Why the Hard Rock Hotel is the best place to make the most of Budapest
Famous for its Ruin Bars in the abandoned buildings in the old Jewish Quarter, and the natural thermal baths where you can enjoy everything from a game of pool-chess to a ‘spa-rty’, Budapest is brimming with culture. Whatever time of year you visit, you’ll probably stumble across a food, jazz or wine festival which helps to cement its reputation as a paradoxical blend of old-world charm and unapologetic rebellion.
I visited the pretty city so I could check out the music scene, and set up camp in the newly opened Hard Rock Hotel. Alas, I didn’t spot any celebs, and it wasn’t leather-trouser weather, but I felt like a rock star as I set foot in the foyer of this spangly hotel in the heart of the Pest area, which really is bringing all the boys (and girls) to the yard.
The soundtrack of high energy rock hits was emanating from the speakers, but it wasn’t too overwhelming, and I could almost have chosen a karaoke song from the classic hits that were playing (Living on a Prayer, Under Pressure, I love rock n roll), and while my toes were tapping and I was checking in, I was also checking out the tiny waist of Lady Gaga courtesy of her ballgown from the Monster Ball tour.
The foyer – come – lounge is the focal point, with lyrics of Katy Perry, ’Cause baby, you’re a firework’ taking pride of place in neon lettering; whilst on closer inspection, the impressive memorabilia which is carefully displayed (and firmly locked behind glass) is a nod to rock stars who have connections with the city. Notable items were Elton John’s canary yellow shoes, MJ’s famous black fedora, cowboy boots worn by Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath.
You can also measure yourself against the artist formerly known as Prince, whilst admiring the actual faux fur coat he wore in the Purple Rain video; or perhaps you’ll be more impressed by Beyonce’s gladrags or Madonna’s high school yearbook.
The rooms at this five-star hotel are also dedicated to the rock n roll lifestyle and range from Classic and Superior to more extravagant Gold and Rock Star Suites (boasting an outdoor terrace and a jacuzzi). After blasting out some tunes on the in-room sound system tuned in with the Sound of Your Stay® playlist, head downstairs to the Sessions restaurant, where you can tuck into the legendary burger or something more fancy, with a menu designed by globetrotting chef Sándor Pintér. The hotel even does cocktail making classes which are a great option if you just want to stumble to the Roxy Rooftop bar, which has DJs three nights a week.
However, you’ll probably want to hit the town and explore the famous nightlife too. The Doboz Ruin Club, is a legendary party spot and boasts a huge wooden gorilla hugging a 320-year-old tree in the courtyard; whilst inside has 2 dance floors which are open Wednesday to Saturday. Szimpla Kert, the granddaddy of the Ruins Bars is also well worth a visit for pumping DJs playing an eclectic mix of tunes, or you can just enjoy the mismatched furniture, bathtub-turned-sofa and wacky art installations. Live music fans should head to the A38 Club, situated on a renovated Ukrainian stone-carrier ship, which is permanently moored on the Danube River which is a cosy venue and a great up close and personal experience. Whilst Úri Muri is the place to go for live theatre, jazz, stand-up nights and DJs.
The concierge at the Hard Rock will be able to advise you what’s on and get tickets if required.
Finish the night by sampling one of the country’s most loved street foods! Quite simply, ‘langos’ is a deep-fried dough that is often topped with lashings of garlic, cheese and sour cream and doubly tasty if you’ve enjoyed a beer or two; and the hotel’s Constant Grind café is open all day to help with any achy heads.
If you’ve never been to a cat cafe, you could burst your cherry in Budapest! Cosy up with your feline friends at the Cat Cafe, which boasts a central spot that is a good place to get your bearings and caffeine hit on your way to some of the hippest vintage and thrift stores. I recommend Retro Rock Vintage and PSTR. Another favourite spot – the Budapest Art Factory and Capa Centre, named after the legendary war photographer Robert Capa, is always an interesting stop off for its thought-provoking exhibitions that challenge the status quo.
More public art worth visiting is the moving ‘Shoes on the Promenade’ memorial, which was created by film director Can Togay and sculptor Gyula Pauer. Installed along the bank of the Danube River, the monument consists of 60 pairs of iron shoes, true to size and detail, which was constructed as a sobering memorial to the Jews who were brutally tortured and forced to remove their shoes (shoes being a valuable commodity during World War II) before they were shot without mercy, falling over the edge to be washed away by the freezing waters. Placed in a casual fashion, as if the people just stepped out of them, these little statues are a grim reminder of the souls who once occupied them – yet they also create a beautiful place of reflection and reverence.
On a lighter note, the Flipper Museum is the home of all things pinball. Located in a basement under a downtown residential building in Budapest is a heaven of pinball gamers. Started by a pair of avid pinball enthusiasts, the little museum is packed with rows of classic pinball machines, all in working order and free to play; the Museum of Applied Arts which specialises in Art Nouveau design, both in its collections and the building’s stunning architecture is well worth a visit, and I highly recommend stopping at Tipton Eyeworks to pick up an original pair of shades made from vinyl – it doesn’t get more rock n roll than that!
Whether you have visited Budapest before, or are planning your first trip, it’s an addictive city, and the Hard Rock Hotel may be your new go to base.
Sara Darling
Hard Rock Hotel Budapest
1065 Budapest, Nagymező utca 38
hardrockhotels.com
