Budapest is a charming city to explore for a long weekend, and the most lovely place to celebrate an anniversary. Unbeknown to us, Budapest is in fact split into two main regions divided by the river – Buda and Pest. The Corinthia Hotel is an iconic luxury hotel on the fringe of the Jewish quarter in Pest, and a short walk to the River Danube.
Celebrating 120 years, the hotel has a beautiful history. It exudes grandeur from the moment you walk in. Service is swift and attentive. The series of stylish covered atriums make it light and airy. The sound of a pianist frequently echoes through the atriums, and once week comes an artist to paint indulgently with chocolate. The Royal Spa has been restored to its former glory and one can just imagine how beautiful the traditional baths were. It can get quite busy as guests wonder through the assortment of saunas, steam rooms and Jacuzzis.
The Executive rooms at The Corinthia are sophisticated and stylish. The rooms are plush with Mahogney furniture and marble bathrooms and are extremely comfortable. Overlooking the internal atriums the rooms remain quiet and relaxing. The ESPA toiletries of bergamot, jasmine and a hint of cedarwood are luxurious and beautifully scented.
Travel is the best way to celebrate a special occasions and celebrating an anniversary at The Corinthia Hotel is truly memorable. With a bottle of champagne and sweet treats of macarons, truffles and chocolate dipped strawberries one can’t help feeling rather spoilt.
A celebratory anniversary meal at The Brasserie and Atrium is a pleasure. Beneath the elegant glass roofed atrium, it offers fine Hungarian dining, with superb food and remarkable service. The drinks trolley is wheeled out by somelier with recommendations of local wine pairings from a vast selection including the aromatic raspberry wine.
Freshly made warm bread is elevated when it is served with a beautifully peaked, whipped butter and sun dried tomato spread.
The amuse-bouche of duck filled tortellini with a jus, was a lovely tender mouthful of subtle Asian flavours.
The hearty Traditional Hungarian beef goulash soup ladled from a small cauldron was delicious. Studded with carrots and potato and local paprika. The paprika in understandably locally sourced with a distinct redness, flavour and aroma and widely used in Hungarian cuisine.
The scallops with diced pineapple and polenta were as pleasing to the eye as the palate.
The paprika chicken was tender and succulent, served with a tomato based paprika sauce with warm spinach pancakes stuffed with chilled cucumber. The combination was slightly unusual but a novel take on a traditional Hungarian dish.
The salmon was elegantly served as a spiralled roulade, served on a bed of bok choi, cherry tomato and sweetcorn veloute.
The portions are generous but desserts are really not to be missed at The Brasserie & Atrium. The signature dessert of warmed layered wheels of apple, with little valleys of chocolate sauce, stacked between the crispy pastry with a drizzle of creme angalise was a delight.
The chocolate mousse slice, with a mirror glaze, served with a salted caramel is heavenly. Decadent and rich, it’s served with reassuringly crunchy hazelnuts.
The ambience and cuisine at the Brasserie and Atrium is perfect for a romantic celebration or even perfect for a larger birthday celebration. The menu is extensive with meats from the lava stone with accompanying sauces and sides.
The Corinithia Hotel maintains it’s prestige over the last century and celebrates Hungarian hospitality at its finest. The ballrooms are grand and fit for a lavish wedding. With modern meeting rooms, The Corinthia is the perfect venue for corporate event too.
Corinthia Hotel Budapest, Erzsébet körút 43-49, Budapest H-1073, Hungary
