Budapest Vacation

Apartment Sarah - Luxury, Value and Romance in the Center City Budapest Vacation Rental by Owner Listing 124227

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Location: Budapest, Hungary, Europe (In the Heart of the Very Center of the Belvaros.) View Map

Accommodations:  Apartment, 2 Bedrooms + Attached Unit, 2 Baths (Sleeps 4-8)

Priced in Euros, with no increase since 2007, your dollar buys more than 25% more than it did last summer!

A lovely and romantic hideaway in the absolute center of the city. Quiet and bright, totally remodeled in 2006 for use by our own family, Apartment Sarah is a rooftop apartment overlooking a Bauhaus courtyard:

A few steps off the lift, pass through your small gated patio and enter 50 square meters of homelike comfort: full American kitchen, cable TV, wi-fi high speed internet, en suite separate water closet and bath with custom-built shower. Apartment Sarah is actually two adjoining, air conditioned, rooftop apartments on the south side of the building (Sarah on the east, Belle on the west). Overlooking a lovely and bright courtyard and away from the bustle of the city center just outside (two 5-star hotels are within 2 blocks of the front door; Budapest's oldest and most extensive music and record shop is on the ground floor of the building), Apartment Sarah/Belle has a cathedral ceiling more than 4 meters high, with nooks and crannies and skylights that render it romantic and unique.

The apartment is reached by either of the building’s two lifts (one at the Sarah end, one at Belle), and has its own locked entry gate. Each half has its own bathroom with luxury shower and a small but well-stocked American kitchen (convection oven, fridge, full sink, clothes washer and dryer; all staples are there when you arrive from coffee or tea to eggs and cheese, salt, sugar, everything you need to prepare a first snack; and we welcome you with pastry and wine). Dishware, cutlery, pots, and pans are all there when you arrive.

Each half has a small library of guidebooks and maps, and cable TV and high speed open-access wi-fi Internet, as well as a small stock of games and light fiction. Each half has a sleeping gallery with a comfortable bed sleeping two (larger-than-full 140cm in Sarah, larger-than-queen 160cm in Belle), and has a large convertible sofa that can sleep two in the livingroom (120 cm). A pair of locking doors can separate each half from the other, but when the doors are opened the two join for a large and luxurious apartment with two bedrooms, two convertible sofas, two baths and two kitchens (sleeping a total of 8 in comfort). Use of a mobile phone with Hungarian telephone number is included (airtime for the phone is the guest’s responsibility). A VOIP telephone in the apartment provides unlimited calling to the US/Canada and landlines in most of the world

The apartment is in the very center of District V, or the Belvaros (City Center). District V is the heart around which the City of Budapest was built. The Building, a landmark marking the transition to Bauhaus from Art Nouveau, is at #5 Szervita Square, and Szervita Square is at the very center of District 5. One block away from the Deak Square Metro hub, where all three of the city’s Metro lines intersect. Take the historic Yellow line (the first subway in continental Europe) to Andrassy Street, the Opera, the Liszt Music Academy, Heroes’ Square and Gundel’s Restaurant. Take the Red line into Buda and explore the Castle, the Citadel, and the hills. Take the Blue line to Raday street’s bohemian bars and cafes.

Or walk two blocks to the Danube and take the #2 Tram, north to Parliament and the antique shops of Falk Miksa Street, or south to the Central Market Hall or the stunning new Palace of the Arts (the landscaping is not yet totally finished, but the acoustics are remarkable).

Or just walk a block to the historic pedestrian mall on Vaci Street, a boulevard lined with shops and restaurants. Several blocks to the south and you are at the Great Synagogue (second largest in the world) or go a similar distance north and you are at St. Stephen’s Basilica. Go half a dozen blocks to the northeast and you are at the foot of Andrassy Street, the grand boulevard leading to the Opera, Operetta Theatre, and Liszt Music Academy.

Free concerts abound within walking distance in the summers and, at Christmas and other celebrations, Vorosmarty Square a block away lights up with decorations and outdoor crafts and food vendors.

We are not the typical apartment rental business. We are a pair of midlife American academics who love to travel. John's father was born in Hungary and left in the mid-1930s. John grew up hearing tales of Budapest, but we first visited it in 2001, decades after John's father' had died. We fell in love with the city and its vibrant yet relaxed lifestyle and culture, and we purchased and renovated this place in 2005 for family use as well as rental. It is furnished and equipped to provide everything we would want to find in an apartment when we travel ourselves, and more. We want you to be as enthusiastic about this city as we are, and will be available to answer any questions or to assist in any way we can.

Vacation Rental Features

  • Amenities
    • Air Conditioning
    • Washer
    • Dryer
    • Linens Provided
    • Elevator
  • Beds
    • Queen Bed: Second queen bed in optional adjacent apartment (Apt. Belle)
    • Convertible Bed: Second convertible available in optional adjacent apartment (Belle).
  • Entertainment
    • Cable/Satellite TV: Flat panel TV also serves as monitor for computer/DVD player.
    • DVD
    • Video Library: Wide range of Dvds for all ages.
    • CD Player
    • Music Library: iPod docking/charging/speaker station (Logitech mm50) available now; music library available by June, 2007.
  • Kitchen
    • Full Kitchen: All staples are stocked; when you arrive you'll find coffee, tea, eggs, cheese, milk, pastry, and wine. Espresso and American electric coffee maker.
    • Cooking Utensils Provided
    • Refrigerator
    • Microwave
  • Outdoor Features
    • Balcony: Lovely small outdoor patio overlooks the Bauhaus courtyard from the top floor; perfect for breakfast or a quiet place to read.
  • Communications
    • Telephone
    • Free Long Distance: Free international calling, unlimited, to USA/Canada and landlines in UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain. Free unlimited use of dial direct incoming US telephone number (calls ring in apartment but bill caller as a call to the USA).
    • Cell Phone: Hungarian mobile with local phone number (or use SIM card in your phone if you prefer); airtime is renter's responsibility.
    • Computer: Small computer for Internet and email access; or bring your own laptop and have access to unlimited free WiFI high speed DSL access.
    • Broadband Internet: ADSL wired connection may be available upon special arrangement; highest speed available in central Budapest.
    • WiFi (Wireless Internet): Unlimited free WiFi access throughout apartment.
  • Suitability
    • No Pets Allowed
    • Kid Friendly: We welcome families with children and have tried to stock some toys, games, and DVDs for rainy days.
    • Smoking Not Allowed
  • Activities (on site and nearby)
    • Shopping
    • Sightseeing
    • Restaurants
    • Antiquing
    • Cinemas/Movie Theaters
    • Live Theatre
    • Museums
  • Other Activities
    • Concert/Theatre ticket bureau in building; 24 hour indoor parking garage across the street (approximately €12/24 hours).

 

Rate Details (In Euro)

Personal Currency Assistant

Children Stay Free with Their Parents. Cleaning fee is 30 Euros. 3 night minimum.
Rates for Apt. Belle or Apt. Sarah (each is half the full apartment):
May-September .......... €85/night (2 adults, plus children)
Feb-April & Oct ....... €75/night (2 adults, plus kids).
Nov, Dec, Jan ........... €40/night (2 adults, 8 night min.; €60 otherwise)
For the full apartment: €170/€150/€80(€120 >4 adults or <8 nights)
Three Adults in 1/2 the apt Adds a 15% Surcharge; Four Adults Adds 70% Surcharge.
Christmas/New Years, Grand Prix, and Spring Festival Weeks May Have Higher Rates.

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.

  • Credit Cards Accepted:

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Discover

Dates available: Year Round
Before contacting us, please check our calendar for your desired dates.

Note: Each property is individually owned or managed.

Map & Owner's Profile

 
 

Apartment Sarah - Luxury, Value and Romance in the Center City

Year Purchased: 2005

Why the Owner Chose Budapest

Jeanne and John visited in 2001 with John's father's younger brother, spent a weekend and fell in love with it. We purchased and renovated these apartments for our own use (Belle and Sarah are our daughters, Max is our son; Olive and Andrei our grandchildren) and only rent them when we are not using them ourselves for friends and family (we have another apartment where we stay ourselves, not very far away).

The Unique Benefits at this Apartment

We are passionate about Budapest and want to share that enthusiasm with our guests. We would be happy to assist in any way we can to help you have a wonderful trip whether you stay with us or elsewhere. Unless you speak Hungarian, booking tickets to concerts or events can be daunting, and are best handled in advance because so much sells out so swiftly...we are happy to take care of this kind of thing, advise about the city, or book a reservation in a restaurant for the day you arrive (though you may be weary by then).

 

Owner's Map of Budapest

John's father grew up in Budapest, and John grew up hearing about it, filtered through the oddly appealing love/hate lens of nazism and communism and Central European nostalgia. His father left in the mid-30s, and never went back until a 1975 week-long visit. But Hungary lived within him throughout his colorful career as a journalist, popular historian (author of the books that the films Patton and Tora, Tora, Tora were based on), propagandist and operative for Radio Free Europe. He died in 1980.

 

Property Photos

Guest Comments (68)

  • 06/17/09
    Positive Rating
    nancy b , saratoga springs ny
    • This was our first experience with a rental apartment. I don't know how anything could top it. The owner provided information in great detail before we travelled which made our visit most enjoyable. We stayed in Belle which was delightful--very accessible, great location and very clean and well appointed. We never used mass transportation and saw everything! Having the internet and international phone were a real bonus. Being met at the airport by Aljois and greeted by Ilona (the manager) made us feel right at home. When looking for apartments on the vacation rental website I was drawn to this one because of the US connection. Communication was a breeze. We would return tomorrow!
  • 06/15/09
    Positive Rating
    , Atlanta, Ga - New York, NY
    • This place was great and filled with maps, recommedations, movies, ipod players, just about everything that you would have at home. We rented both apartments for a long weekend and everything was perfect. We will be staying again. Thanks for everything.
  • 09/26/08
    Positive Rating
    Jim and Martha , Columbia, SC 29209
    • This was the most wonderful apartment! Fruit, bread, desserts and wine were waiting for us when we arrived! Apartment is well appointed, and within walking distance of everything. Owner anticipated all our needs and wants. We couldn't have been more pleased! We couldn't have been happier in the apartment and would gladly recommend this one again. He was available whenever we had any questions. Having a computer and telephone to the USA was a special treat. The ambiance added to our enjoyment. Thank you for the opportunity to stay here!
  • 07/22/08
    Positive Rating
    Martin , Germany / Berlin
    • To make it short: make it long(er) as originally planed, your stay in Budapest. It's a really nice apartment direct in the heart of the city and as soon as you will have understand the system of doors and keys there will be no obstacle for having a wonderfull time in Budapest. Thanks for all ! Martin
  • 07/09/08
    Positive Rating
    christine , los angeles, ca
    • our stay at the apartments belle and sarah was probably the best time we ever had in budapest. the location could not have been better. we rarely had to use public transportation because almost everything we needed was in walking distance. the apartments themselves are very charming and well stocked--everything you need is there (umbrellas, blow dryer, chess). the nespresso machine was a godsend. we had a group of seven and it was the perfect size for us (one more person could have fit well). my only caveat is that the place is so cozy and cute that you won't want to get out and see the city. one of the best parts of our trip was lounging around in the morning, eating a leisurely breakfast. i can't wait to go back. and yes, the beds were comfortable.
  • 07/03/08
    Positive Rating
    Jill , Chicago, IL
    • The Sarah apartment was absolutely fantastic. I recommmend this for anyone who is staying in Budapest. The apartment is well appointed, clean and centrally located. In fact, the location could not be better, there is no need for cabs as everything is within walking distance or the train station is 1 block away. I wouldn't consider staying anywhere else in Budapest!
  • 06/27/08
    Positive Rating
    Jennifer , New York, NY
    • What an incredible place to stay in Budapest! We stayed in Apartment Sarah, which is a beautifully renovated flat in the one of the nicest - and most convenient - neighborhoods in the city. The apartment had every amenity we needed, and the information provided by John was thorough and very, very useful. I'd say that having such a great base from which we could explore the city really made our trip what it was. My only hesitation when it comes to recommending this place to others is that I fear the apartment won't be available next time we go to Hungary!
  • 04/30/08
    Positive Rating
    Bob & Sue Ascher , Jacksonville Florida
    • Just a note to say how much we totally loved staying in Sarah along with our travel friends who occupied Belle. We wanted for nothing our entire six day stay. John & Jeanne are the absolute best when it comes to anticipating someone's needs when staying in Budapest. We loved the building and the surrounding neighborhood and getting all four of us into the elevator provided many laughs especially when returning from a late diner with drinks. We are already planning our next trip to Budapest to visit family and hope that one of the 3 apartments will be available for our stay. Its not exactly home but pretty darn close, thanks again for all you did to make our stay so comfortable
  • 01/06/08
    Positive Rating
    • Guest Comment entered by Homeowner:
      What an amazing apt! We felt at home straight away. After a long and tiring day after flying into Budapest, it was a much appreciated surprise to find wine and pastries and groceries in the frig! The location is fantastic and all your helpful tips were great. We will definitely recommend this place and city to all of our friends. It is so much better than a hotel! Already thinking of coming back.
  • 12/29/07
    Positive Rating
    • Guest Comment entered by Homeowner:
      I thought this might be the best vacation apt in the world - and then I had an espresso with perfectly warmed and frothed milk, and now I know for sure - there is no better vacation apt on the planet. Thanks for all the generous touches. We see that this is not a business for you, but rather a personal pleasure. Thank you for sharing it!

First (10) of (68). View all comments

Dates available: Year Round
Before contacting us, please check our calendar for your desired dates.

Note: Each property is individually owned or managed.

Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #124227

There have been 12075 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2007.
This listing was first published here in 2007.

Date last modified - July 01, 2009