I arrived to Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel in the evening for my three-night stay. The historic building, former European headquarters for New York Life Insurance Company, is as striking from the outside as it is inside.

The property boasts 185 guestrooms and suites across six floors; the iconic New York Café; a recently renovated spa; and a new bar, The Poet Bar. During my stay, I took advantage of the property’s restaurant, bar, spa and off-site bespoke experiences.

© Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas

On the first night of my visit, we enjoyed a leisurely dinner at a private space in New York Café. The three-course meal with wine pairings featured Hungarian classics. I opted for a beetroot gazpacho with burrata and horseradish, Mangalica pork with vegetables and Esterházy cake for dessert. The soup was a highlight in flavor and presentation; it arrived in a beautiful, ceramic, egg-shaped bowl. I dined on site for breakfast each morning of my stay, indulging in the classically European buffet spread.

© Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas

I enjoyed time in the lobby outside The Poet Bar each evening, watching the hotel’s sundown service. A band played traditional Hungarian music while a bartender prepared small drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, for guests. The Poet Bar is a perfect spot for a pre-dinner cocktail or nightcap.

My group and I enjoyed unique programming, bookable directly through the hotel. We took a guided tour of the city in a vintage Volkswagen SAMBA bus. We explored the Buda and Pest sides of the city, drawing looks from passersby as we rode by in the eye-catching vehicle. On another morning, we made our way out of the city to the nearby village of Tard to learn about Matyó culture, including an embroidery lesson and lunch of homemade goulash. On the last night of my stay, we took part in a private Spice Spoons cooking class where we learned how to make traditional Hungarian dishes.

Many of Budapest’s popular attractions are within walking distance or a short car ride. Though the property offers so many incredible amenities and personal touches, you can have a traditional Hungarian experience without stepping foot outside.

© Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas

While I wasn’t ready to return home, the property’s proximity to the airport made for a swift transfer for my early-morning flight. A stay at Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel is a must during your visit to Budapest.

Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel

Erzsébet krt. 9/11, 1073
Budapest, Hungary
tel 36 1 886 6111