Review: Is Palazzo Zichy one of the best hotels in Budapest?

Budapest, “the Paris of the East” is a city that must be savoured with all senses. The striking beauty of the capital city of Hungary is half God-given and half enhanced by the humankind. A treasure trove for architecture lovers – baroque, neoclassical, Eclectic and art nouveau buildings.

The city is so beautifully restored it feels like you are walking through its “golden age”. No wonder in 1987 it got entry into the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List for cultural and architecture.

And, it’s not just the architecture, history and scenic beauty that makes Budapest the darling of visitors. It has a youthful vibe, pulsating nightlife, and a top-notch classical music scene. And, who could forget it’s natural thermal baths and mouth-watering Hungarian cuisine, which is much more than goulash. There’s a lot to be explored in this city dissected by the Danube.

Things to do in Budapest, Hungary: Visit the Parliament

However, a wrong choice of an accommodation can completely ruin your experience. The four-star Hotel Palazzo Zichy is a consistent favourite among people looking for refined taste at an affordable price. Here is my personal experience of staying at this classy property that makes it one of the best hotels in Budapest.

WHY choose Hotel Palazzo Zichy?

Central Location

This is the most critical part of my holiday planning. Located in the heart of downtown, in Palace quarter of Budapest, it is right behind the National Musem. My favourite way to explore a city by walking and Palazzo Zichy fit the bill perfectly. It is five-minute away from the Hungarian National Museum, 8-minutes from the pedestrian area, just one block from the Grand Boulevard and 15-minutes away from Váci utca and the Parliament building. While there are a lot of eating options within the hotel, there is also a convenient cluster of good café-bars a little way along Mária utca. Tram and bus stations are just around the corner. Taxis are available 24×7.

Style and Character

Hotel Palazzo Zichy Entrance Facade, Budapest, Hungary

If you are staying in a city renowned for its nineteenth-century architecture, how can your accommodation be left behind? Hotel Palazzo Zichy was once an elegant palace (which it still is) built in 1899 by Count Nándor Zichy, a nobleman. As you walk in, you come across the high windows of the palace façade embellished with carvings of seashells and garlands and other Rococo details.

Hotel Palazzo Zichy Reception, Budapest, Hungary

Once you are Inside, you’ll be surprised to find how the overall thrust of the design is slick and modern. Seems like the modern architect time travelled to the 20th century to marry the two eras. The striking feature for me was the lobby – once the inner courtyard – a striking combination of highly polished black floor and glass pyramid roof. The hotel still retains its original gems like the surrounding walls, the chandelier at the entrance and the ornate black balustrade running up the staircase.

Hotel Palazzo Zichy Staircase, Budapest, Hungary

Impressive Breakfast Buffet

Buffet breakfast at Hotel Palazzo Zichy, Budapest, Hungary

Breakfast decides the mood and pace of my day. A good breakfast means a good day. And, Hotel Palazzo Zichy knows exactly how to delight its customers. A full buffet breakfast is served in the glass-roofed restaurant daily. There are separate counters for all kinds of foods – hot dishes, cold cuts, cheese plates, salmon, grilled and fresh veggies, selection of cut and whole fruit, locally baked bakery products, gluten-free items and a lot more.

And guess what? You can order a Sparkling Wine or a cocktail too. Now isn’t that starting your day on a high, literally and figuratively.

WHAT do you get?

Rooms

Hotel Palazzo Zichy Room, Budapest, Hungary

All 80 rooms are well furnished. While the hotel has classy appeal, it is backed up with all modern technologies to make sure guests have a pleasant stay. It was a perfect combination of class and avant-gardism, with grey laminate flooring, silver fleur-de-lis motifs on the wallpaper and frosted glass bathroom doors adorned with images of architectural details from the palace. In my bedroom, I had a desk and chair, TV with DVD player, safe and mini-bar, while bathrooms were well stocked with toiletries.

Superior Bedroom of Hotel Palazzo Zichy, Budapest, Hungary

Facilities

Hotel Palazzo Zichy is a charming place where history meets present. While there is no in-house restaurant, the Hotel more than provides more than what its customers need – a lavish breakfast buffet, complimentary coffee/tea and the most unique offering – unlimited access to Sauna. Now isn’t that a great offering to qualify it as one of the best hotels in Budapest?

Wellness area Hotel Palazzo Zichy, Budapest, Hungary

Here is a list of things you get:

Complimentary

• Lavish buffet breakfast
• High-speed Wi-Fi Internet
• Coffee, tea and mineral water until 5 p.m. in the lobby lounge
• Guest Office
• In-room Blu-ray player with smart functions
• Free unlimited access to the Sauna
• Multilingual 24-hour concierge

Other Amenities

• Bar
• Fitness centre
• Laundry
• Parking
• Room service
• Guest office

Staff

Staff at Hotel Palazzo Zichy is the reason why it is among the best hotels in Budapest

The staff at Boutique Hotel Seven Days was very courteous and prompt to answer my queries. Right from the booking inquiry until I checked out, they ensured I was well taken care of. They even emailed me to check if I had a comfortable stay or not.

Value for money

Big cities mean big expenses. And, Budapest can really burn a big hole in your pocket, if not planned well. Thankfully there are hotels like Palazzo Zichy that keep the cost in check. The Superior rooms start from €90 (£64) and Junior suites from €120 (£85), including breakfast.

HOW to book?

It’s advisable to booking directly on the hotel website https://www.hotel-palazzo-zichy.hu/ as you get these benefits:

• No service fees, no cancellation fees.
• 24-hours customer service. Open for requests also for the closed dates.
• No handling fees and direct payment in the hotel.

You can also book through third-party websites like tripadvisor.com or booking.com

Their contact details are:

Address:  Lőrinc pap tér 2., Budapest, 1088, Hungary

Phone: +36 1 235 4000

Email: info@hpz.hu

So, this was my take on why Hotel Palazzo Zichy one of the best hotels in Budapest and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for classy experience at value for money price.

Have you ever stayed at any such place? If yes, I would love to hear from you.

Inspired? Pin these to your Pinterest boards

Disclaimer

I was hosted by Hotel Palazzo Zichy in October 2017. However, as always, the views are mine and based on my personal experience. The pictures are either taken by me or provided by the hotel.