Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel

Perfect breakfast with outstanding Service of Zsolt. Thanks so much

Maximilian is a great server, friendly, attentive and had great drink recommendations!

Benedek provided great service and the atmosphere is unbeatable.

I rarely leave reviews, but my family’s experience at Anantara Budapest was upsetting enough that I feel it needs to be addressed. The hotel is absolutely beautiful, but the service fell well below what I expect from a five-star property. We had booked junior suites and arrived around noon, ahead of the 3 p.m. check-in time. Early check-in was unavailable, which we completely understood. We then asked about visiting the New York Café, where hotel guests can bypass the queue. The receptionist was lovely and directed us to the internal entrance near the Poet Bar, explaining that we should let the staff know we were hotel guests. At that entrance, a red-haired staff member looked at us and immediately told us to go outside, without asking whether we were staying at the hotel. We followed her instructions and found a substantial queue. When we explained to the staff member outside that we were hotel guests, he directed us back inside. We returned to the same woman, explained what we had been told, and clarified that we were hotel guests. Her demeanour immediately changed. Meanwhile, we observed other guests entering without the same questioning or being sent outside. Those guests were white; my family and I are brown. I cannot know what motivated her response, but the difference in treatment left us feeling racially profiled as though, based on our appearance, we were assumed not to belong at this hotel. Being made to feel unwelcome before our stay had even begun was deeply upsetting. I have travelled extensively and stayed at many five-star hotels, and I have never experienced anything like this. Every guest deserves courtesy and respect, regardless of their skin colour or the room they have booked. To add to the disappointment, our rooms were not ready until 3:40 p.m., despite the stated 3 p.m. check-in time. We were simply told there was nothing they could do. The reception staff was trying to be helpful and I understand this was outside of her control, but it is very disappointing for a five star to have check-in at three and to just tell us they don’t have enough staff to clean all the rooms which shouldn’t be no excuse. Beautiful surroundings cannot make up for service that leaves guests feeling dismissed and unwelcome. I hope management takes this experience seriously and addresses both the handling of café access and the way guests are treated. A luxury hotel should make every guest feel they belong.

What a beautiful hotel, it really is something special and has a truly luxury feel. Close enough to walk to the basilica and all Budapest has to offer. Incredible cocktail at Poets bar. Atrium lounge has live musicians and free shots at 6pm each night. Breakfast is excellent and in stunning settings, with a VIP feel being in New York Cafe and having other tourists take constant selfies!! Spa is small but pleasant to use. Rooms are immaculate and well maintained. Turn down service each night and little treats left on the bed. We were on the top floor in a premium room with terrace, which was extra special. A small detail, but the lifts are excellent- you never have to wait for one! Concierge service great, all in all a wonderful stay. We will recommend and we will be back!