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On our recent Europe trip to hit up some Christmas markets, we spent two days staying at The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest. It’s perfectly located for shopping, siteseeing, and is a short walk to the two main Christmas markets.
Anthony’s Take: The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest is an elegant option when staying in the city. Service was impeccable and the Club Lounge offered a delicious assortment of food from breakfast through evening desserts. We loved our suite and would return next time we came to Budapest.
Booking
I booked a 1 King Bed, Street View, Club Lounge Access, Deluxe Guest Room directly from Marriott.com on a “Budapest Spa & Bath Retreat” rate. It cost €394 per night, which was reasonable for what the package included and the access to the Club Lounge. The hotel can also be booked with Bonvoy points (40,000-76,000 points per night) with rates varying since Marriott eliminated its award buckets.
Transportation to/from the Hotel
We took a taxi from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) to the Ritz-Carlton. The ride took around 35 minutes to go the 21 kilometers and cost around $60. The return trip was a similar cost and time.
Location
The location of this hotel is convenient if you’re visiting any of the tourist sites (they’re either walkable or a short taxi ride away). The two main Christmas markets are within walking distance and the main shopping street is right behind the hotel.
Check-in
We arrived at the hotel around 1:45 PM and our room was not ready. We were offered a mimosa or glass of champagne while we were checked in. I asked about a suite upgrade and was told that they would try to find one. The agent went into the back and told me that they were able to give us a suite, but that like our room it would not be ready until after 3:00 PM. While we waited, we were brought to the Club Lounge for refreshments and a comfortable space to pass time until we could go to the suite. Breakfast, elite benefits, an overview of the lounge, and a brief rundown of the hotel were given. My welcome amenity was 1,000 points as well as breakfast in the lounge. Lounge access is not given here to elites and must be purchased in order to take advantage of all that it has to offer. It provides an extensive food and beverage service throughout the day and is well worth the money, in my opinion. We were asked if we needed a late checkout (we did not) and spent about 90 minutes in the lounge before our keys were brought to us in the lounge.
The agent provided me with a letter that outlined all of the benefits of the Club Lounge. Additional guests can be added for €75 per adult or €50 for children under 12 per day.
She also gave me a card that defined benefits for Titanium Elite members at the hotel. Titanium members can access the Club Lounge for a €10 discount per day.
The lobby is gorgeous with tons of seating.
The restaurant is straight ahead after entering the lobby. I love that it has a domed ceiling (like the Palace Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel or Westin Palace.
A bar was decked out for Christmas on the right side of the lobby.
The lobby is both luxe and comfortable.
Fresh flowers were the centerpiece inside the main entrance.
Doormen were on hand to open the doors, assist with luggage, and hail taxis. They were friendly and always looking to help.
The elevators are to the right of reception.
There is also a gorgeous spiral staircase here.
The rooms all line an open atrium.
The stained glass dome over the restaurant can be seen below.
The hallways on each floor were clean and fresh.
There was seating in each elevator lobby.
The blue carpet was busy yet elegant.
Family Suite, Club Lounge Access, 1 Bedroom Suite
Our suite was on the fifth floor. The Club Lounge is located on the eighth floor. The hotel has 200 rooms and suites.
A half bath is located on the left side upon entering. It has a vanity and toilet.
I always like having a half bath so when traveling with my husband he can get ready while there is still access to a bathroom and vice versa.
Straight ahead was a table with two chairs.
A welcome amenity was waiting on the table.
A cabinet that housed the mini bar and refrigerator was next to this table.
The refrigerator was pretty full (and sensored). This left little room for personal beverages.
To the left of the table was a living area with a fireplace and TV mounted above it.
The couch was across along with a coffee table.
In the corner was a chaise lounge.
The bedroom was off of the living room. It was a large space with another chaise lounge, TV, and coffee table.
Another view of the living area.
The king-sized bed was easily one of the most comfortable I have ever slept in.
The night table offered a clock and plenty of outlets.
Complimentary water was also found next to the bed.
Closets lined the left wall of the bedroom. One housed a robe and slippers.
The closet next to it held hangers as well as an iron and ironing board.
The safe was also found here.
The bathroom was a good size, but the shower was way too small. The bar protruding from the wall made it even more uncomfortable.
A standalone tub was on the right side.
There was Acqua di Parma soap found here.
More toiletries were on the vanity next to the sink.
The toilet was next to the tub.
A better look at the protruding bar. The water pressure and temperature were fine.
The vanity offered a fair amount of counter space. I would have preferred a double sink.
Club Lounge
The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest has a Club Lounge on the eighth floor. It’s open for breakfast, afternoon tea/snacks, an evening spread, and then desserts and cordials.
A desk inside the entrance was staffed with agents checking guest’s room numbers.
A conference room/private dining room is to the right.
We loved the room just outside this one and sat there during every visit. It had a cool sound system.
It was also decorated for Christmas.
We had this room to ourselves during most of our visits.
A bookcase held games and books for guests to enjoy.
To the left of this room was a larger space filled with couches and chairs.
The buffet was further to the left and it rotated depending on the service.
Snacks were being served when we first arrived. These included several types of sandwiches.
Vegetable Soup
Desserts
Those included macaron and Tiramisu
Whole fruit
Snacks lined the shelves.
There was also a good selection of soft drinks. A self-serve coffee machine was available, but the staff was so thoughtful that they ran around and made coffees for everyone. In the evening, several hot options were presented.
Gyoza (under a heat lamp, which explains the poor photo quality).
Mini Chicken and Paprika Quiches and Deep Fried Cheese with Blueberry Jam
Mixed Berry Gazpacho
There was also a good selection of salads and apps. The chicken salad was delicious.
There were also several types of bread.
Condiments, cheese, and wine.
More desserts were also brought out.
Self-serve wine and liquor were available for guests to enjoy. In the morning, breakfast was served here.
There was a cook making made-to-order eggs.
My husband had an omelette.
Hash browns, beans, and pork sausage
Veal sausage and bacon
Bread and a self-serve toaster
Fruit and cereal
Smoked fish, meat, and veggies
Cakes, muffins, and pastries
Condiments and whole fruit
Public Areas & Amenities
The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest offers lots of lobby seating, a spa with indoor pool, fitness center, Club Lounge, and the restaurant listed above.
There is a jacuzzi next to the pool.
This is found within the spa area. It’s co-located with the fitness center.
The fitness center was on the smaller side, but adequate.
It offered towels, apples, and water (on the spa desk).
Overall Impression: The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest offers a luxe and comfortable base while visiting the city. The lounge was nice and offered a wide variety of food and beverages. Service was excellent across the board with every employee giving a sense that they genuinely cared. I’d definitely return again.
Anthony’s Credit Card Pick: When I’m staying at a Marriott hotel, I want to maximize my points earned. My card of choice is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. With it, I earn six Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar spent at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. It also includes up to $300 statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month ) for dining in restaurants worldwide. Plus, a free night award that I can redeem at any Marriott hotel with a redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points. Rates & fees. Terms apply.
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