Apartment Sarah
Location: Budapest, Hungary, Europe (At the Very Center of the Belvaros (District V).) View Map
Accommodations: Apartment, 3 Bedrooms + Attached Unit, 3 Baths (Sleeps 4-12)
Keywords: Apartment
WINTER 2011-12 SUPER SPECIAL: Book 10 or more nights and 1 guest stays for as little as 25 Euros/night (half apartment; full apartment is 50/night for one guest; each additional guest adds 5 Euros/night)!
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.
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.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Linens Provided
- Elevator
- Washer
- Dryer
- Beds
- Queen Bed : Second queen bed in optional adjacent apartment (Apt. Belle)
- Double Bed (2)
- Convertible Bed (3) : 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
- 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
- Wheelchair Accessible (may have limitations)
- Kid Friendly : We welcome families with children and have tried to stock some toys, games, and DVDs for rainy days.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Shopping
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Restaurants
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Concert/Theatre ticket bureau in building; 24 hour indoor parking garage across the street (approximately €20/24 hours).
Rate Details (In Euro)
Rates for Apt. Belle or Apt. Sarah (each is half the full apartment):
May-September .......... €90/night (2 adults, plus children)
April & Oct ....... €80/night (2 adults, plus kids).
Nov-March ........... €65/night (2 adults, 3 night min);
Jan-Mar SUPER SPECIAL: 1 guest, 8+ nights, 20/night; add'l guest - 5 euros/nt
For the full apartment: €170/€145/€110(€120 up to 4 adults and <8 nights)
Three Adults in 1/2 the apt Adds a 15% Surcharge; Four Adults Adds 70% Surcharge.
Cleaning Fee: 25 Euros (each week); Xmas/New Years weeks book at summer rates
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Apt. Sarah-Cozy Luxury in the City Center - Great Winter Rates
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
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- Apartment Sarah - Budapest, Hungary Vacation Rental
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- Sarah's Private Bistro - Budapest, Hungary Vacation Rental
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- The Sarah kitchen island - Budapest, Hungary Vacation Rental
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- The Sarah kitchen
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- The Sarah bathroom with custom shower
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- The Sarah dining area
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- Heading up to the tiny Sarah bedroom
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- Optional Apartment Belle, viewed from the connecting door to Sarah
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- The dining area overlooks the living room
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- The bedroom loft overlooks the living room.
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- The bedroom loft in Belle
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- The Belle kitchen
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- Belle bathroom (fisheye photo makes it seem a bit larger than it is)
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- optional third bedroom
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- The SarahBelle apartment, Sarah to the left; Liesel addition not shown
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- Floorplan of optional Liesel addition. Adjoins Belle thru double doors on left.
Traveler Reviews (94)
Such a great spot, such excellent hosts!
Guest: Chrisso
(Melbourne, Australia)
Date of Stay: 09/27/11
Review Submitted: 12/20/11
My wife and I stayed in Apartment Sarah for 4 nights. What really makes this place a great place to stay is its location, which is central to most places you might wish to go (I was so glad we didn't end up on the Buda side of the river!), and the thoughtfulness of the owners, who have provided many detailed notes on where to visit and eat. They can arrange pickups from the airport, and provide local mobile phones if you think you might use them. The facilities are modern and they all work. There isn't a dishwasher, but that hardly matters for 2 people and you eat out most of the time. The bed is located in the mezzanine floor and I found it a bit cramped, hence 4 stars not 5, but my wife was fine with it. We really enjoyed Budapest, thanks to John, Jeanne and Apartment Sarah!
Recommended for:Tourists without a car, age 55+.
Location - Location - Location !
Guest: Anne Marie
(Asheville, North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 09/06/11
Review Submitted: 11/04/11
Once again, John & Jeanne have shown their commitment to their clients. Four friends rented Sarah & Belle for 2 weeks and our experience with both the apartment and the city of Budapest was outstanding. We had stayed in Max in 2010 and this time wanted a bit more privacy, so we booked Sarah & Belle. There was more than enough room for everyone. Although the sleeping loft in Sarah was a bit cramped, the challenge soon turned to fun as you leapt from staircase to bed. All the amenities were at hand. The location is outstanding - just around the corner from Vaci Utca and it's pedestrian streets. Budapest is a beautiful city, entrenched in history. The spirit of the people only emphasizes it's march toward rebuilding and refurbishing gorgeous buildings. It's a walking city and the location of John & Jeannes' apartments is perfect for exploring. Nothing is too far away. We've now stayed in 3 of these apartments and looking forward to experiencing a 4th. We have chosen apartment rentals over hotels for years now and must admit, John's apartments are, by far, the best we have ever stayed in. Their concern for our well-being and comfort supercedes anything we've experienced. There are so many nice "touches" that come with this rental...pastries and wine on arrival...stocked fridge so you don't have to shop right away....ease of transportation to and from the airport. It all adds up to a most welcome arrival in Budapest. Thanks John & Jeanne. We will be back soon.
Recommended for:People with disabilities, sightseeing, tourists without a car, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children.
Cosy, Comfortable, Convenient Apartments
Guest: Shilpa
(Houston, Texas, USA)
Date of Stay: 08/12/11
Review Submitted: 09/19/11
For our week's stay in Budapest, my family and I rented two apartments, Belle and Liesel. They are beautiful apartments which (along with Sarah) can be connected, to form one, large, apartment (as we did), or they can be used separately. We were delighted with our apartments: they were clean, in a great location with excellent security features, and wonderfully compact. The owner, John, has managed to create a very homely environment, while creatively using the space. Each apartment is unique in character; Liesel has a large, bright sitting area with a separate bedroom, whilst Belle is overall smaller, but has a beautiful gallery bedroom, which is quite spacious in itself. John had thoughtfully provided everything from towels and toiletries to a local mobile phone and free international line. Both apartments also had TVs and free internet, as well as a wide selection of DVDs and books. We were very happy and comfortable staying there. The building where Liesel and Belle are located is at the heart of the city and we were able to walk everywhere: the Chain Bridge and Castle area are close by, as are the opera house, the parliament buildings and a number of baths. There are also plenty of dining options for all tastes and prices in the area. John and his manager, Ilona, were extremely helpful and considerate: all our questions were answered promptly and in detail - we really didn't have to think about much except what to do that day; they removed all the stress of holidaying in an unfamiliar country. We would definitely be looking to stay in one of John's apartments if we find ourselves in Budapest again, we so thoroughly enjoyed the ambiance and location of Liesel and Belle. They are wonderful, comfortable, safe apartments - you will not regret staying there!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, tourists without a car, girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children.
Fantastic Find
Guest: santiaguina
(richmond)
Date of Stay: 08/11/11
Review Submitted: 09/10/11
My husband and I recently spent 23 nights in "Sarah" (one-half of the apartment described above) and found near perfection. The apartment is perfectly located (we walked all over the city and never took public transit). Despite being central, we never once were bothered by any noise. The apt. was spotless (a cleaning service, which is mandatory, comes weekly for an extra fee and they did such an excellent job we wanted to bring them home with us!) The property is beautifully restored and furnished with everything you could ever imagine needing. The owners are terrific landlords -- the first few days we had some equipment problems that were immediately dealt with. Everything was labeled with detailed instructions. Upon our arrival there was wine, bread, cheese, milk, coffee and other small snacks to get us started on our stay. The apt. washer and dryer were a huge bonus! There is one drawback to this property -- and it is not an insignificant one. While it is advertised as a one-bedroom apartment, it might better be described as a one bed apartment. The bed is situated in a tiny loft with support beams less than 4 ft. from the floor, and the bed itself is only 10 inches from the top stair. There is absolutely no room for anything, including luggage, which we had to store in the livingroom, which is also where we had to dress. Still, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would go back in a heartbeat. The owners' exhaustive information about the neighborhood and city are exceedingly helpful -- and almost without exception every restaurant recommendation was very good. The food, wine and coffee in Budapest are some of the best we've ever had -- we particularly enjoyed Onyx, Hungary's only Michelin-starred restaurant, which is the place to go if you want to splurge! A couple of must-see towns, if you have the time, are Szentendre and Estergom. Train service, both domestic and international, in and out of B. is excellent. The station is 10 minutes from the apt.Tip: If you want to go inside Parliament, buy your tickets in advance. Going to Budapest? "Sarah" is the only place to stay!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, tourists without a car.
Wow!
Guest: skiandski_10
(Lafayette)
Date of Stay: 07/15/11
Review Submitted: 08/07/11
My family and I (husband and two sons 17 & 14) rented both apartment Sarah and Belle for a week in July. We have rented homes all over the world and nowhere else will you find an owner so devoted to the comfort and enjoyment of his guests! The apartments are well stocked with everything you need to enjoy your stay. There are all the basics you would expect and then there is more! I can't detail everything but here is what stood out for me. In the foyers were umbrellas and rain ponchos and a bag with towels for the baths. In the bathrooms you will find new toothbrushes and other toiletries in case you forgot something! Other things we loved were the air conditioning, the wireless internet and the computers in case you did not have your laptop. Also the VOIP phone to call the US! There are notebooks in each apartment with all the information you could possibly need regarding all the electronics and how to use them. There are also notebooks on where to eat and what to do in Budapest and how to find the nearest grocery store. Seriously we have never stayed in a rental that provided so much information. As a matter of fact, when we left Budapest we traveled to Croatia where we rented a villa and there was NOTHING written down for us. We had to make several phone calls to the caretaker to figure the house out. The apartments are very clean and very comfortable. The space was great for our family. There are plenty of board games and books and movies for your downtime. Our boys slept in Sarah and my husband and I slept in Belle. It was great to have both apartments to spread out. The location of the apartments is perfect. We found the city very walkable just as John had promised. We used the subway and Trams only a few times but they were very easy to use. We used the driver that John had suggested to pick us up at the airport. He was there as we walked out of baggage claim. It was so nice to have someone waiting for us after nearly 20 hours of travel. We were met at the apartment by the caretaker, Ilona. She was very helpful in showing us all we needed to know in order to settle in. There were eggs, milk, and cheese in the fridges which was so nice. Plus there were some homemade treats and wine as well. We were exhausted when we arrived and were so grateful not to have to immediately grocery shop. John was so helpful during our planning phase. He knows Budapest very well and we felt we were in good hands as we made our trip arrangements. Highly recommend!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, tourists without a car, girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.
The perfect home away from home
Guest: Happy Traveller
(Toronto, Canada)
Date of Stay: 07/03/11
Review Submitted: 08/02/11
Our group of four rented both Sarah and Belle -- it was like being at home, with all the little conveniences that make it so. The apartment is extremely well located, and John and Jeanne go above and beyond in making sure that travellers have everything they could possibly need to enjoy the city to its fullest. All recommendations were on the mark. I can't imagine staying anywhere else. Hotels just don't cut it anymore!!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, tourists without a car, girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.
A Wonderful Home Away From Home
Guest: Marsha
(Berkeley, California / USA)
Date of Stay: 06/13/11
Review Submitted: 06/30/11
We had a wonderful time in Budapest where we thoroughly enjoyed this lovely apartment. The location is great and all the treats in the kitchen were very much appreciated..... a supplied kitchen made it feel like home. I found myself kicking back shots of espresso every morning, giving the boost I needed to make it to Gerloczy for breakfast. We were able to walk to most sights and thoroughly enjoyed the neighborhood restaurants. The place has all the creature comforts..... air conditioning, cable TV, Wi-Fi, washer/dryer, and free calls to the USA. We also had a very accommodating owner who was quick to answer our questions. I couldn't ask for more.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, tourists without a car, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children.
40th Birthday trip to Budapest
Guest: NicholasD
(Chicago)
Date of Stay: 05/14/11
Review Submitted: 06/29/11
I hadn't been in Budapest since I was a student in 1991 and I really wanted to go back to celebrate my 40th birthday. My partner and I decided to tour Budapest, Vienna and Croatia, with Budapest as our first stop. I started randomly googling vacation apartment rentals and I hit the jackpot when I came across the Sarah apartment at budapestvacationrentals.com Based on the quality of the website, I had a good feeling about the place, but when the owner responded to me so rapidly and with so much wonderfully detailed information, I knew I had found the perfect place. I can't say enough great things about Sarah Apartment and the owners. Right as we arrived we felt immediately at home. There were so many wonderful amenitities in the apartment that one usually doesn't find in rental apartments...everything was so quaint, cozy and clean. Sarah apartment is very centrally located in Pest and the perfect home base while vacationing in Budapest. The owners were amazingly kind and caring and really took care of us during our stay. I would recommend this property 100 times over!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, girls getaway, age 55+, romantic getaway.
Apartment Olive
Guest: Jamie
(San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/13/11
Review Submitted: 04/29/11
Appreciated all of the extras for our 3 day stay in Budapest. We stayed in apartment Olive as Sarah and Belle were not available. All of the advice in the books that John spent a lot of time creating were SO helpful to us. We felt very safe - enjoyed the extra large shower which is unusual in Europe it seems. The apartment was perfect for my husband and I - plus the bed was dreamy. I don't know if it was the grey cold weather or the mattress but I slept better in Apartment Olive than I have in years. Great location - we loved Gerlozcy for coffee/lunch. The free phone calls to the US and the movies were a TOTAL bonus. Definitely recommend this place.
Recommended for:People with disabilities, sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, girls getaway, age 55+, romantic getaway.
Unforgettable
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/20/11
Review Submitted: 04/25/11
We, a family of five, reserved the two apartments (Sarah-Belle) for Easter holidays. It was an amazing stay which exceeded our expectations. John was really kind (he phoned from overseas to hear if all was fine) and his manager Ilona was very helpful and warm in showing us the apartments and their equipment. John's guides to Budapest (online and on paper) are really exhaustive and useful. The apartments are very cozy and appointed with attention to the smallest detail, with all sorts of outfits one would like. We would recommend this location to everyone going to visit Budapest. Thank you John, Jeanne, Ilona, Alajos (who found a taxi van for our transfers from and to the airport)!
Recommended for:Tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children.
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