Aria Hotel Budapest: The perfect luxe weekend getaway

Any hotel that remembers my name earns a star in my book. And judging from that standard, Aria Hotel Budapest gets a gold star! The lobby staff, some of which I hadn’t even met before, welcomed me with a smiling: “Good afternoon, miss Risager”.

I spent a weekend at Aria Hotel Budapest, which is located right next to St. Stephens Basilica in vibrant Budapest. The hotel honestly couldn’t have picked a better location, because it’s super central and convenient, and also right across from the best ice cream shop in Hungary (check out my post with things to do in Budapest, and you’ll see what I mean).

Here’s a review of my stay at Aria Hotel Budapest

My room at Aria Hotel Budapest

After checking in, I was shown to my room in the Jazz wing. The hotel has four wings, each with a music theme: The Classical Wing, the Jazz Wing, the Opera Wing and the Contemporary Wing.

My 325 square feet room had a King Sized bed, a flat screen, a marble bistro table and chairs, as well as a writing-table. I also had a private open air balcony with view overlooking the beautiful Music Garden Courtyard.

Read next: 17 amazing things to do in Budapest

The bathroom had a separate tub and shower, as well as a bidet toilet and heated towel racks. I never use the tubs when I travel, but I do appreciate them as long as there’s a shower, too.

High Note Sky Bar

The top location at Aria Hotel is the super classy High Note Sky bar. It’s located on the roof top with an excellent view of St. Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest and the sunset! Imagine lounching in that yellow couch with a good book and a cocktail. Yes, please!

Harmony Spa

For a bit of wellness and relaxation, Aria Hotel Budapest has the perfect place: The Harmony Spa. This splendid spa has a heated indoor swimming pool and aromatic steam room, a Turkish Bath, Swedish Sauna and a gym.

A Music-Inspired Hotel

Every room in Aria Hotel Budapest is stunning, but the most impressive room is the lobby. Walking through the entrance lobby of Aria Hotel feels as though stepping into a concert hall with its elegant architecture, music details and rich decor.

The hotel is designed by designer Zoltan Varro’s whose vision was to recreate the rich, lavish atmosphere of a historic Hungarian palace while also embracing visitors in the warmth and comfort of a private residence.

The ground floor has another classy room by the name of Satchmo’s Library. The library is named in honor of the legendary trumpeter, and it’s a great place for relaxing, reading or working. While I spent some time with my Mac there, the staff brought me complimentary wine and fruits. Really, the service is amazing!

Another impressive room at Aria Hotel is the bistro-style Stradivari restaurant, inspired by the exquisite quality of the world-renowned violin. The restaurant is a perfect for a romantic dinner, but also for luxe breakfast, which I enjoyed every morning.

Next to the Stradivari restaurant is the cool Satchmo’s Bar and Lounge. I didn’t properly visit, but I would have loved to spend wine o’clock there.

Complimentary at Aria Hotel – Afternoon Delight

Aria Hotel Budapest has a very popular concept (in my book at least). It’s called Afternoon Delight and is basically a complimentary afternoon wine and cheese reception. Aside from a selection of Hungarian red, white, rose and sparkling wines, the hotel’s selection of hors d’oeuvres include cheese, nuts, dried fruits and grapes. Needless to say, I spent my afternoons here.

Final thoughts on Aria Hotel

I absolutely loved it!

I’ve been to many luxurious and welcoming hotels, but this one had it all. Often in a 5-star hotel it can become snobbish or impersonal, but that couldn’t be further from the truth at Aria Hotel.

I felt truly welcome and taken care of, and even before I arrived the concierge emailed to welcome me and make sure I had transportation from the train station. The staff knew my name and went beyond what you’d normally expect from a hotel to always make sure I felt comfortable. I absolutely recommend Aria Hotel Budapest and I would definitely return!

A thousand thanks to Aria Hotel Budapest for hosting me and making me feel at home in Budapest. I was a guest, but all opinions are my own as always.

Before you go – read more from Budapest

• 17 brilliant and unique things to do in Budapest
• You just have to try this amazing food in Budapest
• An appetising Budapest food tour with Taste Hungary

Is Aria Hotel Budapest gorgeous or what?

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