budapest

The Danube Express, Europe's Newest Luxury Train

The Danube Express (above), billed as the "first five-star hotel on wheels to be launched in central Europe for almost 30 years," just completed its maiden voyage from Budapest to Berlin. The Express' classic train cars were retrofitted with hand-built wood-paneled sleeping compartments with en suite baths at a cost of $200,000 apiece, the London Times reports. There's also a VIP compartment with velvet and copper accents that was formerly the private quarters of Hungary's last Communist president, which costs $5,000 for the journey. Other destinations including Prague, Vienna and Istanbul will be added soon.

Tags: Berlin, Budapest, Danube Express, DanubeExpress, Europe, Hungary, Luxury travel, LuxuryTravel, Train

Hotels That Float

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Botels -- also known as boat hotels -- are a unique way to stay waterside without the port-to-port stops of a cruise. Sure, the accommodations include a rocking-to-sleep sensation and the sound of lapping water but if you really wanted these features wouldn't you look for a full-service cruise instead? I'm not exactly sure what the big perks are for those that choose to stay at these botels but I included a myriad of pictures so you can come to your own conclusion. Whether you're stopping through Stockholm, Budapest or Prague these botels would certainly not be your run-of-the-mill lodging option.

Gallery: Botel Accommodations

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Tags: boat-hotel, botel, Botel-Ristorante-Matylda, Budapest, Fortuna-Botel-Budapest, LogInn Hotel Stockholm, LoginnHotelStockholm, Prague, Stockholm, Sweden

Lancid 19, Budapests's New Boutique Hotel

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Lánchíd 19, Budapest's sexy new boutique hotel is now open. The hotel, which is the first Hungarian member of design hotels features the work of Hungarian architects and designers. The hotel's facade, created by Nextlab, is a changing glass artwork which provides pictures at night which shine out over the Danube riverbank. The movement of the glass lamellas are painted with tiny graphics to follow the flow speed of the Danube. During construction the medieval walls and remains of a water-tower were excavated and the archaeological remains are visible from the lobby through glass flooring. Each of the 45 rooms and 3 suites have an individual look and all have views of the Buda Royal Castle. More information on the process of creating the hotel can be found on their blog.

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Tags: budapest, design hotels, DesignHotels, hotel, hungary, lancid 19, Lancid19, travel, vacation

New York Palace in Budapest

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

The New York Palace Hotel in Budapest opened this week after undergoing an €80 million renovation that not only updated the interior, but built on an entirely new wing. The hotel was originally an office building, built in 1894 for a New York insurance company. It was purchased from the Hungarian government in 2001 by Boscolo Hotels for only €8 million. The redesigned luxury hotel is extremely elegant, with a glassed-over courtyard and walkways full of gilt and marble. According to Boscolo, all of the textiles and furnishings come from Italy. The Hotel's New York Cafe has reopened as well, offering guests a taste of history, as it was a famously popular meeting place for artists and writers before World War II. Rooms start at €290 and the two royal suites start at €2,500 per night.

The addition of the new wing, which is still not entirely complete, will bring the total number of rooms up to 180 from the current 107, as well as adding conference facilities and a parking garage.

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Tags: boscolo, budapest, five star, hotel, hungary, italy, luxury, luxury hotel, new york cafe, new york palace

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Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace in Budapest

by Matthew Collins (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

If Paris seems too blase for your Valentine's Day, why not trade red roses for a blue Danube. Last year, Four Seasons opened its hotel in a grand art nouveau style building at the end of the famous chain bridge. Hopefully, this hotel is going to set the standard for new Four Season properties. A historic building that underwent a multi-million dollar restoration, the hotel manages to preserve the awesome beauty of the structure while swathing it in complete luxury. Inside, a glass atrium covers a marble mosaic floor and brings a great deal of light to the lobby. The rooms are smart and modern with river views and luxurious baths.

A romance package features a bottle of sparkling wine, chocolate covered strawberries, and flowers in your room. Dinner at the hotel's restaurant, Pava, and daily breakfast is also included. All of this and a view that can't be beat, the best location in all of Budapest, and Four Seasons service, what more could you want? This hotel has received rave reviews from many travel publications and is a steal compared to most other Four Season locations. Prices begin at 280 Euros a night. Wow a bargain!

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Tags: Budapest, Four Seasons, FourSeasons, Valentinesday