DISCLOSURE: We were paying guests at this property. All views, opinions and photos unless otherwise stated are our own and remain copyrighted to Suitcase Escapes. Learn more.
If Budapest is the “Paris of the East,” then Anantara New York Palace is its most regal address — a place that made us feel like royalty from the moment we arrived.
By Day 23 of our 5‑week Central Europe & Beyond Road Trip, indulgence felt less like a treat and more like a necessity. After weeks of driving through medieval towns, lakeside villages and castle‑topped hills, we rolled into Budapest from an overnighter in Pécs, feeling exhilarated, enchanted and just a little worn out. The city felt like the grand finale — and Anantara New York Palace was the overture.
Inside, chandeliers glittered above marble staircases, velvet armchairs whispered “stay a little longer,” and gold‑leaf ceilings floated over the world’s most decadent café. It felt less like checking into a hotel and more like stepping onto the set of a 19th‑century opera — only with better lighting, sublime wines and valet staff who manage arrivals with the kind of precision that could fix half the world’s problems.
Within minutes, we were swept into a high tea fit for minor royalty: champagne, Hungarian wines, and a string trio performing with Bridgerton‑level drama. It was the kind of welcome that makes you forget you’re under‑dressed and travel‑weary.
This review highlights our 3‑night stay at Anantara New York Palace Budapest — from terrace mornings and marble bathrooms to fresco‑lit breakfasts, spa downtime, and the slow‑travel magic that made this hotel a unique destination.
Why We Chose Anantara New York Palace Budapest
Budapest was our slow‑travel pause. This hotel gave us a chance to breathe, indulge, and celebrate my belated 60th birthday in a place that felt worthy of the milestone. Anantara New York Palace had been shimmering on my bucket list for years. Its Instagrammable Belle Époque architecture, legendary café, and reputation for service made it the perfect choice for travellers who appreciate culture, comfort, and theatrical grandeur.
Pack your suitcases and escape with us!
History of the New York Palace & Anantara’s Restoration
The Anantara New York Palace Budapest isn’t just a luxury hotel — it’s a chapter of Budapest’s cultural story.
Built in 1894 as the European headquarters of the New York Life Insurance Company, the palace was designed by famed architect Alajos Hauszmann, with Flóris Korb and Kálmán Giergl contributing to its elaborate Renaissance‑Baroque‑Art Nouveau blend. The goal? To create a building so magnificent that it would announce the company’s arrival in Europe with unapologetic grandeur.
The ground‑floor New York Café quickly became the beating heart of Budapest’s literary scene. Writers, poets, journalists, and political thinkers gathered beneath frescoes and chandeliers to debate, scribble, and caffeinate. One legend claims the café’s keys were thrown into the Danube so it could never close — a testament to its cultural importance.
War and communism brought hardship. The building was damaged during WWII, nationalised, and renamed Hungaria Café in 1954. Sculptors carved replacement allegorical figures in 1957 to restore war‑damaged originals.
After the fall of communism, the café reclaimed its historic name. In 2001, Boscolo Hotels purchased the palace and funded a meticulous restoration, reopening it in 2006 as a luxury hotel. Ownership later passed through The Dedica Anthology and Covivio before Minor Hotels rebranded it as Anantara New York Palace Budapest in 2021.
RAE’S FUN FACTSDid You Know This About the Anantara?
- Writers loved the New York Café so much that they supposedly tossed its keys into the Danube to stop its nightly closure.
- The palace’s original allegorical statues were damaged during WWII and replaced in 1957 by sculptors.
- The café was renamed Hungaria Café during the communist era — its original name returned only after 1989.
- The building’s façade blends Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau influences, making it one of Budapest’s most architecturally eclectic landmarks.
- When Boscolo restored the palace in the early 2000s, artisans spent years recreating frescoes using traditional techniques.
Today, the palace stands as one of Europe’s most spectacular Belle Époque interiors — a place where history, architecture, and luxury intertwine.
Our Arrival at Anantara New York Palace Budapest
We arrived in Budapest after a leisurely two‑plus‑hour drive from Pécs, our leased Renault humming along the motorway as Day 23 of our 5‑week Central Europe & Beyond Road Trip unfolded. By midday we were pulling up to the Anantara New York Palace, too early for check‑in but perfectly timed for a first wander through Pest.
Outside, Erzsébet körút buzzed with trams, cyclists, and café chatter — that unmistakable Budapest blend of history and everyday life. Inside, the shift was instant: marble floors gleamed, chandeliers glowed like they had secrets to tell, and the Atrium lobby wrapped us in Belle Époque grandeur.
The hotel valet appeared with effortless timing that makes you feel looked after before you’ve even handed over your keys. He whisked our car away to the hotel’s secure on‑site garage, where it would rest for the next three days while we explored the city at a slower, more satisfying pace.
High Tea at the New York Café (Hotel Guest Experience)
Before we could even say “check‑in please,” the receptionist asked if we’d like to join the hotel’s high tea — she’d check if the kitchen could squeeze in “two hungry souls.” Minutes later, they whisked us away, under‑dressed but over‑delighted.
Champagne. Hungarian wines. Tea with a degree. A string trio serenading us like we were auditioning for Bridgerton Season 4. Mark, our waiter, poured drinks and childhood tales with equal charm.
Room Delay and VIP Guest Treatment
By 4:30 PM, our room still wasn’t ready — normally a minor inconvenience, except we had a Danube Candlelit Dinner Cruise booked directly with Legenda City Cruise for a 6 PM arrival and 7 PM departure. The Front‑End Manager swooped in, rallied housekeeping, and arranged a complimentary chauffeur to the dock. Crisis dissolved. Service redeemed.
Anantara New York Palace Guest Room Review
Room Layout and Interior Design
Our Grand Premium Room with Terrace opened into a warm palette of beige and dark‑flecked marble, amber accents, and soft, flattering lighting. At 55 sqm (592 sqft), the floor space felt wonderfully generous — the kind of room where you could easily swing a cat, though we settled for swinging our backpacks instead. The terrace doors flooded the space with natural light, giving the room a gentle glow from sunrise to late afternoon. Budapest hummed quietly below, but inside it felt calm, cocooned, and unmistakably luxurious.
The layout was intuitive, thoughtfully arranged for travellers who appreciate both comfort and practicality. We had:
- An indoor and outdoor seating area perfect for morning coffee or late‑night wine
- A desk for travel planning, journaling, or reorganising our ever‑expanding collection of tickets and maps
- A minibar stocked with treats and tipples
- A bathroom‑shower ensuite with all the right pampering amenities
Everything felt refined without ever tipping into fussiness — elegant, functional, and designed for slow‑travel ease.
Bed Comfort and Sleep Quality
The king‑size bed was plush, with two pillows per person. John requested firmer pillows, which arrived after a few reminder calls. Once sorted, sleep was deep and comfortable. The mattress supported without swallowing you. Temperature control was easy and responsive.
Night noise was minimal. Budapest’s energy stayed outside.
Marble Bathroom Features
Marble surfaces wrapped the bathroom in a warm, elegant glow, and the water pressure was excellent — the kind that wakes you gently rather than blasts you into next week. The water temperature held steady, which we appreciated after weeks of unpredictable hotel showers across Central Europe. Aqua di Parma amenities added a refined touch, their citrusy scent lingering long after we’d stepped out.
The shower‑over‑bath combination was spacious, but John found getting in and out a little cumbersome thanks to his dodgy hip. Thankfully, housekeeping had already anticipated mobility quirks: a sturdy stepping stool sat discreetly beside the tub, turning what could have been an awkward manoeuvre into a non‑issue. Problem solved.
Lighting was bright enough for makeup, shaving, and the occasional “Do I look tired or is this just the humidity?” check. The layout was easy to navigate, with thoughtful grip points that older travellers — or anyone with creaky joints — would appreciate.
Monogrammed, generous‑sized robes hung invitingly from the door, the kind that feel like a warm, fluffy hug after a long day of sightseeing. A set of weighing scales lurked under the vanity, which we avoided with Olympic‑level determination after weeks of indulging in Central European cuisine. For the health‑conscious, though, they’re right there if you dare.
Storage, Outlets and Practical Details
There was plenty of wardrobe space. It almost convinced us to unpack properly after five weeks of packing‑cube living. The minibar was stocked like a tiny treasure chest. It held sweet and savoury treats, non‑alcoholic drinks, and a lineup of Hungarian and international spirits.
We spotted a Kucs Gyula Cabernet Sauvignon (2021). There were also beers, champagne, and pint‑sized bottles of Jägermeister, Diplomático, and Mozart Chocolate Cream. Each one felt perfect for a cheeky aperitif or a late‑night terrace toast.
Anantara’s minibar menu was extensive… and priced accordingly. Thankfully, complimentary bottles of fresh water sat bedside, a thoughtful touch after long days exploring Pest on foot.
Eco‑friendly espresso capsules waited near the coffee machine, ideal for a quick morning caffeine fix before breakfast beneath frescoes. Charging points were well placed, lighting was soft but functional, and suitcase storage was generous.
Although, in truth, the generous 55 sqm (592 sqft) floor space meant I reverted to my usual travel habit: splaying my suitcase open across the carpet like a personal boutique, rummaging through neatly organised packing cubes with the satisfaction of someone who has perfected the art of road‑trip organisation.
Private Terrace Experience
Our private terrace overlooked Budapest’s rooftops, with teasing glimpses of landmarks peeking between chimneys and spires. It became our favourite place to pause — two deckchairs perfectly positioned for catching the morning rays (hotel robes or swimwear both acceptable attire), and a small table with a chair that made sunrise coffee or late‑night wine feel like a ritual rather than a habit.
The ambience shifted beautifully throughout the day. Morning light washed the terrace in soft gold. By afternoon, the city hummed below us like a distant orchestra. And at night, Budapest sparkled — a quiet, elegant glow that made even a simple glass of wine feel celebratory.
We spent more time out there than expected, especially John, who occasionally chuffed on a cigar (with the hotel’s blessing) while sipping a cab sav liberated from the minibar. It was his version of holiday bliss: rooftops, wine, and a moment of stillness above the city.
For travellers who adore balcony mornings and keeping their coffee hot for hours, packing a Yeti coffee travel mug or your favourite coffee blend is a game‑changer — we bought ours through Amazon AU, perfect for those long scenic drives.
Our Stay at Anantara and Exploring Budapest
New York Café Breakfast Review
Stepping into the New York Café feels like entering a living museum of marble, frescoes, and chandeliers. The room hums with soft music, clinking glasses, and the gentle theatre of waiters weaving between gilded columns. It’s grand, ornate, and unapologetically dramatic — the kind of place where even a simple cappuccino feels like a performance.
Dubbed the most beautiful café in the world
The New York Café is often described as “the most beautiful café in the world,” not because of any official award, but because generations of writers, travellers, and critics have collectively crowned it with that reputation.
Once seated, the experience shifts from spectacle to comfort. Service is warm and attentive, the breakfast spread generous, and the atmosphere surprisingly relaxed despite the opulence. It’s a space that invites lingering — whether over pastries, piano music, or the pleasure of simply watching the room glow.
Food and Drink at Anantara New York Palace
Breakfast at the New York Café
Breakfast beneath the frescoes of the New York Café felt like dining inside a Fabergé egg — ornate, luminous, and just a little surreal. For two mornings straight, we enjoyed priority guest seating, which meant gliding past queues of day‑visitors and settling straight into our elegant two‑seater table. Pastries were buttery enough to make you question every diet you’ve ever attempted. The on‑site breakfast chef, who seemed to have a sixth sense for timing, cooked eggs exactly how you liked them.
Coffee arrived strong and confident — cappuccinos, espressos, or whatever morning heart‑starter your day required. If you felt like leaning into decadence, champagne and fresh juices were also on offer. The buffet stretched across the central café area in a generous display of Hungarian and Western favourites: cured meats, cheeses, fruit, pastries, hot dishes, and delicate sweets that made “just one more” feel entirely justified.
John and I kept pinching ourselves, craning our necks to admire the fresco‑adorned ceilings as if they might change between bites. It was impossible not to feel a little star‑struck by the room itself — a breakfast setting so grand it almost overshadowed the food… almost.
Anantara Restaurants and Bars
Later in the day, Salon Restaurant continued the culinary story, reimagining Hungarian classics in modern, elegant ways. And Nyugat Bar offered cocktails with a side of old‑world charm — the kind of place where you half expect a poet to slide into the seat beside you and start reciting verses.
In‑Room Dining
On night three, we ordered in‑room dining. A classic worldwide hotel staple meal, “Anantara style open club sandwich with French fries”, arrived hot, beautifully plated, and exactly what we needed after a long day exploring. The sandwich was filling. The “Classic Opera cake with Nyangbo dark chocolate and coffee” dessert was decadent. The “Tokaji Cuvée, 2020” dessert wine paired beautifully.
If you’re planning a Budapest food adventure, consider booking a Hungarian wine tasting or market tour through GetYourGuide or Viator.
Spa and Wellness at Anantara Budapest
The Anantara Spa is elegant and intimate — sauna, steam room, treatment rooms, and relaxation areas. No cave pool. No yoga sessions. Just classic, refined spa serenity.
Evening Atmosphere and Hotel Spaces
Each evening, the Atrium lobby transformed into a mini concert hall. A violinist and cellist performed in full regalia. The mixologist poured complimentary cocktails with Tom Cruise‑level movie flair.
By day, the Atrium lobby felt like a relaxed social salon — a place to lounge-lizard with a drink, a light meal, nibbles, or sit in a quiet corner and people‑watch the steady flow of guests drifting in and out. Come happy hour, the mood shifted. The space transformed into a mini concert hall, with a violinist and cellist performing in full regalia while the hotel mixologist worked with Tom‑Cruise‑level flair, sending cocktails arcing through the air like liquid choreography.
The New York Café is its own spectacle — gold leaf, frescoes, chandeliers — a room so ornate it practically glows. It’s impossible not to stare. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, it’s worth booking a table; guests enjoy priority seating perks.
Unique Features of Anantara New York Palace
- Belle Époque architecture
- Historic café
- Live classical music
- Marble staircases
- Boutique touches
- Personalised service gestures
Hotel Service and Staff Experience
Warm, personal, and impressively intuitive — that’s the best way to describe Anantara’s service. Our guest room issues were resolved quickly, and the chauffeur gesture alone earned them gold stars in our book. Staff remembered our names, my birthday, and even John’s pillow preference, which made the stay feel genuinely personalised rather than scripted. And judging by our checkout bill, it certainly felt like staff had a little discretionary ‘happiness budget’ to sprinkle in a few thoughtful extras along the way.
Mark, our waiter, was the standout: attentive, funny, and a natural storyteller without ever tipping into overbearing. Judging by the final tally on our hotel bill, we’re fairly sure he slipped us a few extra pours during high tea — a generous touch that set the tone for the rest of Day 1 and made us feel like cherished guests rather than room numbers.
Slow‑Travel Moments at Anantara
- Morning coffee on the terrace
- Wandering Pest’s boulevards
- Watching trams glide past
- Evening music drifting through the Atrium lobby
- Easy access to markets and cafés
- Late‑night strolls to nearby wine bars
For slow travellers, a Budapest Card (also available via GetYourGuide) offers unlimited public transport and museum entry discounts.
Architecture and Self‑Guided Palace Tour
While the hotel doesn’t offer formal historical tours, wandering its marble staircases, frescoed ceilings, and gilded arches feels like a tour in itself.
Concierge Services and Add‑Ons
Anantara offers a curated mix of in‑house and city‑based experiences you can book online or through the concierge — ideal for slow travellers who love culture, indulgence, and a touch of adventure. We booked our Danube Candlelit Dinner Cruise directly with Legenda City Cruise, but Anantara also promotes Danube journeys as one of Budapest’s essential experiences.
Danube Romantic Journey
A sunset glide along the Danube is pure Budapest magic — Parliament shimmering, bridges glowing, and the city unfolding like a film set. Anantara highlights river cruises as a signature way to experience the city’s heritage and skyline.
VW Samba Convertible City Tour
One of Anantara’s quirkiest offerings: exploring Budapest in a vintage 59‑year‑old VW Samba. It’s breezy, nostalgic, and perfect for travellers who love sightseeing with personality.
Opera Royale Experience
A cultural immersion curated by Anantara, ideal for guests who want to pair luxury accommodation with Budapest’s operatic heritage.
The concierge can also arrange:
- Thermal bath visits
- Wine tastings
- Gastronomic walking tours
- Private transfers
- Special‑occasion surprises
These extras fit beautifully into Anantara’s slow‑travel ethos — making Budapest easy, elegant, and endlessly enjoyable.
For more details on the two starred experiences — the Danube Romantic Journey (Worth It) and the Opera Royale Experience (Skippable) we did — read our Best 72‑Hour Budapest Ultimate Itinerary: What’s Worth It (and Skippable) post.
Budapest Itinerary from Anantara New York Palace
How our Budapest three-night stay actually unfolded — the slow‑travel, slightly chaotic, wonderfully memorable version.
Day 1: High Tea, Early Arrival and Danube Candlelit Cruise
We rolled into Budapest just after midday, our leased car humming its final notes as we pulled up to the Anantara New York Palace. Too early for check‑in, but perfectly timed for a first wander through Pest. We stretched our legs along Erzsébet körút, soaking in the trams, the chatter, and that unmistakable Budapest buzz.
Afternoon
A Surprise High‑Tea Coronation
Our plan had been simple: check in, freshen up, and enjoy high tea the next day. But Budapest had other ideas. The receptionist asked if we’d like to join the hotel’s high tea today — she’d check the kitchen could squeeze in “two hungry souls.” Minutes later, they whisked us upstairs, under‑dressed but over‑delighted.
Champagne. Hungarian wines. Tea with a degree, my royal teacup pinky raised, and a string trio performed with Bridgerton‑level drama. Mark, our waiter, poured drinks and childhood tales with equal finesse. It was decadent, theatrical, and completely unexpected.
The Great Check‑In Delay (and the Heroic Fix)
By 4:30 PM, our room still wasn’t ready — normally fine, except we had a 7 PM Danube Candlelit Dinner Cruise booked with Legenda Cruises. We needed to check in, freshen up, and get to Dock 7 by 6:30 PM.
The Front‑End Manager swooped in like a logistical superhero. Housekeeping rallied. A complimentary chauffeur was arranged. Crisis dissolved. Service redeemed.
Evening
Danube Candlelit Dinner Cruise
We boarded our 2.5‑hour Legenda Candlelit Dinner Cruise like two over‑excited newcomers — glam, buzzing from high tea, and ready for Budapest to put on a show. Inside, the cabin felt cosy and romantic; outside, the Danube was gearing up for its nightly performance.
Gentle live music set the tone as our four‑course dinner arrived, each dish more divine than the last. But the real magic happened as blue hour settled in. The city lit up like a fairytale — buildings glowing like Christmas trees lining the river, reflections shimmering across the water.
Then came the showstopper: Hungarian Parliament, standing in full golden glory. No photo could do it justice. We spent half the cruise pointing at landmarks like excited kids, whispering “Look at that!” every few minutes, completely swept up in the moment.
By the time we docked, we were floating — figuratively and literally. We wandered the riverfront, Chain Bridge sparkling, Elizabeth Bridge glowing, still riding the high of one of the most magical evenings of our trip.
Verdict: In our 72‑Hour Budapest Ultimate Itinerary, this one is firmly worth it. Romance, architecture, river views — Budapest at its absolute best.
New York Café at Night
We ended the evening with another dessert and coffee at the New York Café — and yes, it really does stay open late. The official hours confirm the café is open until midnight from Monday to Wednesday, and until 1:00 am from Thursday to Sunday. The frescoes feel even more dramatic in the night‑lit ambience, and we lingered right up until closing, soaking in the architecture and snapping photos like star‑struck tourists.
Day 2: Parliament, City Park, Széchenyi Baths and Opera Night
Morning
Day 2 began beneath the frescoes of the New York Café, where buttery pastries, perfectly cooked eggs Benedict, and strong coffee set the tone for a full day in Pest, and ceilings that demanded neck craning.
Leopold Town and Hungarian Parliament Tour
We wandered through Leopold Town, paused at St. Stephen’s Basilica, and looped toward the Chain Bridge before heading to our 10 AM Parliament tour — a 45‑minute immersion into grand halls, stained glass, and Hungarian history. An English-guided audio experience brought Hungarian history to life. Inside and out, it’s a draw-dropper.
Midday
Great Market Hall
From there, we drifted through Downtown Pest to the Great Market Hall, exploring three floors of paprika pyramids, pastries, and local produce. Between a hearty bowl of goulash, we stocked up on paprika‑infused treats and picked out a bottle of Tokaji Aszú 6 Puttonyos, the same dessert wine our waiter Mark had generously poured for us during high tea the day before. His recommendation proved spot‑on; it felt like taking home a little piece of Budapest in a bottle. We allowed ourselves 1–2 hours, which felt just right.
Afternoon
Andrássy Avenue → Heroes’ Square → City Park
We followed Andrássy Avenue to Heroes’ Square, then wandered into City Park. Vajdahunyad Castle looked like a fairytale sketch come to life.
Széchenyi Baths
Late afternoon at Széchenyi Baths was a cultural experience in itself — steam, chatter, warm pools, and the occasional splash from enthusiastic bathers.
JOHN’S TRAVEL TIPWhen you hit the baths, pack the essentials: thongs, a towel, and a healthy dose of confidence. Széchenyi Baths also offer a range of massage services including refreshing, aromatherapy, therapeutic, and VIP treatments — all designed to complement the thermal bathing experience.
Evening
A Night at the Opera
Dinner at Callas Café set the mood — outdoorsy, elegantly casual, and just steps from the Hungarian State Opera House. By 6 PM, we waltzed inside like two over‑excited newcomers, fully glam and completely open‑minded. The place was dripping in gold, red velvet, and theatrical grandeur — Versailles meets Wes Anderson.
We settled into Row 7, Seats 1 & 2, playing musical chairs with latecomers until the house filled tighter than a ruin bar on a Friday night. The conductor appeared, the Hungarian anthem swelled, and Mozart’s overture rose like a suspenseful crescendo. Lights down. Curtains up. Game on.
Thankfully, English subtitles saved us from mimicking along with the plot. Figaro wanted to marry Susanna. The Count wanted to marry chaos. The Countess wanted a divorce lawyer. Disguises, drama, and enough twists to make reality TV look tame.
After an hour of high notes and high society nonsense, we slipped out before intermission — opera virgins no more — choosing my 60th‑birthday dessert and wine back at the hotel over three more hours of Mozartian mayhem. John capped the night with a cigar on our terrace, Budapest sparkling below us.
Our Verdict
Beautiful venue. Memorable experience. But in our 72‑Hour Budapest Ultimate Itinerary, this one earned a gentle skip for most travellers — unless you adore opera or want to say you’ve been serenaded in one of Europe’s most opulent halls. And funnily enough, our next operatic encounter — the Mozart Dinner and Concert in Salzburg’s Baroque Hall at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium — delivered a completely different atmosphere and became a true highlight of our trip.
Day 3: Jewish Quarter, Buda Castle, Gellért Baths and Wine Finale
Morning
Day 3 kicked off with another breakfast beneath the frescoes of the New York Café — pastries, coffee, and ceilings that insisted on being admired. Fuelled and caffeinated, we set off to explore Old Budapest, where history sits thick in the air, and every street feels like it has a story to tell.
Párisi Passage — Budapest’s Hidden Jewel
Our morning stop was the Párisi Passage Café & Brasserie, a stained‑glass wonderland that looks part Parisian arcade, part fantasy novel. We lingered over tea, snapped photos like architecture‑obsessed tourists, and soaked in the kind of ambience that makes you whisper “How is this real?”
Great Synagogue & Jewish Quarter
Next up: the Great Synagogue — exterior, interior, museum, and memorial garden. It was moving, beautifully preserved, and one of those places that quietly shifts your perspective. We spent time wandering the surrounding Jewish Quarter, letting the history settle in.
House of Terror
From there, we stepped into the House of Terror, a sobering deep‑dive into Hungary’s 20th‑century trauma. Two hours felt necessary — heavy, important, and unforgettable.
Afternoon
Crossing to Buda — Castles, Bastions & Postcard Views
After lunch, we crossed the Chain Bridge into Buda, where the vibe shifts from urban bustle to storybook charm. We wandered Castle Hill, admired Matthias Church, and soaked up the views from Fisherman’s Bastion. Photos of the funicular (but skipped the ride — the walk was too lovely to miss).
Gellért Baths — Round Two of Thermal Bliss
By mid‑afternoon, we were back in warm waters at Gellért Baths, floating under Art Nouveau arches and pretending we were locals who did this every Tuesday.
Evening
DiVino Wine Bar & A Slow‑Travel Finale
At 6 PM, we settled into DiVino Wine Bar, sipping Hungarian wines as the city shifted into evening mode. Then it was back to our terrace at the Anantara for in‑room dining — hot dishes, good wine, and John enjoying a cigar while Budapest sparkled below us.
We ended the night with a stroll along the floodlit Danube embankment, bridges glowing, river shimmering, and the city giving us one last perfect goodbye.
Nearby Budapest Attractions and Surroundings
Budapest is a slow‑traveller’s dream. From the hotel, we walked to cafés, shops, and the Jewish Quarter. The tram network made exploring simple. Pest is lively, colourful, and full of character.
Scenic drive: The Danube embankment at sunset.
Walk: Andrassy Avenue to Heroes’ Square.
Food: Langos, chimney cake, paprika‑rich stews.
Wine: Tokaji, Bull’s Blood, crisp whites.
We visited markets, wandered side streets, and soaked up the city’s rhythm. Budapest rewards curiosity. Every corner offers something — a mural, a café, a wine bar, a slice of history.
Book a Danube River Cruise or Budapest thermal bath pass through GetYourGuide for skip‑the‑line convenience.
Anantara New York Palace Review for 50+ Travellers
Below are our honest impressions after three nights at the Anantara New York Palace.
Positives
- Comfortable, well‑appointed rooms.
- Quiet interiors ideal for light sleepers.
- Warm, attentive, genuinely personal service.
- Excellent central location.
- Reliable valet parking.
- Lift access throughout the property.
- Superb breakfast beneath frescoes.
Negatives
- Some areas include steps (mobility consideration).
- Occasional street noise on busy nights.
- Summer heat can linger in certain spaces.
- Soft lighting in some rooms may be challenging for avid readers.
- Limited on‑site dinner options.
DISCLOSURE: All views expressed on this site are our own and do not represent the opinions of any entity whatsoever with which we have been, am now, or will be affiliated. Learn more.
Who This Budapest Hotel Is Perfect For
Travellers who appreciate comfort, calm, and a touch of old‑world grandeur. The Anantara New York Palace is ideal for romantic couples who love atmospheric spaces, attentive service, and slow‑travel moments that feel cinematic.
It’s also a standout choice for special occasions — milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration where you want the setting to feel as memorable as the moment. The palatial interiors, frescoed ceilings, and chandelier‑lit dining rooms make it an exceptional venue for weddings, vow renewals, or elegant gatherings that call for a dramatic backdrop.
Architecture and photography lovers, design enthusiasts, and guests who value lift access, quiet interiors, and a superb breakfast will feel right at home. For 50+ travellers, the combination of comfort, service, and atmosphere strikes a perfect balance.
Practical Hotel Information
Price Range and Value
$$$ — Premium Luxury, but excellent value for the level of service and atmosphere.
Best Time to Stay in Budapest
Spring or Autumn for mild weather, lighter crowds, and comfortable sightseeing. We were in Budapest in mid‑September, sitting right in the heart of early autumn, and the weather was typically mild, sunny, and very walkable.
Recommended Stay Length
3–5 nights to enjoy the hotel, explore Budapest at a relaxed pace, and fit in key attractions.
How to Get to Anantara New York Palace
Taxi, metro, tram, or private transfer — all convenient from the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), approximately 20 km from the hotel, or major stations.
Parking Information
Valet parking available, plus nearby paid parking options.
Accessibility Notes
Lift access, level lobby, and accessible rooms available. Some heritage areas include steps.
Booking Tips
- Choose a terrace room for views.
- Book breakfast included.
- Reserve high tea early.
- Check seasonal deals and packages.
Compare prices on Booking.com, Hotels.com or directly on Anantara’s official website for the best seasonal rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Location and Getting Around Budapest
It sits on Erzsébet körút in the Erzsébetváros district of Pest, close to Andrássy Avenue, the Jewish Quarter, and multiple metro and tram lines. Ideal for walkers and slow travellers.
Most of Pest’s major sights are an easy 10–20 minute walk, and getting to Buda is just as simple — a quick tram or metro ride across the river.
Walking, trams, and metro lines are all convenient. For day trips or special outings, the concierge can arrange private transfers.
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is the nearest major airport, located about 20 km from the hotel.
Yes — book ahead through the concierge for a seamless arrival.
Hotel Experience and Guest Suitability
Absolutely. Lifts, level lobby access, attentive staff, and comfortable rooms make it ideal for mature travellers who appreciate ease and elegance.
Yes, though the atmosphere leans more toward couples, culture lovers, and luxury travellers. Families are welcome, but the vibe is refined rather than rambunctious.
Yes — the property offers lift access, a level lobby, and accessible rooms.
Very much so. Its central location, calm rooms, and atmospheric dining make it ideal for 3–5 night stays.
No — Anantara does not require a minimum stay. Single‑night bookings are available year‑round.
For us — yes. You’re not just staying in Budapest. You’re living its legacy. The architecture, service, and atmosphere justify the splurge.
New York Café Dining and Atmosphere
Yes — and guests receive priority seating, no queues and no waiting behind day‑visitors.
Yes — especially if you’re already staying at Anantara. The New York Café’s high tea is a beautifully staged experience: tiered pastries, ornate surroundings, live music, and that unmistakable Belle Époque glow. It’s indulgent, atmospheric, and ideal for travellers who enjoy slow, elegant afternoons. While day‑visitors may face queues, hotel guests often enjoy smoother access, making the experience feel even more special.
It can be. Expect queues during peak hours, especially mid‑morning and mid‑afternoon. Hotel guests often have easier access at breakfast and late evening.
Absolutely — the café is open to the public, though wait times may vary during the day. The café is open 7:00 am – 12:00 am (Mon–Wed) and 7:00 am – 1:00 am (Thu–Sun).
Not when you’re a hotel guest. Priority access to the breakfast experience and evening ambience make it genuinely special.
The New York Café is often described as “the most beautiful café in the world,” not because of any official award, but because generations of writers, travellers, and critics have collectively crowned it with that reputation.
Spa and Wellness Services
Yes. It’s calm, elegant, and perfect after long days of sightseeing. Massages are excellent.
Final Thoughts on Our Stay at Anantara New York Palace
Our three‑night stay at Anantara New York Palace Budapest felt like stepping into a gilded chapter of history. Music, marble, and warm service shaped every moment. Budapest embraced us with charm, culture, and champagne — the perfect slow‑travel pause in the middle of our five‑week Central Europe adventure. We left feeling rested, spoiled, and only slightly reluctant to hand back our imaginary crowns.
Three nights in Budapest was just enough for the city to work its magic — to wander its boulevards, climb its castle walls, soak in its thermal waters, and savour its cafés, wines, and river views. You’ll never see everything in 72 hours, but you will see enough to understand why travellers return again and again. Budapest rewards curiosity, rewards slowness, and rewards anyone willing to look up, linger, and let the city unfold.
Our own 72 hours were full, imperfect, and unforgettable. We’d return in a heartbeat — ideally with a little more time, slightly better weather, and the same sense of wonder that carried us through every bridge, bath, and boulevard.
Pack your suitcases and escape with us again soon.
Next Chapter…
With Budapest behind us, our Central Europe & Beyond road trip continued north. We packed the car, waved goodbye to the Danube, and set off for Eger — a charming overnight stop of wine cellars, baroque streets, and small‑town warmth. From there, we crossed into Poland, winding toward Kraków and the next chapter of castles, culture, and cobblestones on our five‑week adventure.
Which part of your stay at Anantara New York Palace would be your favourite — the service, the atmosphere, the dining, or the sheer sense of old‑world grandeur?
Suitcase Escape Route
Website: Anantara New York Palace Budapest.Location: Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 9, 1073 Hungary
Parking: Valet parking and secure on‑site garage options are available.
Price range: Premium luxury. Rates reflect the hotel’s historic architecture, refined service, and exclusive access to the iconic New York Café. Breakfast is included for hotel guests.
Overview: Anantara New York Palace blends Belle Époque grandeur with modern elegance. Guests enjoy spacious rooms, warm service, and direct access to the world‑famous New York Café. With its frescoed ceilings, marble columns, spa facilities, and central location, the hotel is ideal for slow travellers, culture lovers, and anyone seeking a luxurious base in Budapest.
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