Aria

This is among my top five favorite hotels in the world and having come here about 8 times over five years I can’t recall meeting an unhappy guest (almost all seem to be tourists on brief stays). The physical plant is gorgeous with furnishings to die from and a musical motif that permeates the hotel and brings joy to guests and staff alike. A big feature is the chance to socialize with other guests at the complementary breakfast from 7 to 11 and the complementary wine, cheese party with a (glorious) piano player and singer of the standards. And then there is the breathtaking roof bar overlooking the cathedral. The overall service is nonpareil. My car was towed due to my own error and the manager walked me through the procedure to get it back; my colleague had a minor.injury and a private doctor appeared within minutes, Parking is hard but the valet brings the car back and forth in a flash for 30 Euro a day. The substitute concierge was also a gem. I needed to buy.a chandelier and I also wanted to take a tennis lesson The conceriege showered me with maps and good advice. And I haven't even mentioned the entirely free mobile phone (with internationally calling) they provide each guest room for use as one travels around Budapest. I am not claiming the hotel is perfect. 50% of the time the very friendly doormen watch as you struggle to open the heavy door, 50% of time the breakfast order is not what you ordered and the spa (a lovely small pool in the basement ) pretty much never has a masseuse because none is on staff and the waiting time is considerable. Also this huge hotel apparently has only one or two scales and even if you need one for medical reasons you are out of luck unless you raise a ruckus. Also the elevator to my room was out of order and despite a bad knee I had to walk up the stairs until they figured out a way to use the inner terraces to create a circuitous route to my room. I believeI I had to struggle up the stairs for three days till the elevator worked again. I requested an upgrade to a superior room in another wing but alas the manager decided instead to reward me with 6 macaroons (I am allergic to sweets) and an apology. Finally the hotel has no gym, an amenity that many guests expect nowadays. But if you are not as finicky - or jet lagged - as me, these problems won’t trouble you. I would suggest for sure that you (1) chose an inner terrace room which is a bit cheaper and I think more charming (2) Be sure not to miss the afternoon wine and cheese from 4-6 as we’ll as the breakfast from 7-11. In fact you essentially get two free meals a day here (3) Take frequent dips in the basement tool and enjoy the sauna. Most of all we appreciated the well trained staff, out-0f-the-world decor and world class hotel service. You will never forget your stay here. And if you have emergencies like I did (towed car, medically injured colleague) the hotel’s staff will smooth your problems away as they did mine. Except for the Adlon in Berlin I have never had the good luck to have such service in such a lush surrounding. So take my advice and stay here.