The 5-star New York Palace Hotel offers serviced apartments – that go by the name New York Residence – in the heart of city. The Hotel and Residence are two separate but interconnected buildings, so you can walk easily from one to the other.
In my opinion, the Residence is one of the best places to stay in Budapest. Here I tell you why…
I actually first came to the Residence around eight years ago and have been going back ever since. Born and bred in Budapest, I’d have felt weird staying in a hotel in my old hometown. I wanted a home from home. And so I opted for a serviced apartment rather than just a hotel room.
But what makes this place more than just a comfortable crash pad for a one-time city resident? Firstly, the price is pretty peachy.
And secondly, the location is unbeatable. It’s in District 7 (the Jewish Quarter) but bordering District 6 and District 8. So you’re just a short walk from pretty much everything Budapest has to offer. And there are great local transport links if you want to travel further afield.
The New York Residence is a kind of sister hotel to the New York Palace. But – you can be sure of it – these are sisters from different misters.
Where the New York Palace is grand and traditional, the New York Residence is sleek and contemporary. Even from the outside, these buildings make their differences known.
Simple, functional design is the order of the day at the Residence. It’s minimalist and modern. But not without a certain style.
I usually stay in one of the biggest apartments available, the “New York Suite”. It has a full length balcony along the living room and the bedroom. All rooms are fully air-conditioned. And there’s a great, airy feel to the place.
Smaller apartments are also available, with options ranging from one to three bedrooms.
Throughout the Residence it’s all about subtle tones and clean lines. You always get a spacious bedroom, a modern bathroom, a big living area with comfy sofa, flat screen TV, dining table and a fully-equipped kitchenette or kitchen.
No, it’s not ground-breaking. But this place really ticks the box for comfort and functionality. I had everything I could have wanted. Great Wi-Fi. A washing machine, which actually comes in really handy on longer visits. And a ton of space – always a massive luxury when you’re travelling.
The New York Residence sits in a prime Budapest neighbourhood. Elegant Andrássy Boulevard, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a magnet for both architecture buffs and designer label shoppers, is just a short walk away. You’ll find Budapest’s famous opera house along here too.
Heading over the river? The Residence is just 15 minutes’ walk from the banks of the Danube and the Elisabeth Bridge.
You’re also a stone’s throw from District 6, the city’s party quarter. It’s no Ibiza. But this is the place to be if you’re in search of cool drinking holes and eateries. And, of course, some of Budapest’s famous ruin bars, opened up in derelict spaces around the city centre.
The Residence sits right by the city’s ring road, essentially the Oxford Street of Budapest. On it you’ll find a tram service that operates 24/7 – perfect for late night, post-revelry journeys home.
Or jump on the metro at Blaha Lujza Square. It’s then quick and easy to venture over to the Buda side of the river. Or head to one of Budapest’s thermal baths – taking a dip is an essential experience in the ‘City of Spas’.
Public transport in Budapest is easy. The same tickets can be used on the tram, metro and bus systems. And you can buy them in blocks of ten from machines or cashiers at the entrance to metro stations.
But, saying all that, Budapest is a small city. And with the Residence being so central, you can walk to most places within 15 minutes. I’d always recommend exploring the city on foot if you have the time to wander.
Top tip. The historic New York Café is part of the New York Palace Hotel. And it’s an Instagrammer’s heaven.
We’re talking the grandest of grand rooms. Frescoes on the ceiling, gilded stucco columns, opulent chandeliers… Punters queue for hours to get a glimpse of these mid-19th century stylings.
But. When you book into the New York Residence you can choose to take breakfast in the New York Café. See where I’m going here? No queueing. No stress. Just you, a croissant and a coffee in the stateliest dining room you’ve ever started the day in.
Just be sure to book your breakfast when you book your room. Otherwise you end up paying for it separately – around £25 per person for the experience.
New York Residence guests can access the first-class facilities of the New York Palace Hotel. Gym bunnies, spa lovers and anyone with a penchant for piano music and a cocktail can get their fill. Another massive bonus to choosing these apartments for a stay in Budapest.
Central. Comfortable. Clean. A strong 8/10.
