Apt. Sarah-Cozy Luxury in the City Center
- Minimum stay:N/A
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:No
- Wheel chair accessible:Yes
A lovely and romantic hideaway in the absolute center of the city. Quiet and bright, totally remodeled recently 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.
In addition, a third optional bedroom - Liesel - adjoins Belle on the opposite side from Sarah, making it possible to book up to 12 guests with three bedrooms, three baths and three convertible sofas. Liesel is a bit smaller than Sarah or Belle but has all of their amenities, save a dryer and a convection oven. The apartment is arranged in such a way that it is possible to add the both the bedroom and an additional bathroom and living area with additional queen convertible, or to add only the bedroom to provide one more sleeping option.
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.
Keywords: Apartment
Property Type
- Apartment
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Suitability
- Non Smoking Only
- Pets Not Allowed
- Wheelchair Accessible
Bedrooms
- 3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 12, Beds for 4-12
- Bedroom 1
- Bedroom 2
- Bedroom 3
- Attached Unit
Bathrooms
- 3.0 Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
- Bathroom 2
- Bathroom 3
Kitchen & Dining
- Cooking Utensils
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
Amenities
- Linens Provided
- Clothes Dryer
- Air Conditioning
- Washing Machine
Entertainment
- DVD Player
- CD Player
Communications
- Telephone
Outdoor Features
Activities
- Museums
- Live Theater
- Restaurants
- Cinemas
- Shopping
- Antiquing
- Sight Seeing
Other Activities
Reviews
Write a review-
Olive Apt, Budapest
Olive Apt, Budapest
- Guest Elizabeth
- Date of stay 04/10/13
- Review Submitted 05/16/13
Charming small 1BR apt is ideal Pest location to walk to most sites. Good restaurants and markets close by. Spotless and well appointed with very comfortable queen bed. Roomy shower. Easy to work with owners and management. Totally satisfied with our stay and will stay here again.Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Excellant Stay in Budapest
Excellant Stay in Budapest
- Guest Jon
- Date of stay 03/13/13
- Review Submitted 05/15/13
Four adults stayed in Apts. Sarah and Bell in March 2013. The Apts are small but very cozy and functional. They were clean and well equiped. John the owner supplied a bottle of wine, a selection of coffee's and some started foods (egg, cheese, lunch meats, etc.). We were greeted at the airport by our taxi driver that John set up and we were greeted at the Apt. by John's local assistant. Everything went smoothly even though our flight was delayed several hours. John and his team do a great job. The location is perfect....within walking distance of all you need. John is very responsive and easy to work with. He provides more information about the Apts. and Budapest than you can possibley absorb in one reading. We travel extensively and believe John and his Apts rank in the top tier of places we've stayed. Bottom line.......Great Experience.Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
I would hightly recommend!
I would hightly recommend!
- Guest Catherine
- Date of stay 02/17/13
- Review Submitted 03/18/13
Thank you John for such a lovely stay at your Apt SarahBelle! You thought of EVERYTHING! The location was second to none. I don't know why anyone would stay at Intercontinental around the corner when you can get the same treatment for a lot less money staying with you! Being that taxis are somewhat unrealiable in Budapest, being in a location where you can walk to 5-Star restaurants and world class shopping, and so many tourist attractions is essential. This is what your location offers. Plenty of super large soft towels, fresh breakfast in the frig, Hungary wine to relax to in the evening, extensive tourist information, sewing kits, converter plugs, free calls back to the US, washer and dryer...on and on. You thought of everything! The only problem...we got hooked on your Nespresso maker and had to buy one upon return! :) Thanks again. We can't wait to come back! I would highly recommend this apartment to anyone.Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
The best place I have tried!
The best place I have tried!
- Guest Ian
- Date of stay 02/27/13
- Review Submitted 03/16/13
I have been a regular visitor to Budapest over the past year, and tried a few places, but this is by far the best. Not only is it ideally located in the interesting part of Budapest, but it is also quiet. There is plenty to enjoy in the thoughful provision of things to make a stay easy, enjoyable and interesting. John also helped me out when I needed it.Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
apartment Belle
apartment Belle
- Guest ayoniki
- Date of stay 02/20/13
- Review Submitted 03/14/13
My stay in the Belle apartment was just wonderful. The place actually felt like home (or sometimes even better, because even my own apartment isn't so cute and cozy) and it was so nice to come back there every evening after a day in the city, feeling myself a real Budapest citizen. The building is located near Deak Ferenc Ter, and it seems like anything in Budapest is close enough, and at a walkable distance. The apartment is small and clean, and it has anything you can possibly need during your stay (things like hair dryer, washer, PC with wi-fi, coffee machine, etc etc etc). Besides, on your arrival you find there a bottle of wine and pastries in a fridge waiting for you - such a nice touch from the owners to make you feel welcome at their home. Also there are TV and a lot of dvd movies, there are books - not just Budapest guidebooks, but also novels and books on culture and history - so even on a rainy evening at home you'll have something to do. I would highly recommend this place to any of my friends and would be happy to stay there again.Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Belle apartment with Liesel Bedroom
Belle apartment with Liesel Bedroom
- Guest shirintata
- Date of stay 09/20/12
- Review Submitted 11/08/12
As a family we stay in apartments rather than hotels and look for something that will feel a little bit special for any reason. I can safely say that we've never found anywhere as special as Belle/Liesel for the simple reason that the apartment came with its owner John, who is a walking encyclopaedia of information on Budapest and who isn't content until he's made sure that you have all the information you need to enjoy your time in Hungary to the full. He helped us in our tour planning, offered us email contact to historian friends of his and generally gave us guidance when we asked for it. If you need help with purchasing theatre tickets or restaurant bookings, you only have to ask. He has thought of all the dozens of things a newcomer needs to find his feet in a city. In the beautifully furnished and unusually laid out apartment was a computer, land-line and mobile phones ready for use, transport tickets to see you through the first day or so, and all the cooking utensils you could think of. There were also acres of storage space, washing and drying machines, a coffee machine, masses of towels and bedding, luggage stands, spa towels, and even umbrellas! It felt like a second home, and there was ample space on the cosy L-shaped sofa for the 4 of us to curl up in the evenings. There are also pamphlets giving you instructions for all the appliances, John's own Budapest guide (much more user friendly and amusingly opinionated than the usual ones!), and - an absolute treasure - a 40 page guide to the local restaurants. This meant that every meal we ate and every restaurant we visited was a joy and a great experience. There are also music CDs, videos or DVDs (I can't remember which as we never had time to watch them), several guide books, cookery books, books on Hungarian culture and history, and just novels to while the time away. The apartment itself is on the top floor of an early Secessionist building very near the Elizabeth Bridge and, although public transport in Budapest is very comprehensive, for the 8 days we were there we walked everywhere. And although John has owned these apartments for many years, it gave us the impression of having been thoroughly renovated just in time for our visit! John's interest in us and the care he took to make sure we were happy made our few days in Budapest really special - a holiday we will never forget and a city we will definitely return to.Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2
-
Comfortable well located place to stay
Comfortable well located place to stay
- Guest keith T.
- Date of stay 08/30/12
- Review Submitted 11/03/12
Our "stay" on Szervita Ter started with contacting the owner, John, who was an ENCYCLOPEDIA of information regarding Budapest, thinkgs to do, places to g and amenities in and around teh apartment. I really was a help in our development of how we were going tospend our last 3 days of our central European tour. We rented Sarah and Belle for 5 adults and found it comfortable and well stocked. Haing fresh Hungarian pastry waiting for us was a real treat. The building, has a great history and the best way I can describe it is eclectic. It gices you a sense that you are living like a real Budapestian rather than tourist. It is well located in the center of the city with easy access to jest about anywhere one would care to be. We liked that fact that it had a washer and dyer especially since we took our own towels to the baths and brought them back to wash and dry.Since it was pretty hot durong our visit, the fact that teh units have Air con i is great! We highly recommend!Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
-
Centrally Located, comfortable and well-equipped rental
Centrally Located, comfortable and well-equipped rental
- Guest Deb
- Date of stay 07/06/12
- Review Submitted 09/05/12
We chose this rental for the central location, the kitchen so we didn't have to eat every meal out, spacious accomodations, and wifi. We were not disappointed. Sarah and Belle are attractive comfortable apartments each with a full bath and kitchen (and wifi). The fridge was stocked with: breakfast pastries, milk, eggs, cheese, coldcuts, coffee, and wine. The apartment included voluminous guides including how to operate everything in it, and how to deal with any issues that arose. They listed restaurants and shops near by that were good and useful as well as how to navigate the local transportation and sights. The owners have a variety of apartments in Budapest, and are continually looking for ways to upgrade them. The apartment was spotlessly clean and very well maintained. While Jean and John are Americans (of Hungarian descent), they have a property manager that lives in Budapest who meets you and will help you with anything you need.Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2
-
An A-Plus Experience All-Around!
An A-Plus Experience All-Around!
- Guest 2Naramatians
- Date of stay 06/03/12
- Review Submitted 07/26/12
From our first contact with John many months before our trip, throughout our 4-night stay (June 3-6) , to follow-up after our return home everything about our experience in Apartments Belle & Leisel was first class--very much as advertised and as expected. We stayed in Belle and our friends in Leisel. This was an ideal set-up for two couples as we each had our own private spaces but could come together for socializing (best in Leisel because it has the larger lounge area) or for a casual meal (best in Belle because it has the slightly larger dining area with a table and 4 chairs). Both apartments are very well-equipped for a short stay and come with a nice supply of complementary mainly-breakfast goodies, excellent coffee, lots of towels, and many other little touches (e.g., clear instructions for using the washer, etc.) that made us feel at home. We found the booklet with suggestions for things to do and see in Budapest and recommendations for restaurants, etc. extremely useful. It is also a great read in itself! Our only quibble is that navigating the stairs to and from the loft bedroom in Belle in the middle of the night can be a bit of a challenge ... Although there is no on-site parking at the apartments there is a safe parking garage within two short blocks. Prices there are reasonable for the city centre and well worth it for proximity, peace of mind, and easy access. Our favourite--and highly recommended--outing in Budapest was Taste Hungary's Culinary Walking Tour. Another A+ rating.Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3
-
Fabulous location in the middle of everything!
Fabulous location in the middle of everything!
- Guest Mariah
- Date of stay 04/04/12
- Review Submitted 05/25/12
My family (5 adults and 2 children) spent our Easter holiday at adjoining apartments, Sarah and Belle, in Budapest. The owner has thought of everything - the apartments come stocked with all you need for cooking and include a washer and dryer - very important with young kids. For adults - there are copious novels, guidebooks, and DVD's - and a computer! You can travel light when you stay here. The location was fantastic and an easy walk to most of the city's attractions. Additionally, the Metro and tram were within 2 blocks of the apartment, giving us easy access to everything we wanted to see and do. And, there is a lot to do! Don't miss the Market Hall, Parliament tour, Opera, St. Stephen's Basilica, art museum, spas, and zoo. There are wonderful cafes, fantastic pastries, and excellent restaurants within blocks. Budapest is a beautiful city. One of the best parts about staying at this property was the helpfulness of the owner. John has done is homework and has computer files (which he will email you) and printed information in the apts on everything you could imagine - both inside the apartment and in Budapest. Trust his recommendations - they are spot on. I never felt like an outsider with his guidance. As has been mentioned - we arrived to wine and pastries - and food in the frig - a class act!Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, families with young children.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
Rates
Rates for Apt. Belle or Apt. Sarah (each is half the full apartment): Peak: Late Spring-Early Fall (May 1-Oct 31): €75/night (1 guest), min 3 nights Winter: November 28 - February 28: €35/night (1 guest), min 3 nights In Between: March 1-April 30 and Nov. 1-15: €50/night (1 guest), min 3 nights Holidays: (11/16-24), (12/14-1/12), and (4/12-27) book at Peak rates Cleaning fee of €40/week for up to two guests Additional cleaning for a 3rd or 4th guest: €10/person/week Add €25/night per add'l guest. A third connecting 1-bedroom apartment is available
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
This owner accepts: Credit cards.
Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.
Calendar
Sorry this information is not available. Please contact the owner/manager for more information.
Location
Owner info
Year Purchased: 2005
About the owner: 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.
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).
Contact us
- Primary: (212) 348-0815 (New York, USA)
- Secondary: (917) 913-0815 (New York, USA)
Links to more information:
- CLICK HERE - A Subjective Insider's Guide to Budapest
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
-
Apartment Sarah
-
The Sarah kitchen island
-
The Sarah bathroom with custom shower
-
Heading up to the tiny Sarah bedroom
-
The dining area overlooks the living room
-
computer on desk in loft bedroom
-
Belle bathroom (fisheye photo makes it seem a bit larger than it is)
-
The SarahBelle apartment, Sarah to the left; Liesel addition not shown
-
Sarah's Private Bistro
-
The Sarah kitchen (including washer and dryer)
-
The Sarah dining area and computer corner
-
Optional Apartment Belle, viewed from the connecting door to Sarah
-
The bedroom loft overlooks the living room.
-
The Belle kitchen with washer and dryer
-
optional third bedroom
-
Floorplan of optional Liesel addition. Adjoins Belle thru double doors on left.
There have been visitors to this page since
the counter was last reset in .
This listing was first published here in 2007.
Date last modified - Thursday, May 23, 2013
(212) 348-0815 (New York, USA)