Gerloczy Rooms de Lux

A gracefully arching dark wood-paneled entryway, a gilded spiral staircase culminating in a stained-glass skylight, and wrought-brass sconce lighting are just a few of the lovely details in this beautifully maintained Art Nouveau building. The hallways in the four floors are each painted a striking hue, which in turn accords with the color scheme in each room. There's an elegant, turn-of-the-century air throughout the cozy property, which feels something like staying in a rarified home, despite there being no common space. The cafe downstairs, led by the hotel owners, provides a lively gathering spot -- including on its street-side terrace -- and often hosts live music. Simple wood tables with white tablecloths, warm lighting, gold embossed wallpaper, and oversized brass-framed mirrors lend the cafe's ground-level room an appealing, old-world vibe. 

Situated in the center of Pest, and within easy walking distance of plenty of shops and restaurants, the hotel nonetheless enjoys a relatively peaceful location on a quiet plaza. St. Stephen’s Basilica is a 15-minute walk; those wishing to visit the Castle district on the Buda side of town can hop a bus at Deák Ferenc tér, which is about a two-minute stroll away (20 to 25 minutes total travel time). The airport is about one hour to an hour-and-a-quarter away on public transportation with two transfers and a five-minute walk, or 30 minutes in a cab.

Cozy rooms, color-coded to the hallway hue, are outfitted either with lofty crown moulding or charmingly sloped ceilings with exposed beams. Decor includes taffeta bedspreads in jewel tones, comfortable mattresses, parquet wood floors, and velour ottomans. Bathrooms vary widely in size, though all have handsome wrought brass fixtures; some have walk-in showers with glass doors and a separate toilet room, while others are more ample and have claw-foot tubs. Each room includes a free minibar replenished daily with drinks and snacks, as well as a digital safe, hairdryer, and small flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Top-floor rooms have skylights, and some have balconies (for an extra fee) and wraparound couches.

The downstairs restaurant and cafe serves a daily a la carte breakfast for a fixed fee of 12 Euro; lauded by many guests for being quite filling and delicious, it includes omelettes and freshly baked pastries and breads, among other dishes. There are extra charges at breakfast for certain items and small extras, though the hotel is generally good about making this clear in advance. The cafe often hosts a piano player, and also serves Hungarian dishes and continental cuisine for lunch and dinner. Guests note that the owners and staff are very helpful and go above and beyond to ensure guests' needs are met. Wi-Fi is free.