The Corinthia Hotel is one of Budapest’s oldest and most beautiful. The iconic facade is impressive (it’s said to have heavily inspired Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel), but the interior refuses to be ignored. As soon as you step inside, you leave behind one of Budapest’s busiest avenues and are met with sprawling marble floors, a soaring ceiling, and a grand staircase, all inviting you in for a luxurious rest. But you don’t always need to be an overnight guest to enjoy the hotel’s charm. Here are five ways to enjoy the Corinthia Hotel, beyond booking a room.
1. Explore Hungarian Wines at Winelovers Grand
One of the best Budapest wine events of the year takes over the Corinthia every March. This is your chance to toast the best Hungarian wines under the gilded ceilings of the Corinthia’s ballroom and beyond! Winelovers holds tasting events all through the year, but with over 100 wineries and 600+ wines, Winelovers Grand is the star. For one ticket, you get access to unlimited tasting–it’s one of the best-value wine events in Budapest, and you can spend hours at the Corinthia sipping your way through Hungary.
2. Dance the Night Away
The Corinthia Budapest plays hosts to multiple high-profile events throughout the year, but the Burns Supper is one party that’s open to the public. The Robert Burns International Foundation holds this fundraising event every year to support sick and underprivileged children in Hungary and Central Europe. Guests are treated to a night of Scottish culture, complete with live entertainment, delicious food, and of course, the best whiskey! You also might want to consider ringing in the New Year at the annual New Year’s Eve Gala!
3. Soak in the Historic Royal Spa
Budapest may be famous for its thermal baths, but the Corinthia’s Royal Spa is one of the city’s best wellness gems. Renovated from the late 19th century, you’re met by echoes of the building’s Art Deco past, from the twisting wrought-iron banisters to the stained-glass mosaics. Nestled in this serene pocket of Budapest, the spa’s jacuzzis, saunas, and 15-meter swimming pool have everything you need for a relaxing afternoon–far from the crowds of the thermal baths.
4. Indulge at a Festive Brunch
The Corinthia’s festive brunches have become a luxurious staple in Budapest’s holiday calendar. I think this is one of the best ways to experience the hotel, as the Corinthia is beautifully decorated during the festive season. Held weekly leading up to Christmas and New Year’s, this all-you-can-eat dining experience lets guests enjoy a meticulously prepared buffet, settling in under the soaring glass ceiling of the Atrium or the cozy Brasserie. Each weekend has a different theme and must be reserved in advance. Don’t forget to make time for a picture with the towering Christmas tree either before or after your meal!
5. Wind Down at the Hotel Bar
If your calendar doesn’t line up with any of the other events in the Corinthia, you can always stop by Le Bar for a nightcap (or the beginning of your night out in Budapest). The dark-paneled wood shelves teeming with books and cushy armchairs make you feel as if you’re in a quiet study.
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