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)
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:
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
- Entry to Apartment Sarah - Budapest, Hungary Vacation Rental
- The Living Room - Budapest, Hungary Vacation Rental
- Your Private Bistro - Budapest, Hungary Vacation Rental
- Kitchen Island
- The Kitchen Area
- Bathroom with Walk-In Shower; Separate WC
- Reading Nook and Dining Area
- The Sleeping Loft
- Optional Apartment Belle
- Dining area in Belle
- Sleeping Gallery in Belle
- Kitchen in Belle
- Bath in Belle
- Kitchen in Belle - Dryer, Mirowave, Nespresso Coffee Bar
- Szervita ter at night
- Rough floorplan of the apartment
Guest Comments (68)
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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
Positive Rating
nancy b , saratoga springs ny
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, Atlanta, Ga - New York, NY
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Jim and Martha , Columbia, SC 29209
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Martin , Germany / Berlin
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christine , los angeles, ca
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Jill , Chicago, IL
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Jennifer , New York, NY
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Bob & Sue Ascher , Jacksonville Florida
Positive Rating
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.
Positive Rating
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!