Apt. Andrei-Elegance Amid Cafés
- Minimum stay:N/A
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:No
- Wheel chair accessible:No
We list several Budapest apartments on VRBO, each with a distinctive and different personality, designed to appeal to a different sort of traveler. Apartment Andrei is our newest, with a casual elegance for a relaxed and civilized stay. Larger than our others, a bit further from the din of the business district and the tourists flocking like lemmings down pedestrianized theme park streets, Andrei is still in the heart of town, within the innermost ringroad (Korut) that arcs in a semicircle on the Pest side of the Danube.
Easy access to public transit -- the 4/6 tram along the Korut, the north/south Blue Metro -- all the major sights are nonetheless within an easy walk ... the nearest are just a block or so away (the Museum of Applied Arts and Raday utca, the gallery and café center of the city); the National Museum is a bit further; the farthest are less than two miles away (Parliament perhaps). In between lie the Basilica, the Great Synagogue, the Opera House, the Operetta Theatre, the Music Academy, the Central Market Hall, Vaci utca ... all just an amble away, a stroll interrupted by a cup of coffee at the Eckermann, a glass of fresh limonade the Cafe Alibi, a Francia Kremes at the Auguszt patisserie, a Soproni beer at the Cafe Gerloczy.
You enter the apartment from the walkway above the courtyard, walking through a foyer past the bedroom with en suite bath, the wc, the washer/dryer/utility room into the spacious and stately living room -- 26' x 18' with its long far wall and high ceilings opening onto a 25' balcony that overlooks the verdant historic churchyard in the heart of the IXth district. The town hall is on this same square (Bakats ter), and it fronts on the bustle of the semi-pedestrianized Raday utca. But here at the back of the square, it is tranquil and soothing ... all you hear are the birds, all you see is the slightly tattered landscaped park behind the church.
A vacation away can be more than a hurtle at warp speed from one tourist geegaw to the next. It can be a restful sojourn, a respite from a busy life, an immersion into a familiar but pleasantly alien culture. A step sideways in space, a bit backwards in time, Andrei is comfortably situated in a Budapest lifestyle that is not just reminiscent of the grand cafe life between the wars, but actually presents its embodiment and draws you into it as though you were a family member not a traveling stranger.
Priced like apartments half its size, with twice the grace and a unique ambience, Andrei is ideal for up to four guests, manageable for up to five. We recommend a stay of five or more nights to capture the city's rhythm and immerse yourself into the warm bath of its lifestyle.
Our basic philosophy as hosts is not about providing the fanciest or grandest place to stay (though there’s nothing wrong with fancy or grand). What we want to create is the magical sense that you have just walked through a formerly locked door in your own home, a door that you’ve somehow never noticed before. And on the other side of that door you discover a small suite of rooms, indisputably yours -- a continuation of the rest of your apartment or house, comforting and cozy and everything in exactly the place you expect it to be -- and when you look out through the windows you are gazing into the heart of Budapest.
A recent guest pretty much sums it up:
'As a very busy owner of a small, medical education business, I travel ALOT all over the world and try to find apartments that have the amenities I need but also allow me to experience something more that the board room or conference center of a chain hotel. When searching for a place for me and my staff to stay in Budapest, I came across two connecting apartments in the heart of town. Although not the luxury penthouses that I might usually gravitate to, they had a special quality about them that caused me to enquire about them to the owner. From the moment I started interacting with John about his and Jeanne's apartments Sarah and Belle, I was transported wonderfully and amazingly to a country and city I have never visited: With the help of John's detailed descriptions and user-friendly Budapest manual, I felt supported in my trip in a manner I had never previously experienced. Not only were the apartments immaculate, sweet and complete, we never once were at a loss of what to do, where to get something we needed and who to contact for those little--and big--situations that are bound to occur on any trip. All four of us had a wonderful time, but we would not have had half the good time we had w/o staying at this very picturesque Budapest apartment. I could sing opera about the entire thing ...'
Keywords:
Property Type
- Apartment
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Suitability
- Non Smoking Only
- Pets Not Allowed
- Children Welcome
Bedrooms
- 1 Bedrooms, Sleeps 5, Beds for 4-5
- Bedroom 1
- Convertible bed(s)
- Queen size Beds (1), Sleep Sofa or Futons (1)
Bathrooms
- 1.0 Bathrooms, 1 Half Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
Kitchen & Dining
- Kitchen
- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Cooking Utensils
Amenities
- Washing Machine
- Clothes Dryer
- Air Conditioning
- Linens Provided
Other Amenities
Entertainment
- DVD Player
- Video Library
- Satellite / Cable
- Stereo
Communications
- Mobile Phone
- Wireless Internet
- Computer Available
- Broadband Access
- Telephone
- Free Long Distance
Outdoor Features
- Balcony
Location & View
- Monument View
Activities
- Cinemas
- Museums
- Restaurants
- Live Theater
- Antiquing
- Sight Seeing
- Shopping
Other Activities
Reviews
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Adorable Budapest Apartment, Conscientious Owner
Adorable Budapest Apartment, Conscientious Owner
- Guest Lisa & Jay
- Date of stay 04/23/13
- Review Submitted 05/10/13
Great location across from church/park. Spacious, tastefully decorated. Accurately depicted in VRBO listing. Unusually well-equipped. Examples: screens on working windows; Turkish cotton towels; LL Bean bag and towels for trips to Turkish baths; kitchen apron; real house plants! Conscientious owner who leaves delicious wine and treats. Attractive price. What more could you want or expect? It's a deal, folks.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Best apartment we ever stayed yet
Best apartment we ever stayed yet
- Guest Kashif
- Date of stay 04/06/13
- Review Submitted 04/14/13
This was my 2nd stay in an apartment and I wish all the apartments can be this good. Owner provided all the details one might need to plan the visit. Manager met us at the apartment and provided detailed information on everything. Apartment was very clean and spacious. Very quite neighborhood and close to many restaurants and tram service. Apartment has all the items one might need they even had pastries for us on arrival (I have to say that Budapest has one of best pastries I have tasted so far and I love sweets and taste them where ever I go). Owner recommended a taxi service that I used to / from airport and also in the city, very courteous and on time and reasonably priced. If I ever go back, I will definitely stay at this apartment. Thank you John for a great experience in Budapest.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Your Home in Budapest
Your Home in Budapest
- Guest Andy
- Date of stay 09/27/12
- Review Submitted 10/25/12
What a fantastic experience, start to finish. We contacted the owner (John) when we were deciding between an apartment or a hotel. He gave us so much wonderful information - it was like having a friend who had lived in another country, and was happy to share his knowledge. The apartment is in a great location, with easy access to the tram, and about a 15 minute walk to the heart of the city. Although we only stayed 5 nights, the location helped us feel like we were residents, not tourists. Great restaurants nearby, and the apartment itself was beautiful and clean. Comfortable queen-sized bed, big living/dining room, great patio, laundry in the apartment, well stocked kitchen (with food waiting for us in the refrigerator, and a bottle of wine). A telephone and computer for our use, and wi-fi. This truly was a home away from home, and we will be back for another stay. I would recommend this apartment, or any of the others John owns (there is no question that you can trust his advice) to friends and family. If you are going to Budapest, contact John. You won't be sorry!Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.
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Staying in Apt. Andrei feels like living in Budapest
Staying in Apt. Andrei feels like living in Budapest
- Guest Sue
- Date of stay 07/05/12
- Review Submitted 09/18/12
Our visit to Budapest this past summer was made particularly comfortable was apartment Andrei. Situated across from a leafy square with a high church tower, in walking distance to the tram, pharmacy, groceries, and an ATM, the special feature is that it is in a real neighborhood, with a street of cafes, night life, musicians, and good food. Not touristy, it seemed to by frequented by Hungarians enjoying the warm summer evenings. The apartment itself was elegant, with antique side furniture, and a simple modern glass table. The rooms are generous in size, and the kitchen and bath had everything we could possibly want. Coming home to Andrei at the end of a day, and having the space to relax in, on a comfortable bed and/or couch, looking out into the green leaves, sitting on the balcony to read, this made it seem that we were living in Budapest. I would rent it again. Our time in Budapest with filled with the scene of mountains and river, flat lands and unusual buildings. The people were friendly, the tram system workable, and so much to see. It is a city filled with history from many periods including trauma and oppression, freedom and pride. The people are friendly, the walking streets, the central market, the churches and statues make it a fine city for exploring.Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway.
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A great place to call home while in Budapest
A great place to call home while in Budapest
- Guest Amanda B.
- Date of stay 08/06/12
- Review Submitted 09/12/12
My husband and I stayed in Apartment Andrei for twelve nights in August 2012. From start to finish, this was a wonderful experience. John was responsive by both phone and email, with a very organized rental process. He provided a wealth of information prior to our trip, including details on the apartment and access, places to eat, how best to get to and fro, where to get what, and so on. We felt very prepared for our stay. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Ilona, who cares for the home. She was most pleasant, showed us about, and had even prepared a selection of delicious homemade pastries for our arrival. The refrigerator was stocked with snacks and provisions, which was a very nice touch after such a long day of traveling. The apartment was exactly as advertised, with accurate photos. Everything was in perfect working order. We appreciated the wireless internet, and that a computer and printer were available (although we used our own devices). A U.S. power strip was provided, so we could charge our devices easily and didn't have to rely on our adapter. The available cell phone and U.S. phone were nice to have, although we did not use them. The living and dining room were very spacious with a fantastic view of Bakats Ter, a great place to watch people. The bed and linens were very comfortable. The on-demand water heater and lovely Turkish towels provided nice showers. The kitchen was well-stocked. We could easily live in such a space. We loved the location, just steps from Raday Utca, a great street for restaurants. Transit was very convenient, with two tram stops in proximity for when we didn't feel like walking. John checked on us during our stay, via a quick phone call, a nice touch. He also followed up with us after we returned home. By the end of our stay, we had met the neighbor, who was very friendly. My husband and I agree that if (when) we return to Budapest, we will look no further than Apartment Andrei. It is a perfect place to stay.Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway.
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another fantastic Budapest apartment
another fantastic Budapest apartment
- Guest John
- Date of stay 05/22/12
- Review Submitted 06/11/12
We stayed in two of his owner's apartments during a short stay recently. This one, "Andrei", with slightly different but like the other ("Max") wonderful value, high-class accommodation, and a great location. We were beautifully looked after by the on-site staff and the owner. Free calls to North America, Internet, modern world-standard kitchen and bathroom, all in an old-fashioned well-maintained building. Statuary on the balcony seemed to enhance the sound of choir practice from the church across the street. Overall pretty hard to beat.Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
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Apartment Andrei
Apartment Andrei
- Guest Bob
- Date of stay 05/26/12
- Review Submitted 06/11/12
Clean, quiet, spacious and homey, with every detail carefully thought through and provided, from umbrellas to corkscrews, a coffee machine, computer, music and video library, multiple guidebooks, telephones, a bottle of wine and food in the refrigerator on arrival, plus the local contact person and a recommended taxi to meet us at the airport. We were welcomed like private guests staying in a friend's borrowed apartment. Top notch experience.Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, pet owners, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.
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Perfect! Ideal apartment in a wonderful part of Budapest. Can't recommend enough!
Perfect! Ideal apartment in a wonderful part of Budapest. Can't recommend enough!
- Guest SlimAndSparky
- Date of stay 04/26/12
- Review Submitted 05/17/12
I can't say enough how great it was to do business with John and stay at Andrei for a few days. The apartment was fantastic. It was beyond well-appointed; there didn't seem to be anything missing from that apartment, it truly felt like somebody's home. It was tastefully furnished, sparkling clean, and comfy. Everything worked perfectly. The balcony was great for relaxing in the evening and having a drink while watching the late night dog walkers on the church grounds. The neighborhood was spectacular as well. Less than a five-minute walk puts you in the heart of Raday Utca, which had tons of awesome restaurants, bars, and treat shops. Just sitting outside and having dinner at the restaurants there will remain a highlight from our trip to Budapest. Then walking the short walk "home" made us really feel like a local. Sometimes the worst part of renting apartments online is dealing with the owners. John proved that not only does he take his job as an owner seriously, but he also genuinely loves Budapest and wants his renters to feel that same love when they leave his apartments. From the very beginning he answered all questions promptly and emailed to me several neighborhood and apartment "guides" that were so thorough, they could probably be published and sold as travel guides. Lonely Planet has nothing on John! Even after arrival, John called from New York to check in and make sure everything was going well. After departure, John called again to make see if we had any suggestions for improving the apartment, and we couldn't think of a single thing! John is personable, dedicated, and a pleasure to do business with. We spent several days in Andrei before moving to an upscale hotel because my wife's company paid for the hotel room for the remainder of the trip. After a day in the hotel, we were aching to get back to Andrei! We even considered ditching the free hotel room to go back to Andrei for the rest of the week, just because we missed being there so much. I highly recommend staying at Andrei and I imagine that any of John's properties would be as well-appointed, comfortable, and lovely as Andrei is. We can't wait to get back to Budapest and stay in Andrei again!Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
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Completely besotted by Andrei
Completely besotted by Andrei
- Guest Elizabeth
- Date of stay 03/10/12
- Review Submitted 04/05/12
This charming apartment is absolutely everything John's description leads you to believe it will be. Re-reading the listing, I can put a check next to every item, both tangible and intangible. We fell in love with the apartment and the city almost immediately, thanks to the care John and Jeanne have taken to make sure their guests feel completely at home. After a few days, we took a side trip to Vienna. Our apartment there really underscored the "above and beyond" qualities of Andrei, since at a much higher price it did not have: the computer, the books, the power strip on US power, the kitchen fully functional for more than coffee and a piece of bread, the coffee/pastries/eggs/cheese/wine welcoming us, or an owner with a personal interest in our having a comfortable and happy stay. Our pre-arrival fears that Andrei was a little remote were erased immediately; everything is nearby, and the streets are a pleasure to stroll through. If time is an issue, public transportation is right around the corner, easy, and inexpensive. One note: the double bed is very comfortable, but we didn't care for the European-style two single duvets instead of one double duvet. I didn't mention this to John till after we were home, so that's when I found out I could have had a double duvet brought over just by asking. The only negative I can come up with is that after you stay at Andrei you will be spoiled for ordinary apartment rentals!Recommended for: Tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway.
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spacious and homey
spacious and homey
- Guest Helen
- Date of stay 12/18/11
- Review Submitted 02/25/12
John, Andrei is everything and more that VRBO advertised. Your housekeeper did a wonderful job getting the apartment ready for us and your driver was waiting for us when we arrived. We found maps, directions and recommendations as well as great books and recipes. The location was fantastic. Right next to the main boulevard and on the tram line, it was also the most peaceful in its little square. Most important for us was that your apartment has the best equipped kitchen and is the most comfortable rental we have ever used. Almost anything we thought of or needed we found. You even had the unusual stuff like a knife sharpener, grater, cutting board, proper knives and decent cooking utensils. The additional thoughtful items of raincoats, spa bag, and unbrellas made it really feel like home. I also loved the posters warming the rooms, the couch throws, and even the homey plants. We had several family dinners at the house and it felt perfect!Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.
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Rates
Peak: Late Spring-Early Fall (May 1-Oct 31): €120/night (1-2 adults), min 3 nights Winter: November 28 - February 28: €60/night (1 guest), min 3 nights In Between: March 1-April 30 and Nov. 1-15: €90/night (1 adult), min 3 nights Holidays: (11/16-24), (12/14-1/12), and (4/12-27) book at Peak rates Cleaning fee of €40/week Additional cleaning fee +€10/week/person for a 3rd or 4th guest Each additional guest (maximum of 5 guests total in apartment) +€10/night
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: 2008
About the owner: 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; Andrei and Olive 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).
Why the Owner Chose Budapest:
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).
The Unique Benefits at this Apartment:
Apartment Andrei combines the amenity of our other apartments -- careful restoration, antique and period furnishings, luxury kitchens and baths, high tech infrastructure, plush towels, free unlimited international phone calls, Nespresso coffee system -- with the 19th Century grace and charm of a distinguished location overlooking a historic churchyard. A 26'x18' living room with a 26' long balcony over the landscaped courtyard, modern kitchen, dishwasher, washer, dryer, custom shower, separate wc...
Contact us
- Primary: (212) 348-0815 (New York, USA)
- Secondary: 917-913-0815
Links to more information:
Photos
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Andrei - The Great Room
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Your 26' balcony overlooking the park...
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The dining area in Andrei's Great Room
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Antique deco computer workstation with VoIP phone (free int'l calls)
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Kitchen pass thru to great room
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En suite bathroom with custom shower and antique vanity
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WC with antique washstand
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Night view of the square from the living room.
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Your street...
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Entering Apartment Andrei
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Living room has cable tv, dvds, and sofabed (chairs also join into a single bed)
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Kitchen with granite counters and Nespresso bar
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The bedroom with sliding mirrored closet door
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Dressing Corner of Bedroom, at entry to bathroom
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Washer/Dryer in WC
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Floor plan
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This listing was first published here in 2009.
Date last modified - Thursday, May 23, 2013
(212) 348-0815 (New York, USA)