My family and I stayed at the Hotel Palazzo Zichy over Christmas week 2011. Everything that you read in the reviews here on tripadvisor.com are completely true. This is THE finest hotel, hands-down that we have ever stayed in (and we have stayed in wonderful hotels all over Europe). Where do I begin? Ahead of our visit to Budapest I was in regular contact with Andras (incredibly charming and talented concierge, receptionist, master-of-all). Every little detail that we requested was handled professionally and thoroughly prior to our arrival. Upon arrival Andras was at the front desk and welcomed us by name before we even exchanged introductory pleasantries. He is by far one of the most professional and engaging hoteliers we have encountered in years of travel! The other receptionists we met at the hotel were charming, spoke perfect English and were absolutely more than helpful when called upon. I do believe that you will be hard pressed to find a better, more in-tune hotel staff ANYWHERE in the world. This 5+ star service, ne plus ultra!
About the hotel: it is absolutely true that the hotel is not in the most famous or easy to find neighborhoods of Budapest. Yet, it is very easy to navigate once you figure out your orientation. The front desk will call a City Taxi if you need to go anywhere. In truth, the city taxis are a better option for a large family than the use of public transportation. I will caution anyone planning on going to Budapest that you ALWAYS use a city taxi as opposed to "Gypsy Cabs" which proliferate and can be hailed on the street. While both taxis look the same, the meters on the "Gypsy Cabs" are rigged to JUMP up quickly ... we made this mistake once and paid for it BIG TIME. You have been warned. Now, back to the Zichy: from the outside it does not give you the impression of anything special until you enter the building. Then, you will see that the interior of this building is stunning! Upon entering the building the massive lobby awaits with a direct line of sight to the front reception desk where you will find Andras, Beata or one of the other receptionists waiting to help. The breakfast buffet area in down stairs in an open atrium that reaches up several stories (including the main lobby). The buffet is everything you could ask for ... eggs done several ways, bacon, sausage, breakfast breads/rolls, cold cuts (various salamis), 4 types of juices, cereals, fresh fruit, champagne (yes, champagne!), and the centerpiece of the buffet: 2 Dalmayr automatic espresso machines (another machine may be found in the 1st floor day room - it is free all day with bottled water and some peanuts/pretzels). After 5pm the day room becomes a bar and there you can have your complimentary free drink and purchase more if you find yourself staying at the hotel during the evening.
Now, what about your room? The rooms we stayed in were huge with an incredible bathroom, to boot! The decor is decidedly modern Euro-style. Flat screen TVs and accent lighting, a room safe and plenty of drawer and closet space. The beds are indeed a little hard as mentioned in other reviews ... however, this is not a big deal and besides, you're not in Budapest to stay in your room and sleep, are you??!! You will have fun trying to figure out the use of your shower (so many buttons and valves - but you'll get the hang of it). The hotel maids and folks working at the buffet each morning are terrific, as well. Do yourself a favor and learn some Hungarian pleasantries before you arrive (like "thank you" and "good day," etc.).
One of the most amazing things that occurred during our visit was that our front desk receptionist was able to find the location of my great uncle's grave at Kerepesi cemetery. How special is that? You just cannot imagine how wonderful these folks are. We had many choices of places to stay while in Budapest. Zichy is a REAL one-of-a-kind find and a place that you should DEFINITELY consider. My last name is also the name one of the best known Budapest hotels: The "GELLERT." Yet, I am so happy that we didn't stay there. You will not regret your decision to stay at the Hotel Palazzo Zichy!
- Palazzo Zichy Hotel
- Palazzo Zichy Budapest
