Best Views in Budapest

The Magyar people of Hungary, ethnically different from the Slav and Germanic peoples, managed to preserve their identity following the Soviet crushing of the 1956 uprising and 40 years of Communist rule. It was indeed Hungary that first opened a border to the West in September 1989 (with its former partner Austria), allowing East Germans to flee to the West and increasing the pressure on the Communist regimes. Twenty years ago, following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the ‘Tearing down of the Iron Curtain’, Hungary finally became free of centuries of rule by the Austrians, Ottomans and Soviets.

It takes longer to change the infrastructure, attitudes and way of life than it takes to change government and Budapest twenty years on still presents a fascinating contrast of East and West. The castle area of Buda contains unspoilt town houses and bastions, the Mathias coronation church, Royal Palace complex and Hungarian National Gallery whilst Pest presents the Parliament, Basilica and even a museum of former Communist statues. This arrangement features two contrasting hotels both with fine views of the Danube. The Gellert is Budapest’s Grand Hotel in the classical tradition and has survived the changing political climate. A planned closure for transformation into a more 21st-century hotel has been delayed, so original rooms have become available at a reduced tariff for those happy to experience a Grand Hotel in the old style: an imposing façade and entrance hall with mosaics and stained-glass windows, intricate balustraded balconies decorated with bird and lyre motifs and the main staircase with its beautiful stained glass windows by Bozo depicting a Hungarian folk-story. The famous baths provide three plunge pools at different temperatures, two baths, sauna and steam bath and the outdoor pool still has an original ‘wave-machine’!

The InteContinental, recently refurbished, offers modern comfort in an ideal location and was voted the ’Best View’ in Budapest.