Budapest. Gresham Palace

I arrived at Gresham Palace through the majestic glass door entering heaven. Yes, I firmly believe it is heaven in Budapest. Located just next to the Danube River in front of Chain Bridge, Four Seasons Gresham Palace is no ordinary place. It simply isn't. It captures history and grace with outstanding service, beauty, satisfaction for all the senses, and pleasure. It is a very different hotel from others: the pillows are lighter, blankets warmer, beads softer, bath more relaxing, food tastier, and the welcome more generous. 

With two million mosaic tiles and an ornate Preciosa chandelier, this place makes you walk and talk differently, respecting every wall, window, carpet, and button in the elevator. Everywhere you look, it leaves an organic and luxurious feeling. 

The main hall and the Muzsa bar chandelier play with your eyes, inviting attention, even if you have no intention to do so. The over 10m-high ceilings make you understand how small you are and how grand the people and minds who built it over 100 years ago were. The building is an outstanding example of Art Nouveau. The rest is all about attention to detail, the moment, beauty, afternoon tea with freshly baked financiers, late-night stunning cocktails at the famous Muzsa bar, and lovely breakfasts with local cheeses and meats, freshly baked "all you desire," and an overall interior to admire. 

And, do let me tell you more about the Muzsa bar. Placed where reception and lobby used to be, it occupies the best space on the first floor and, on the weekends, transforms into a location where live music meets people and cocktails. The cocktails here are admirable, tempting you the moment you open the menu. The menu, designed to pull you into the cocktail world, uses art, tells stories, shows how they will be served, and seduces you to into ordering every one of them. Muzsa bar is built for tourists but the locals like to spend their weekend evenings here, and who could blame them? 

Four Seasons Gresham Palace is an experience – from an early morning swim and a hearty breakfast to an afternoon massage in the spa to late night cocktails in Muzsa. I short – from the moment you enter to the moment you leave. Every single one. Every second. It is a piece of art - from the exterior to the interior, from the food to the people working there.

Gresham Palace. Four Seasons
Budapest, Széchenyi István tér 5-6, 1051 Hungary
www.fourseasons.com