Step into a world where history whispers through stained glass and luxury lives in every detail—welcome to the Parisi Udvar Hotel Budapest. Nestled in the heart of the city, this architectural gem blends Art Nouveau elegance with modern indulgence, making it a must-stay for travelers who crave both story and style. Whether you’re strolling to the Danube or sipping espresso beneath its iconic glass dome, the experience is pure Budapest magic.
The fascinating history of Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest begins in the late 19th century, when Hungary was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. At that time, Budapest was a thriving cultural and commercial hub, and the city’s wealthy elite sought new and exciting places to shop and socialize.
The original shopping arcade in Budapest, which would later become known as Párisi Udvar, was designed by the Hungarian architect Mihály Pollack in the early 19th century. Pollack was a prominent architect of his time, designing many notable buildings in Budapest and other parts of Hungary. The Párisi Udvar, which translates to “Parisian Court” in English, was originally built in the 1810s and 1820s in the heart of Budapest’s downtown area, and it quickly became a popular destination for shoppers and tourists alike.
Párisi Udvar was designed in the Art Nouveau style, characterized by intricate details, flowing lines, and organic shapes. The arcade featured stunning stained glass windows, ornate ironwork, and elegant marble floors, making it a true masterpiece of architectural design.
Over the years, Párisi Udvar remained a popular destination for shoppers and socialites, while also playing a significant role in Hungarian history.
During World War II, the Párisi Udvar building was used as the headquarters of the Hungarian Arrow Cross Party, a fascist political party that was allied with Nazi Germany. The Arrow Cross Party seized power in Hungary following the German occupation of the country in 1944 and established a brutal regime that engaged in widespread violence and persecution of Jews, Roma, and other minority groups.
As the headquarters of the Arrow Cross Party, the Párisi Udvar building played a key role in the party’s operations, including the planning and execution of atrocities against Hungarian Jews and others.
The building suffered significant damage during the war, but it was later restored to its former glory. The Hungarian government took ownership of it in the 1950s.
In the following years, Párisi Udvar remained a hub of cultural activity in Budapest. It was home to a diverse range of shops, cafes, and restaurants, and a popular gathering place for both locals and tourists.
Then, in 2018, Párisi Udvar underwent a major transformation. The Hyatt Hotels Corporation acquired the building and undertook an extensive renovation project to transform it into a luxury hotel. The project was completed in 2019, and the Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest was born.
Today, Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest is a true gem of the city. The building has been beautifully restored to its former glory, with its original features and details carefully preserved. The hotel provides guests with a luxurious and unforgettable experience, featuring spacious rooms, world-class dining, and a range of amenities, including a spa and fitness center.
The rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated, with all the amenities you could possibly need for a comfortable stay. The bed was one of the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in, and I loved the luxurious bathrobe and slippers that were provided. The bathroom was also incredibly spacious and well-appointed, with a rainfall shower and a separate bathtub.
The hotel also features a spa and fitness center, which I unfortunately didn’t have time to try out. However, I did take a peek inside, and it looked absolutely amazing. The spa offers a stunning indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and a range of spa treatments. The fitness center is also fully equipped with all the latest gym equipment.
The hotel’s restaurant, called the Párisi Passage Café & Brasserie, is also definitely worth a visit. The interior is stunning, with a beautiful glass dome ceiling and elegant marble columns. The food was absolutely delicious, with a great selection of both traditional Hungarian dishes and international cuisine. I particularly loved the beef goulash and the traditional Hungarian strudel.
One of the things I loved about this hotel is that it’s located just a stone’s throw away from a hop-on-hop-off bus stop, which makes it incredibly easy to explore the city. The bus takes you to all of Budapest’s top attractions, and you can get on and off as many times as you like throughout the day. It’s a great way to see the city and get your bearings if you’re a first-time visitor.
Speaking of top attractions, there are plenty of them within walking distance of the hotel. Let me give you a quick rundown of my top three favorites:
St. Stephen’s Basilica – This stunning neoclassical cathedral is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. It’s one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks, and it’s definitely worth a visit. Be sure to climb to the top of the dome for breathtaking views of the city.
The Hungarian Parliament Building – This impressive Gothic Revival building is just over a kilometer away from the hotel (about 0.6 miles). It’s one of the largest and most beautiful parliament buildings in the world, and it’s definitely worth taking a tour inside.
The Danube Promenade – The hotel is just a 5-minute walk to the Danube Promenade—perfect for an impromptu evening stroll.
Exit the hotel onto Ferenciek tere. Head west along Petőfi Sándor utca or Kígyó utca, then turn onto Váci utca or Harmincad utca. You’ll reach the Danube embankment near Vigadó tér, where the promenade begins.
Once you’re there, you can walk north toward the Chain Bridge and Shoe Memorial, or south toward Elizabeth Bridge and the Little Princess statue. Both directions offer postcard views of Buda Castle, Gellért Hill, and the river lit up at night.
From its ornate passageways to its plush suites, the Parisi Udvar Hotel Budapest isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a place to dream. If you’ve stayed here or it’s on your wishlist, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below and let’s swap travel stories.
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