november-2012

four seasons
When I first visited Budapest nearly
20 years ago, the Gresham Palace was
gresham palace
a sorry affair – dank, decaying with
Széchenyi István tér 5-6,
holes in the roof and trees growing out
1051, Budapest
of the walls. Despite its impoverished
+36 (1) 268 6000
circumstances, it was an undeniably
fourseasons.com
handsome, elegant building, still
dignified but quietly desperate for
words jane wright
the restoration it so richly deserved.
Thankfully, along came the Four Seasons with a team of expert
and visionary artisans who lovingly returned it to the glorious art
nouveau splendour it is today, its gleaming pale stone, fairytale
curved turrets and intricate gold inlaid mosaics all testament to
the architectural craftmanship of the early 20th century.
Sitting on the Pest side of the city directly opposite the famous
Chain Bridge with views over Castle Hill, the Gresham Palace
commands one of the key positions on the Danube, so request a
room with one of the most romantic river views in Europe. This is
a hotel of simple understated elegance, each room beautifully
appointed and spacious, with ornate two-toned maroon and
white marble bathrooms and deliciously comfortable beds.
The centre-piece lobby draws the eye upward to a magnificent
glass cupola and everywhere is evidence of stained glass and
ceramic art nouveau detail, whether you are taking afternoon tea
in the Kafehaz or climbing the wide stone staircases. Dinner in
the Pava Restaurant is a grand affair, offering a degustation menu
accompanied by excellent Hungarian wines for a reasonable
HUF15,000 (€53). Danube River rooms from €435 per night.
FLY TO budapest five times daily. brusselsairlines.com
MTE ETON EES
MEANA SENN RONORA MM
ATER RESSTANT U TO M EET
SARE RSTA
MONTRES VENUS S.A.
A RUE E A RO OR ENVESUSSE
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