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LUXURY HOTEL INSIDER

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The Luxury Hotel Insider: Exclusive luxury hotel deals, features and special rates from the luxury hotel experts at Five Star Alliance.
Named one of Tripbase's Best Luxury Travel Blogs for 2011, below are Five Star Alliance's newest articles featuring exclusive information on luxury hotels worldwide including special offers and deals at the world's best hotels.

| By: Rachael Weir

Vienna Christmas Market

As the festive season is underway, Europe's Christmas Markets provide an array of local products created by artisans, sweet specialties, and plenty to explore. In this edition of Featured Journeys, we're embarking on a multi-destination trip along the Danube to visit Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest.

Vienna, Austria

Get in the Christmas spirit perusing stalls with handcrafted goods, while the aroma of punch and roasted chestnuts fills the air. Dating back to 1298 when Albrecht I granted the city's citizens the privilege to hold the first Krippenmarkt, Vienna is now home to an array of Christmas markets including the Viennese Dream Christmas Market in front of City Hall (shown in the photo above), Christmas Village Belvedere Palace with the backdrop of the palace, Christmas and New Year's Market at Schönbrunn Palace, and Christmas Market at Spittelberg. 

In addition to the Christmas Markets, Vienna is a destination for culture and art lovers. From palaces and regal parks, to chandier-lit coffee houses, the city offers much to explore. The Riesenrad Ferris wheel provides a birds-eye view above the Prater. 

Park Hyatt Vienna

Park Hyatt Vienna

Set within a 100-year-old building, Park Hyatt Vienna is located within the city's most exclusive shopping district. Once the Austrian Hungarian Monarchy Bank, the Park Hyatt Vienna is part of the city's First District, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Offering some of the city's largest guest rooms and suites, travelers can rejuvenate at the tranquil Arany Spa with treatments and facials, workout in the fitness center, or swim in the indoor pool. Plus, visitors can enjoy brasserie classics and cocktails at the historic The Bank Brasserie & Bar, a drink at the whisky and cigar lounge Living Room, sip a typical Viennese coffee specialty at the Café Am Hof, or schedule afternoon tea at the Lounge.

SUITE DEAL: Book 3 nights, get the 4th Night Free! Plus, enjoy exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks.
Book and travel by December 17, 2020. Based on availability, blackout dates apply. 

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests making reservations with Five Star Alliance receive breakfast daily at The Bank Brasserie, also available with Room Service, a $100 USD hotel credit per room/per stay (valid at all food and beverage outlets, Room Service, Minibar, Spa treatments, and laundry) along with in-room fresh fruits and water daily.

Book a stay at Park Hyatt Vienna

Explore more Vienna Luxury Hotels

Bratislava, Slovakia

From stands with local goodies and craft products to glowing streets, Bratislava is a festive destination with multiple Christmas Markets spread throughout the city. The Main Christmas Market is located at the Main Square with a variety of local delicacies including potato pancakes, Lokša​, and Mead, and the Old Town Christmas Market is home to thematic workshops for children, a wooden Bethlehem, and a traditional ice rink. There's also a Vegan Christmas Market and Advent at the Castle.

Along with the Christmas Markets, Bratislava is a green city and the capital of Slovakia. The Bratislava Castle features views of the neighboring countries, and plenty of history to explore in the castle's museum. The three-nave St. Martin's Cathedral is a Gothic Church and former coronation church, the Old Town Hall is the seat of the Bratislava City Museum and a 45-meter tower with panoramic views, and Michael's Gate offers travelers the opportunity to see the only preserved gate remaining of the city's fortification system. 

Hotel Chateau Amade

Hotel Chateau Amade

Set in the middle of Rye Island, Hotel Chateau Amade is an idyllic destination about 50 km/31 miles from Bratislava. The eco-chic boutique hotel offers a unique and historic destination between Vienna and Budapest. The sanctuary of peace and quiet has 30 guest rooms and suites, along with a gourmet restaurant, wellness center, and hammam. 

Book a stay at Hotel Chateau Amade

Explore more Bratislava Luxury Hotels

Budapest, Hungary

With more than 10 markets in the center of the city alone, Budapest is a festive destination for travelers. The scent of cinnamon and roast chestnuts fills the air as shoppers shop authentic Hungarian wares on display in wooden huts. In addition to the markets, the Balna Budapest ice cooridor is the largest free ice rink in the city, with a panoramic backdrop of Budapest while gliding over the frozen water. Illuminated by thousands of fairy lights, the City Park Rink has the Vajdahunyad Castle for a backdrop, and the grand cafes provide an idyllic post-shopping or skating retreat. 

Beyond the festive attractions, Budapest offers much for foodies including six Michelin Star Restaurants, and the old Jewish quarter is home to a variety of Ruin Bars. Ready for some down time? Discover some of the city's many thermal baths fed by natural hot springs. 

The Ritz-Carlton Budapest

The Ritz-Carlton Budapest Suite

Set within the city's fashionable 5th District, The Ritz-Carlton Budapest, the property is within walking distance of the main pedestrian shopping street, river Danube, and the Opera house. Amidst the rich historical heritage of the Castle District and Old Town, the property offers a tranquil setting with an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, and massage treatments. 

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Reservations booked under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also include full breakfast for two daily, a $100 USD food and beverage credit per room/per stay to be used in Kupola Lounge, Kupola Bar, Dean St. Kitchen, or via room service, and one bottle of mineral water daily per person.

Book a stay at The Ritz-Carlton Budapest

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| By: Rachael Weir

Set along the Danube, Budapest offers a sophisticated setting steeped in history with a thriving nightlife scene. Featuring Hapsburg architecture throughout the city, visitors can enjoy the grandeur of the Hungarian State Opera house, Royal Palace, and the grand boulevards. 

Travelers will want to visit the Castle District, home to the Royal Palace and the gothic Matthias Church. Heroes Square is a spot known for frescoes and Old Master paintings, and the City Park provides a lake-dotted green respite in the city. 

Due to an array of hot springs, locals and travelers having been "taking to the waters" since the Romans first arrived. Today, travelers can choose from a variety of bathhouses reflecting various styles from art nouveau like Széchenyi to the Turkish-style Rudas. 

While foodies will have plenty to discover in Budapest as well. The flavors of Eastern and Central Europe combine to create a cusine of its own, which pairs well with Hungary's fine wines ranging from Eger's reds to Somló’s crisp whites. 

History enthusiasts will find remnants of the past throughout Budapest including the Shoes on the Danube Memorial, and the House of Terror that is now a museum detailing the stories of the parties that ruled Budapest. While evidence of bullet holes and shrapnel pockmarks remind visitors of the past.

Here are 5 Top Budapest Luxury Hotels:

5. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace

Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace

Featuring a landmark setting along the Danube, Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace is a luxury hotel blending historic grandeur with a youthful spirit and Four Seasons hospitality. The restored palace has an ornate Preciosa chandelier, dramatic stairways, and two million mosaic tiles. The spa pays homage to Budapest's heritage in wellness, and named after the Hungarian word for collage, Kollazs is a contemporary European brasserie serving contemporary interpretations of European classics. 

Book a stay at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace

4. Kempinski Hotel Corvinus

Dining at Kempinski Hotel Corvinus

Comprised of 351 rooms and suites, Kempinski Hotel Corvinus is located a short walk from the Danube River. The property offers culinary attractions within its Gastronomic Quarter Downtown Budapest, including two restaurants, two bars, a coffeehouse, and a deli. Close to the city's main attractions, the hotel has Kempinski The Spa for a variety of treatments, along with ten meeting and event venues. 

Book a stay at Kempinski Hotel Corvinus

3. The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest

The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest

Blending modern luxury with a touch of tradition, The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest is a luxury hotel set within a 20th century heritage building. Located a short stroll from St. Stephen's Basilica, Erzsébet Square, and the River Danube, the hotel offers residential-style accommodations, a European spa, and Hungarian-infused cuisine at Deák St. Kitchen. 

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also receive full breakfast for two daily, a $100 USD food and beverage credit per room/per stay to be used in Kupola Lounge, Kupola Bar, Deak St. Kitchen, or via room service, and one bottle of mineral water daily per person.

Book a stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest

2. Corinthia Hotel Budapest

Corinthia Hotel Budapest

Opened in 1896 as the Grand Hotel Royal, the Corinthia Hotel Budapest is a grand hotel blending the highest standards of contemporary luxury with the glamour of a bygone age with marble floors, a six-story atrium, glimmering chandeliers, and a ballroom. Plus, The Royal Spa has been fully remodeled with the finest modern treatments and services, as well as a 15-meter swimming pool.

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also receive full breakfast for each guest daily at Brasserie and Atrium Restaurant, a complimentary one-way transfer between the hotel and the Budapest Airport, and a personalized welcome in-room water and fruit amenity.

Book a stay at Corinthia Hotel Budapest

1. Aria Hotel Budapest

Aria Hotel Budapest

Blending a lavish palace with the feel of a private residence, Aria Hotel Budapest is a luxury hotel infused with a music theme. The glass-enclosed Music Garden is set within a climate-controlled courtyard with piano key floor tiles, LED imaging screen, and sophisticated atmosphere. Accommodations are located within four wings dedicated to the major genres of Classical, Opera, Contemporary, and Jazz. While the High Note SkyBar is a full-service rooftop garden with landscaping, dining, cocktails, sunbathing, and one-of-a-kind views of the Basilica and historic city. 

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also receive full breakfast for two daily in Music Garden/Stradivari Restaurant, an EUR 80 SPA credit, per room/per stay, and a welcome fruit plate and chocolate amenity.

Book a stay at Aria Hotel Budapest

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| By: Five Star Alliance

Boscolo Budapest
The eclectic building of the Boscolo Budapest was constructed between 1892 and 1894 by the architects Alajos Hauszmann, Floris Korb and Kalman Giergl, for the Hungarian offices of the New York Life Insurance Company, by transposing the old styles of Greek, Latin, Renaissance and Baroque together in prodigiously-creative Art Nouveau.

The ground floor houses the historic New York Cafe, opened in 1894 by the Hungarian coffee baron Sandor Steuer, and is a place to meet the artistic and cultural life of the city of Budapest.

Book a stay at Boscolo Budapest >>

 


| By: Five Star Alliance

Four Seasons Gresham Palace's wrought iron peacock gates came from the prestigious Gyula Jungfer workshop.

Four Seasons Gresham Palace

View rates, details, and more images of Four Seasons Gresham Palace >>

Posted in: Budapest

| By: Five Star Alliance

Kempinski Hotel Corvinus is home to Kempinski The Spa. The spa also offers a unique signature treatment: Harmony Within. Harmony Within begins with a Mother of Pearl body scrub which cleanses and gently prepares the skin for the warm Thyme and Mint Aromatic massage. During this soporific massage, soothing hot stones are applied to further reduce any lingering tensions. The Signature Treatment ends with a truly tranquil, warm oil head massage.

Kempinski Hotel Corvinus

View rates, details, and more images of Kempinski Hotel Corvinus >>

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