Historical Hotels in Budapest, Hungary
What emanates from the heart of the city of Budapest is a
deliberate steadfastness despite its momentous past. There is
substantial authenticity in a city that houses an array of
historical hotels that acknowledge past cultural influences,
exhibit classical elegance, and demonstrate collaborative
innovation. This verity can be witnessed in how these hotels
have transformed themselves throughout the centuries.
Historical Hotels - Relics Become Habitable When Romans occupied
the area where the city of Budapest now lies, around the 1st and
2nd Centuries, invigorating bathhouses or spas were built. Many
of these ancient spas are still being enjoyed today. One Roman
spa in particular is housed within the Corinthia Aquincum Hotel.
While the hotel itself would not be considered historical, the
spa that it espouses certainly is. In this way, modern
conveniences are adorned with legendary luxury.
Another modern hotel, the Hilton Budapest, absorbed within its
own framework a 13th Century Dominican Church and the
baroque-style facade of a 17th Century Jesuit College. This
hotel has brought the past into the present by combining what
seems to be differing architectural styles and solidifying them
into a present day facility. This is truly representative of how
Budapest as a whole acknowledges its past, but keeps its eye on
the future. Interestingly enough, a true blast from the past
comes in the form of the Hotel Citadella. This hotel is located
within the confines of a 19th Century garrison. During Habsburg
rule, this garrison would have sheltered soldiers and
ammunition, but currently this same structure caters to the
needs of 21st Century guests. The past is celebrated while a
rebirth is taking place.
Historical Hotels of the 19th Century Architectural styles of
these exquisite hotels range from awe-inspiring Gothic to regal
Art Nouveau. Built during a time of prosperity in the region,
these hotels emit an ambiance of eloquence. Much of the splendor
of the 19th Century can still be seen in these newly renovated
accommodations.
Many of the great hotels from this era fell into disrepair
during the 20th Century's Soviet-enforced Iron Curtain.
Currently, these hotels have reclaimed past grandeur. Their
beauty and old-world style remain, but they are affixed with
updated furnishings.
Historical Hotels - Classic Innovations Function often gives way
to form. With this in mind, a number of Budapest's hotels
blatantly reveal its colorful history. The elusive Hotel Romai
was once a haven for Communist Party officials and The Hotel
MEDOSZ is a former trade union hotel for agriculture workers.
While these hotels may not be as ornate as an 18th or 19th
Century baroque style structure, authenticity is unearthed.
Form, at times, gives way to function. Examples are guesthouses
for two of Budapest's public institutions. The Radio Inn is the
official guesthouse of Hungarian National Radio. In a similar
fashion, guests of Pest's ELTE University lodge at the
Peregrines ELTE Hotel. These guesthouses are quaint destinations
that stem out of practical need.
Historical Budapest, Today and Tomorrow Around the 8th Century,
two cities, Buda and Pest resided on opposite sides of the
Danube River. Buda and Pest remained separate cities until they
were united in 1873. Between the time of the original Hungarians
to the 21st Century, Budapest has stayed loyal to its Hungarian
culture despite the strong influence of its invaders.
Much culture does prevail in modern day Budapest. The city can
boast about its fascinating museums, its fine concert halls and
its educational institutions. Its hotels also radiate Budapest
culture. Whether historical relic, magnificent structure, or of
practical design, these hotels remain adaptable but rooted in
legacy.