers with steeples, tall columns, bay windows and high arcs. Sometime after its opening, foreign ambassadors, local noblemen, and even internationally famous people chose to stay there. After the last war, the building looked quite pitiful. Architects and designers, who were involved in the restoration of the hotel, worked carefully in order to keep the unique Hungarian majolica, ceiling fretwork, and wall décor. The fantastic result of their work can be now seen at the modern Four Seasons.

Le Meridien Budapest The next hotel, Le Meridien Budapest , was built as Adria Palace for an Italian company in 1914. The original architectural plan of the building included both living quarters and office space. The ground floor was the location of premium shops. During the war, Adria Palace was severely damaged after the bombing. For a long time, until 1997, the building was used as a city police office, and only in 2000, after an extensive renovation, the luxurious Le Meridien Budapest was open there.