HIDDEN GUEST: Verno House Budapest

If a city-centre location is what you seek in Budapest, look no further than Verno House. Just left of the hotel entrance, guests can wander into Liberty Square, the city’s green refuge. On the right of the entrance, the city’s hottest culinary district is home to several gourmet restaurants. Landmarks, including St. Stephen’s Basilica, are within spitting distance. Yet, what makes the location truly unique is Liberty Square. Imposing buildings enclose the monumental square erected in Budapest’s zenith in the nineteenth century. The towering buildings include the former seat of the Hungarian Stock Exchange, the Hungarian National Bank, the well-guarded American embassy and the headquarters of the Hungarian National Television. Canopies of venerable trees offer shelter to guests visiting the park in the summer heat. The Rosenberg building, home to the Verno House, harmonically blends in with the grand ambience of the district. The location is incredible, perhaps the best for a hotel in the heart of Budapest. History buffs won’t be disappointed either, as several monuments crown the square, some less controversial than others. Visitors can see monuments of former US presidents George Bush and Ronald Reagan. You cannot find a more central location in Budapest.

Reaching the hotel is straightforward. Guests can park in a spacious public parking house near the hotel, which is relatively affordable, given its central location. As many sights are within walking distance, we suggest you traverse the city’s alleys on foot. Alternatively, public transport works well, and a few stations are nearby. Everything is close to the hotel. Should you stay here, we recommend taking full advantage of the location. In the past two years, Budapest has also improved its air accessibility, courtesy of low-cost airlines. In fact, Budapest Airport now ranks among the fifty best-connected airports in Europe. The number of overseas destinations, particularly the Middle East and China, is increasing steadily. All the mentioned reasons contributed to the swift growth of tourism after the coronavirus crisis, partly thanks to Wizzair. Although boosting the number of overnight stays, the increasing number of visitors resulted in many traffic jams in Budapest. Most often, bridges across the Danube get clogged. The easiest way to avoid them is by exploring the city on foot or cycling. Perhaps not very popular in Budapest yet, such modes of transportation are environment-friendly and beneficial for your health.

The hotel interior was designed by two renowned Hungarian architects, Júlia Losonczi and Veronika Pusztai from Bis Tervezőiroda. As has been the case in similar destinations, Budapest has, too, become a destination where renovations are constantly underway. Buildings thus change their purpose, blanket their facade or coat their interior, while others reimagine the concept. During the latest renovation of Verno House, the architects changed almost everything at once. The centre of the hotel is an amalgam of an atrium dedicated to event organising but also functioning as a gallery and meeting space for guests. The atrium appears spacious and welcoming, thanks to expansive glass panels encircling it. The interior exudes a noticeable contrast between the preserved and reconstructed historical elements and the new technological purpose of the building. Eclectic minimalism characterises the new additions, especially the designer furniture pieces. The selection of materials and plants is connected to the soil, binding the hotel story with the nearby park. One of the challenges the architects faced was incorporating the hotel into the impressive urban story in a way that respects the existing heritage of the building. The architects excelled in their task.

In boutique hotels, the reception is usually the heart and soul. Two incredibly kind, professional and upright receptionists deserve our kudos. They offered us advice regarding the best local sights and provided insight into the hotel and its facilities. Other staff members were equally professional. At breakfast, the staff was always willing to help. Without a hint of exaggeration, the breakfast was superb. All dishes were made with quality ingredients and handpicked. The selection of à la carte dishes was great, too, albeit we missed Eggs Benedict. Unfortunately, we did not dine in Flava Restaurant because we arrived late. Nonetheless, numerous comments from satisfied guests prove the cuisine is exceptional. The hotel is generally well-maintained, barring the black doors that remained unchanged during renovation and appear slightly worn. Otherwise, Verno House is a fantastic example of a great boutique hotel.

Hotel rooms

Upon entering the room, guests will be welcomed by earth tones and ochre hues dominating the rooms. The views of Freedom Square beyond the panoramic glass wall make the trees seem within arm’s reach. Glass marks the bathroom, too, which features an elegant designer bath. The furniture boasts elegant curves in bright autumnal colours, matching the dark floor and elevating the details – a Marshall speaker, an elegant retro lamp, dried petals in eye-catching ceramics and an ochre-coloured lounger in front of the panoramic window. The room even boasts a retro red phone, reminiscent of a James Bond film from the seventies. Only the enormous LCD television reminds guests that they are staying in a modern hotel. We were most impressed by the exceptional bathroom with a bathtub, a walk-in shower and a panoramic view. The walk-in shower in this hotel room was exemplary. Tasteful photos of petals in close-ups hung above the compact, quality bed are a nice touch. There is enough space in the room for guests to feel fantastic.

Meetings centre

The hotel has no classic conference halls apart from a meeting room that also functions as a library. It can host up to twenty attendees. A far more inspiring and unconventional event space is the lobby, which can transform into a reception venue, a film set or an unusual meeting area. It can accommodate up to forty guests. Perhaps the best venue, though, is the Flava Restaurant. It can host up to fifty guests. We could easily imagine events with a reception in the foyer and a sitting reception in the restaurant. There are endless possibilities, and guests will undoubtedly appreciate the central location.

DESSERT – The extras

The garden of Flava Restaurant stretches 200 square metres. Event organisers can reserve it for events in the summer months. Guests will appreciate the abundant shade and picturesque views of the adjacent park, enriched by Michelin-level cuisine.

FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES

The hotel is fantastic, and the staff exceeds expectations. If we must split hairs, then we have a tiny remark regarding the size of the spa, which is very boutique. There are alternative options in the city, though.

TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES

The hotel staff is unbelievably kind and professional and has a heartfelt, sincere approach to welcoming guests. Not every hotel can pride itself on such personnel. We only have praise for the hotel team.

SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES

The hotel neither promotes nor implements any sustainable measures. We didn’t notice any sustainability campaign during our stay.

Verno House cannot be mistaken for any other hotel in this category in Budapest. Its location and, most notably, refined interior design make it inimitable. The hotel’s minimalist facade, designer furniture pieces and urban story differentiate it from the competition. Above all, we were impressed by the staff’s kindness and personal approach. The fantastic photos exhibited around the hotel make Verno House appear more like an art gallery. Meeting planners seeking a boutique, intimate venue can host their event here. We believe the attendees will be amazed by the hotel, not least for the superb gastronomical experience at Flava Restaurant.

FINAL GRADE: 4.94 GOLD Boutique Meeting Hotel 

GOLD final score from 4.81 to 5.00
SILVER final score from 4.61 to 4.80
BRONZE final score from 4.41 to 4.60