23 February, 2018
Budapest
might be a centuries-old European capital, but behind
the façades of the baroque, neo-classical and art-nouveau
buildings, you’ll find a city that buzzes with a youthful
atmosphere, where you’re just as likely to stumble across hip bars,
innovative restaurants and cutting-edge designers as you are
museums, galleries and Turkish baths.
Check into Hotel Rum and you’ll get your an
inkling that first impressions aren’t everything. Tucked away down
a narrow lane just a short stroll from the town centre, the hotel
blends in among the apartment block in the surrounding streets.
Concealed behind a townhouse exterior (and grand wooden doors that
open before you at the press of a button) is a bold, modern
boutique hotel that blends the creativity of Budapest-based designers and
architects with lingering characteristics from the original
building, including an oh-so-Instagrammable spiral staircase.
Each of hotel 40 rooms are uniquely designed, with quirky
touches like ceiling mirrors, arty light fixtures and oversized
headboards differing from room to room, while high ceilings and
industrial decor are a consistent theme throughout. Four different
room sizes ensure options for every budget and taste, the largest
of which can accommodate up to three guests. Over-packers will
appreciate the ample space for wardrobe unpacking provided by
stylish metal-framed shelving, and larger rooms feature Nespresso
machines.
A hot and cold buffet selection is available up at the hotel’s
rooftop bar, Top Rum.
Head down to the hotel’s colourful Urban Tiger restaurant where
you’ll find inventive fare and creative cocktails in a vibrant,
moodily lit space. Currently the menu focuses on Asian-fusion
dishes, but soon you’ll be able to feast on traditional Hungarian
eats given a modern twist.
For the moment you’ll have to be content with the cocktails on
offer at Urban Tiger, but work is currently underway on a slick
rooftop bar with sweeping views over the city, set to open in
summer 2018.
Plenty to keep you busy, including the city’s iconic chain
bridge, the impressive Great Market Hall filled with delicious
local produce and street food, and a metro stop for when you want
to head further afield.
If you’re a traditionalist who prefers your hotels to have every
facility under the sun, Hotel Rum might not suit, but for urban
explorers who retreat back to their hotel room only for long
showers, a nightcap and a luxurious night’s sleep before heading
out and doing it all again, this boutique accommodation ticks all
the boxes.
