Famous for its thermal baths, caf??s, baroque and gothic architecture, and, of course, the Danube River, Budapest is a city of romance, history and culture.

Straddling the river, the Hungarian capital has two distinctly different characters as it comprises what were once two separate cities (actually three, but nowadays Old Buda rarely gets a mention). On the west side are the meandering medieval streets that wind up the peaceful green hills of royal Buda, on the east the riverside promenades and beautiful squares and caf??s of the stretched flat Pest.

And housed within a protected historic building in Elizabeth Square in the heart of the cultural and shopping district on the Pest side of the river, is the newest addition to the Ritz-Carlton portfolio.

Originally constructed in 1914 as the headquarters for an Italian insurance company, the building has been through many incarnations since then. Today it is the Ritz-Carlton Budapest. The hotel opened its doors in April and offers 170 elegantly appointed rooms and 30 luxurious suites and the company's commitment to award-winning service.

"It is an absolute privilege to open the first Ritz-Carlton hotel in Hungary," said Herv?? Humler, president and chief operations officer, The Ritz-Carlton. "The Ritz-Carlton service standards are globally recognized and we're delighted to bring them to the extraordinary city of Budapest."

"Not only are we looking forward to welcoming our guests and sharing our vision and service standards," he added. "We are also excited to become an integral part of this thriving and vibrant city."

While many of the building's original architectural details have been retained, including the elegant statues on the exterior walls, the interiors are spacious and contemporary. Not least, the two new restaurants and the bar, which the hotel has added to the vibrant Budapest dining and drinking scene.

The Deak Street Kitchen serves a variety of Hungarian-inspired dishes in a relaxed and atmospheric environment, with an elegant outside terrace overlooking the designer stores on Fashion Street.

While the Kupola Lounge, situated beneath the building's iconic stained glass cupula and grand crystal chandelier, is ideally placed for a leisurely farmer's market breakfast or light lunch overlooking the hotel lobby.

Chic, metropolitan Kupola Bar focuses on serving innovative cocktails in a sophisticated ambiance.

The property's facilities also include a ballroom that can seat 180 people and five flexible meeting rooms, which combine contemporary interiors with state-of-the-art technology.

And, flooded with natural light at the top of the building, the spa and fitness center creates an unrivalled urban spa where guests can unwind, recharge or simply escape.

lindsayandrews@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 05/14/2016 page10)