Sofitel Atrium, Budapest

The Atrium Sofitel is one of the premier hotels in Budapest. It may lack the stylish history of the Gelert, and it may have been upstaged recently by its neighbour, the Four Seasons, it nonetheless is worthy of consideration for a stay, whether for business or for pleasure, in this charming central European capital city.

The hotel is situated on Roosevelt Ter, at the Buda end of the Chain Bridge. The Chain Bridge was the first permanent ...
...Pest. It was designed by a Scotsman, William Clark, and is a larger, grander version of the bridge he designed over the Thames at Marlow.

The hotel's name derives from the stunning atrium which greets you on arrival. From the roof of the atrium hangs a model of an old wooden aeroplane. The rest of the atrium has a library theme, with one side having a structure which from a distance looks like a bookcase. It has an ingenious array ... more

The Atrium Sofitel is one of the premier hotels in Budapest. It may lack the stylish history of the Gelert, and it may have been upstaged recently by its neighbour, the Four Seasons, it nonetheless is worthy of consideration for a stay, whether for business or for pleasure, in this charming central European capital city.

The hotel is situated on Roosevelt Ter, at the Buda end of the Chain Bridge. The Chain Bridge was the first permanent bridge across the Danube linking the cities of Buda and Pest. It was designed by a Scotsman, William Clark, and is a larger, grander version of the bridge he designed over the Thames at Marlow.

The hotel's name derives from the stunning atrium which greets you on arrival. From the roof of the atrium hangs a model of an old wooden aeroplane. The rest of the atrium has a library theme, with one side having a structure which from a distance looks like a bookcase. It has an ingenious array of think clear plastic strips, down which water runs, which gives it a cascade effect. On the mezzanine level round the sound of the atrium is the breakfast bar.

The staff at reception were also extremely helpful, and their English was excellent. Whenever we had a slight problem to discuss, they were efficient and courteous, and when it came to asking advice on places to visit and restaurants, they were helpful and well-informed.

The rooms are reached by glass-fronted lifts to the floors, so you see the atrium as you go. Two of the three sides of the hotel have rooms overlooking the Danube, the third does not, which is reflected in the price. The top floor has executive rooms, and an executive lounge where you can go for breakfast or a drink and snacks later in the day. From the lounge, you can relax, read, have a cup of coffee and look out of the window, north along the Danube over towards Buda Castle. We had an upgrade to have access to this lounge, although I think you can pay for the access if you are not staying on that floor.

The hotel has a business centre, from where you can use the internet and check email. There is also a fitness centre with an indoor swimming pool, sauna and solarium, though I haven't used these, so can't vouch for their quality.

I have stayed here 4 times - twice for work and twice for weekend leisure breaks. I have always been impressed with the quality of the rooms, the breakfast (with an omelette chef ready to rustle up an omelette according to preference) and the service impeccable.

We have also eaten in the Paris-Budapest restaurant, which is on the ground floor. This has won various awards for its modern fusion-style cuisine. Considering its location, it wasn't as pricy as we feared, but it is not typically Hungarian.

I would definitely recommend a stay here if your budget stretches to it. It has a fabulous location, with iconic Budapest views across the Chain Bridge up to the old city of Buda. Budapest is a beautiful and fascinating city, and this modern hotel is a great base for exploring it.
It is well worth a visit, and if you get sent here by work, so much the better! 

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