Art'otel, Budapest, Hungary
Art'otel 4 Stars
"Zany, creative and lively, this boutique hotel falls into two distinct halves, each themed around the vision of Donald Sultan."
The Press Say
''Four Baroque townhouses have been craftily knocked together to create this quirky find on the banks of the Danube'' The Guardian 07Hotel Overview
Review of Art'otel, by Graeme Harwood
Art'Otel, a luxury hotel in Budapest represents both a good value for the money and a unique concept. Art'otels are an ever-expanding niche of the Park Plaza Hotels Group and seek to showcase the Weltanschaung of chosen modern artists. The artists not only display their sculptures, murals and prints around the luxury hotel but also design the carpets, furniture and dinnerware, so that guests are effectively entering into their version of the world.
I was grateful for the unusual experience of being provoked to think about a modern artist when I thought I was just going to be staying at a luxury hotel. By the time guests leave an Art'otel they will have learnt about and come to an opinion of a modern artist of whom, before, they probably knew nothing about. It's an interesting and worthy idea which, to lovers of modern art, will prove an irresistible temptation.
The facilities
Be sure to tear yourself away from the art for a moment to enjoy a meal in the luxury hotel's fine dining restaurant Chelsea, and the outdoor terrace at the pleasant cafe-bar Domino. Art'otel has all of the desirable amenities of a luxury hotel, such as a sauna/fitness room and a
The rooms
While lounging in the comfortable bed of one of the luxury hotel's gorgeous 165 rooms with your complimentary newspaper, you will truly feel at ease. The luxurious Danube-side Standard Double Room is the only one in Budapest where I could enjoy looking over the river, the Parliament Building and Pest from lying in bed. Room accomodations in the luxury hotel such as non-smoking rooms are available upon request.
Facilities
Rooms
165Awards
"Hospitality Design", Gold Key Award 06Who stays here?
A popular hotel amongst artists and musicians all all over the world. The avant-garde residence has been a haven to attendees of the annual music festival including the likes of the Buena Vista Social Club.Come for...
- Small courtyard garden
- The in-house contemporary art gallery
- Danube views
Not Suitable for...
- Traditionalists
Children
Baby-sitting services and extra beds can be provided at this hotel, suites are also available for large families.Eating in
Fine dining at Chelsea restaurant and a more casual atmosphere at Domino Cafe.Reviews
Review of Art'otel, by Jamie Dunford Wood
A blend of old and new, Art'otel luxury hotel is well positioned on the banks of the Danube on the Buda side, at the foot of Castle Hill in Budapest, Hungary. It is a modern riverside construction backed by a restored row of three 'fisher' houses, linked to the new by an inner courtyard. The luxury hotel is part of a small but growing chain - there is one in Berlin and another planned soon for London. The point of them is that they are themed luxury hotels - themed around the work of a single artist.
The facilities
In this case, American Donald Sultan, who is responsible for the prints and paintings on the wall, the motifs on the carpet, the furnishings, the china in the restaurant and the merchandising in the shop. A dangerous concept, since this kind of fashion statement can so easily become dated, and 'branded' hotels can seldom develop into classics.
The rooms
Of the 165 rooms in the luxury hotel, it is best to reserve a room in the old conversion, in particular one of the two rooms with balconies on the first floor. The old houses, however, have carpets that feel twice as thick, high moulded ceilings, wonderful old doors and are altogether generous. They are quieter, too, with the two balcony rooms (one a junior suite, at not much more than the regular cost of a double) having an inner view over the courtyard restaurant.