A Luxury Haven in Budapest
Find this grandiose Budapest hotel, a heady blend of Italian Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic, and Art Nouveau accents, poised on the Danube River’s east side. While its marble façade, embellished with carvings and a clock tower, hint at an allegiance to a bygone era, its 185 rooms, dramatic visions in plum and gold, are decidedly up to the moment. A massive courtyard lobby is crowned with a glass pyramid roof. And though the star attraction here remains the glamourous New York Café, where the soaring ceilings and sparkling chandeliers bring in thousands of daily visitors, hotel guests can retreat to the atmospheric spa or the Poet Bar, a century-old cocktail den that once attracted writers and journalists.
Budapest earns its moniker as the Paris of the East for good reason. Its ornate parliament buildings, 18th-century museums overlooking the Danube, the iconic Chain Bridge sparkling in the night, and bustling pedestrian streets adorned with eateries, coffee shops, and markets all contribute to the city’s charm. It’s no wonder that the Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel finds its perfect abode amidst such splendor.
In every detail, Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel captures a bygone era of its city’s past—a historic époque of opulent design and debating intellectuals. The hotel is housed in a palatial building that was built in 1894 for the New York Insurance Company. Tasked with creating a show-stopping property, Hungarian architect Alajos Hauszmann developed a visual masterpiece that blends elements of Italian Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic, and Art Nouveau architecture.
Over the years, the building has been through many iterations—including offices for many leading local newspapers—though many of its original elements have been left untouched. Before reopening under the Anantara brand in November 2021, the hotel underwent a carefully thought-out makeover. At the hands of Austrian architect Eduard Nopp and Madrid-based designers TBC Interiorismo the property now honours the building’s rich heritage while meeting the expectations of modern travellers.
Anantara added the property to its burgeoning European portfolio in 2021, introducing several trademark elements to the former Boscolo Hotel and reimagining the glamorous lobby and 185 rooms and suites. The White Salon, an elegant all-day restaurant was added along with a spa reached by a dedicated lift. It offers a sauna, steam room, 15-metre heated pool and treatments reflecting the company’s Thai roots and Budapest’s thermal bath heritage.
At the heart of the palace lies the renowned New York Café, adorned with opulent gilding and adorned with intricate frescoes—it stands as one of the most splendid dining venues in a city adorned with majestic European-style cafés. The guest rooms are spread across four floors surrounding a vast courtyard lobby, adorned with Italian marble flooring and crowned by a glass pyramid roof. Every aspect is meticulously executed, with an exhaustive attention to detail.
THE ROOMS
In most of the standard rooms, guests can enjoy views of the cityscape. While the decor is more understated compared to that of the New York Café or lobby, it still exudes luxurious elements that evoke the history and opulence of the palace. Designed by architect Maurizio Papiri, the spacious suites and exclusive rooms offer the refined elegance reminiscent of a private Italian country estate, complete with marble bathrooms, tufted headboards, and satin walls.
The Executive Suites, spanning a more modest 915 square feet, feature plush wingback chairs with gilded armrests, satin curtains, and the same Murano chandeliers and candelabras found in the lobby and café. A standout feature of the rooms is the Italian handcrafted rose marble adorning the bathrooms. Equipped with separate showers and soaking tubs, these bathrooms beckon guests to indulge in relaxation.
Imported furniture makes a striking statement, yet the simple design maintains a sense of cleanliness. Enhanced by floor-to-ceiling windows in nearly every room, the focal point isn’t merely the furniture or the chic Italian accessories; it’s the breathtaking views of Budapest that leave the most lasting impression.
CULINARY PARADISE
At Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel, the worlds of gastronomy and high society meet. Explore the subtleties of modern Hungarian cuisine with Executive Chef Andras Wolf and Chef Zoltán Szücs. Stop by the world-famous New York Café for 24-carat-gold coffee and Valrhona chocolate desserts in one of the most beautiful settings in the world.
Guests can start the day with a buffet breakfast featuring a selection of breads, pastries, cold cuts, cheeses and eggs any style, served in the Deep Water Breakfast Room. The Poet Bar serves signature cocktails and a range of other drinks and snacks in a charming setting. White Salon Brasserie offers some of the best casual dining cuisine in Budapest.
THE ICONIC NEW YORK CAFÉ IN BUDAPEST
The New York Café boasts a fascinating history that it continues to honor. Since the early 20th century, it has served as a prominent gathering spot for Budapest’s literary and artistic luminaries. Legend has it that the esteemed writer Ferenc Molnár attempted to keep the café open 24/7 by tossing its keys into the Danube River.
The café draws an astonishing number of up to 2,600 visitors daily, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere. Often, live music performances, ranging from folk bands to pianists, provide a melodic backdrop. Non-hotel guests frequently line up for entry (online booking is available only on weekdays), while tourists can be spotted capturing selfies and marveling at the ceiling frescoes, ornate stucco details, and Venetian chandeliers. Keep an eye out for the Statue of Liberty subtly integrated into one of the frescoes, a clever nod to the hotel’s New York-inspired name.
THE SPA
Tucked into the hotel’s basement is the oasis-like Anantara Spa, which sports a simpler, far calmer aesthetic than the rest of the property without being any less grand. One of the most sought-after experiences at the hotel is the Organic Spa Journeys, which combine a refreshing blend of essential oils, fragrances, and rejuvenating techniques from around the world. Indulge in the Hungarian-and-Turkish-inspired Ancient Conquerors treatment, featuring an exhilarating beer scrub, an invigorating back massage, and a rejuvenating facial.
For a more exotic experience, opt for the Kanaloa (God of the Sea) journey, which incorporates Hawaiian products and techniques, such as an oil and salt flower scrub and a lomi lomi nui massage.
The communal areas, including the expertly designed relaxation pool, are adorned with reflective prisms and Swarovski crystals, offering cascading waterfalls and refreshing rain showers. In addition to the spacious pool, guests can enjoy a cleansing sauna, fragrant steam rooms, and a cozy Turkish bath.
To balance out the hearty cuisine served in the café and restaurant, the Anantara New York Palace provides a small 24-hour gym. It’s perfect for those seeking a quick workout session or a brief run or cycle.
