The Great Room - Lounge to Right, Dine to Left
Location: Budapest, Hungary, Europe (Budapest's Left Bank -- Galleries, Cafes, Museums and Pubs) View Map
Accommodations: Apartment, 1 Bedroom + Convertible bed(s), 1.5 Baths (Sleeps 4-5)
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 ..."
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Elevator
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Convertible Bed
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- Video Library
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Balcony
- View/Location
- Monument View
- Communications
- Telephone
- Free Long Distance
- Cell Phone
- Computer
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Free unlimited international calling, use of a Hungarian mobile phone, Nespresso coffee system and coffees, high speed internet, printer/fax, washer/dryer/dishwasher/convection oven/microwave.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Other Activities
- This is Budapest's bohemian district, its Greenwich Village or Rive Gauche. Teeming with cafes and galleries, just blocks from the National Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts, one block from Ray utca, two blocks from Krudy Gyula utca, across from a historic church, with a panoramic 25' balcony overlooking the churchyard. There are music festivals and book fairs down Raday and in front of the church several times a year, an ATM at the corner, a world-class patisserie one block away, the Cafe Eckermann of the Goethe Institute around the corner. Music and art at the IF Cafe just down the street, blues clubs in three directions... Three minutes to the Danube on foot, seven minutes to the Central Market Hall, a block from the Ring Road and the 4/6 Tram line or the Blue Metro. The vibrant Budapest beyond the tourist venues and the shopping malls.
Rate Details (In Euros)
Winter: Nov-Dec-Jan .......... €70/night (1-2 adults)
Spring, Fall: Feb-Mar-Apr-Oct ...... €95/night (1-2 adults)
Summer: May-Jun-Jul-Aug-Sep .. €105/night (1-2 adults)
Each additional guest (maximum of 3) +€20/night
Christmas-New Years (Dec 15-Jan 10) at Summer rates
cleaning fee of 25 Euros/week,
everything is included-linens, utilities, int'l telephone
minimum stay at these rates: 3 nights; 10% discount for stays >7 nights
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2008
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...
A restful vacation rental, lovingly restored with period antiques and modern technology. Majestic 26' x 18' living room opens onto a 25' balcony overlooking the heart of Budapest's bohemian IXth Dist
Owner's Map of 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; 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).
Property Photos
- The Great Room - Lounge to Right, Dine to Left - Budapest Apartment Close to the Major Sites
- Your street... - Budapest Apartment Close to the Major Sites
- Your 26' balcony overlooking the park... - Budapest Apartment Close to the Major Sites
- View as you enter
- The dining area
- The lounge area of the great room
- Your Deco workstation
- Kitchen work area
- Kitchen Nespresso bar
- Your bedroom
- Your bath with antique washstand and custom shower
- Dressing Corner of Bedroom, at entry to bathroom
- The separate WC with antique washstand.
- Wazsher/Dryer corner of WC
- Night view of the square from the living room.
- Floor plan
Guest Comments (5)
First (5) of (5). View all comments
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #237743
There have been 2267 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2009.
This listing was first published here in 2009.
Date last modified - October 07, 2009
Positive Rating
Apt Andrei exceeded our expectations. Right from our arrival the service we received from BVR was stellar. Our arrival was smooth and easy with our scheduled pick up from the airport. Upon arrival at Apt Andrei we were welcomed by Ilona who gave us an apt tour, review of the services available to us and even brought freshly baked pastries! Once unpacked my husband and I truly felt like we were at home, which is a great feeling as we had previously lived in Budapest and made our holiday feel extremely comfortable. Kudos to John for the small details. For example, the library of DVDs for a rainy day, the books on the night stand for bedtime red, the umbrella on the coat rack - these details were noticed and certainly appreciated. In addition to the service was the amazingly decor of the apartment. Modern yet mixed with antiques the apartment was well-balanced for an urban couple who enjoy to travel in style. Lastly, the location of Apt Andrei is fantastic! Literally steps away from Raday utca (fabulous pedestrian street loaded with fantastic restaurants) and a short walk from Kalvin Ter and the wonderful Central Market, Apt Andrei offers great opportunities for fun and exploring within steps of its door. Given our experience we highly recommend Apt Andrei and will certainly see about booking with BVR in the future
Positive Rating
My stay at Apartment Andrei could not have been more pleasurable! The recently renovated apartment is very spacious. John and his team have thought of everything. There are guide books in the apartment, a docking station for your IPOD and internet with a VoIP line. Being able to the call the United States and check in with family was an added bonus. In addition, a cell phone is provided to use while in Budapest. As a single traveler, the apartment had more than enough space. It is spacious enough for a couple or family to stay there. The sofa in the living room can be converted to a bed. There is a long narrow balcony that overlooks the church. It is very relaxing to sit on the balcony at night with a glass of wine. I was also very pleased with the location of the apartment. It is steps away from Raday utca where I enjoyed many of the cafes and restaurants. After a day of sightseeing, it was nice to stop for a drink on my way back to the apartment. It is about a 10 minute walk to the Kalvin Ter metro stop and about a 20 minute walk to Deak Ter. The Central Market is very close. My experience with John Farago and his team was nothing but positive. Making the reservation was simple. He arranged for airport pickup and he answered my many questions on email before the trip. John even mailed a Budapest book to my home in Atlanta. Before my stay, my expectations for Apartment Andrei were very high and the apartment exceeded them. When I return to Budapest, I will most definitely stay at Apartment Andrei again.
Positive Rating
My husband and I stayed at Apartment Andrei after a cruise. We eat all of our meals at the apartment (due to my husband's allergies. John thinks of every thing. You need only to bring your self and your clothes. He even provides contact eye solution. The apartment is very modern and very comfortable. It is just off the street Raday, which if you look at travel guides is the new up coming street in Budapest, especially for the locals. There is a lot of tourist in the restaurants along this street. I did stop each night to have a local beer and watch the activity. This apartment is within walking distance of most attractions but I would suggest that you take the public transportation. It keeps you from getting too tired. The apartment is very near the Grand Market which is just off to the left of Raday street. This appears to be the best place to get souvenirs price wise. They also have a great place to get food on the second floor. You will run into locals getting lunch but again many tourist. The apartment is across the street from an local church which has a monument in memory of the heroes of the 1956 revolution . I would suggest a trip to the cemetery which also has a monument to these brave people and also is the resting place of many famous Hungarians . I would also suggest a trip to the church in the cave. I enjoyed the hospital in the cave but I am a nurse. I would suggest the 1/2 hour tour. I did the hour tour and enjoyed it but it is twice as much. Back to the apartment. The other apartments in the building are owner occupied so the apartment is quiet. A few times when I had difficulty with the door one of residence came out to help me. One did not speak any English but we were able to communicate just fine. As you can tell I loved my time in Budapest and especially in the apartment. Due to my husband's allergies we always stay in apartments when we travel and this apartment was by far the best and the only one I would
Positive Rating
Whilst the location was a little out of the main city it was certainly a quite neighbourhood and really only a 10 minute walk up town. The attention to detail by the owner even providing us with sufficient coffee for the Nespresso machine and a few bottles of local wine. We also had three couples who shared the same owner's other apartments and we each visited their apartments for either dinner or brunch. They were also suitably impressed with the facilities provided which included latest CD's and DVD's
Positive Rating
Velda , Mississauga, On. Canada