Reviewed by
Norm Longley
Set within the well-heeled Palace District, a stone’s throw from the stately National Museum, Brody House sports quite some pedigree. Once a doctor’s residence, then prime ministerial domicile and finally an artists' colony, owners Peter and Will opened the place up as a hotel in 2009, naming it after the famed Hungarian author. The result is a veritable emporium of cool.
Beyond the chunky main door, crumbling stuccoed plaster walls precede a stately iron-balustraded staircase and a pleasantly ramshackle courtyard. Spread over 2 floors, each of the 8 rooms displays the artwork of a former artist in residence. Breakfast is taken in the Club, a bright and airy space embracing 3 warming lounges that are lovely to relax in throughout the day, with board games and honesty bars. A 15-minute walk away, the Brody Studios is yet another string to the Brody bow: a hipster arts hub where you can eat, meet and drink, as well as enjoy whatever’s on the cultural programme, be it live jazz, a magician, a comedian or a literary dinner. Popular with actors, artists and creative sorts, Brody House will appeal to any couple looking for a romantic, yet slightly unorthodox, refuge.
Beyond the chunky main door, crumbling stuccoed plaster walls precede a stately iron-balustraded staircase and a pleasantly ramshackle courtyard. Spread over 2 floors, each of the 8 rooms displays the artwork of a former artist in residence. Breakfast is taken in the Club, a bright and airy space embracing 3 warming lounges that are lovely to relax in throughout the day, with board games and honesty bars. A 15-minute walk away, the Brody Studios is yet another string to the Brody bow: a hipster arts hub where you can eat, meet and drink, as well as enjoy whatever’s on the cultural programme, be it live jazz, a magician, a comedian or a literary dinner. Popular with actors, artists and creative sorts, Brody House will appeal to any couple looking for a romantic, yet slightly unorthodox, refuge.
Highs
- Bespoke rooms with startlingly original furnishings and amazing art
- There’s an aura about the place that makes you feel just that little bit extra special
- Fantastic value, especially considering the spaciousness of your room and the hipster vibe
- It’s all very discreet and you’ll hear barely a sound from anyone or anything; ideal for independent types
- A great location in central Pest, a walk away from all the sights
Lows
- Not set up for children
- No lift and steep stairs, so not suited to those with limited mobility
- Some rooms lack much natural light, though given the myriad distractions, you’ll hardly notice
- Breakfast costs extra and there's no restaurant on-site, though the area teems with eateries
- A few little extras, like bathrobes, wouldn’t go amiss
Best time to go
Budapest is beautiful all year round, but at its best in spring, early summer and early autumn. In spring, the natives emerge from their post-winter slumber and the city’s premier annual event, the Budapest Spring Festival, swings into action. In September, the searing summer heat has dissipated, yet the days remain long and pleasantly balmy. Crowds are thinner too, and you’ll have the city’s attractions almost all to yourself.
Our top tips
Budapest’s Jewish history looms large, so go and explore the nearby Jewish quarter, the highlight of which is the magnificent Dohany utca Synagogue. Afterwards, retire to Central Kavehaz for coffee and cake; a throwback to the early 20th century, when it was the focal point of intellectual life in Budapest, this lovely old coffee house has retained much of its charisma.