There's an indoor lap pool, with atrium-like glass windows which open onto a wide, sunny patio.
CHECK-IN
Adina Apartment Hotel Budapest, part of the TFE collection, is a modern and stylish apartment hotel in a residential part of the Hungarian capital. Located in Angyalfold (Angel's land) in District 13, the hotel is three blocks back from the Danube River and within walking distance of numerous sights, including Nyugati (West) railway station. I arrive by taxi, and within minutes of being checked-in I'm back on the streets in search of supplies from the nearby farmers' market. For this traveller, the convenience of apartment living with the comfort of hotel services, including breakfast, 24-hour reception and daily room service, offers a welcome respite after a busy European trip. Strolling the streets and seeing how locals live is an unexpected bonus.
THE LOOK
The spacious lobby, which opens into the bar and lounge, is slick and contemporary – a blend of blonde and dark timber with burnt orange and plum accents. Like a mini-art gallery, there are creative nooks everywhere, from hand-blown glass vases to modern art prints, glazed pottery to a collection of vintage hardcover books. A wall of art, architecture, philosophy and travel books defines the dining area.
There's an indoor lap pool, with atrium-like glass windows which open onto a wide, sunny patio. There's also a gym, spa and steam bath. The level below is where you'll find the central courtyard; a lush and peaceful space complete with herb garden, private sitting areas, and a cubby house and sandpit for children. Compared with the contemporary interiors, the leafy courtyard feels like a country retreat.
THE ROOM
Of the 97 rooms (a mix of studios, one and two-bedroom apartments), I am in a one-bedroom on the sixth floor. Everything is super-sized: there's a full kitchen, laundry facilities, an enormous open-plan living and dining area, work desk and separate bedroom with a second television and plenty of storage space. A palette of mossy green, grey and plum creates an elegant, yet homely feel. The bathroom is generous, if plain, with good lighting and a separate, deep bathtub – perfect for soaking after a big day of sightseeing. Wi-Fi is fast and included.
Being on the top floor my room is under the roofline, its raked ceilings and dormer windows lending a garret-like vibe. My favorite spot – for an early morning cuppa or a sunset vino – is the apartment's corner balcony, affording extensive views across the chimney-tops of the quiet neighbourhood.
FOOD + DRINK
The buffet breakfast is a highlight, with an array of Hungarian specialities – house-made eggplant and potato dips, Transylvania sausage and cobs of dark rye breads – elevating the usual bacon, eggs, fruit and yoghurt routine to a memorable level. I compliment the waiter, who dashes off immediately to tell the chef, returning moments later with the recipe for the dip. Apart from the limited room-service menu and some snacks in the mini-bar there are no other food offerings. Fortunately, being a residential area, there are any number of small restaurants, bars, delicatessens and cafes nearby. Kanaan Bistro and Cafe comes highly recommended. There's also an Aldi around the corner.
OUT + ABOUT
The Danube River is a short stroll away. A shortcut through the delightful Szent-Istvan Park leads to Margaret Bridge and across to Margaret Island, with its ruins, gardens and swimming pools. Iconic city sights such as the Hungarian Parliament Building, Andrassy Avenue, St Stephen's Basilica, Heroes' Square and Szechenyi Baths are further afield and can be accessed by public transport (buses, trams, trollies and four metro lines) or a 15-minute taxi ride. Don't miss Budapest's Central Market Hall, just down from Fovam Square on the Pest side of the Liberty Bridge.
THE VERDICT
While not in the historic centre, the Adina Budapest is a stylish and affordable alternative to a hotel, offering great value for business or leisure travellers wanting more space and home-away-from-home facilities.
ESSENTIALS
One-bedroom apartments start from €140 ($212) a night. Adina Apartment Hotel Budapest, Hegedus Gyula u. 52, 1133 Budapest, Hungary. See adinahotels.com
HIGHLIGHT
The indoor pool, sunny patio and leafy courtyard gives this property a relaxed holiday vibe.
LOWLIGHT
I try to order a glass of wine at the bar on my first night to be told the hotel only sells by the bottle.
OUR RATING OUT OF FIVE
★★★★
Kerry van der Jagt stayed as a guest of TFE Hotels and travelled courtesy of Avalon Waterways. See avalonwaterways.com.au
Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter
Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.