Location Hotels don’t come any more central. Separated from the Danube and its famous Chain Bridge only by the narrow strip of greenery that is Roosevelt Square, the Gresham Palace is at the very heart of the city and an easy walk from all the main attractions, whether tourist or business. Ferihegy Airport is a 40-minute cab ride, and the vigilant Four Seasons doormen will make sure you’re not charged more than the standard HUF5,500 (€20) fare.

Style This lovingly restored Art Nouveau jewel is often touted as the best hotel in eastern Europe and it’s easy to see why. Walking into the intimate yet airy lobby on a wet autumn afternoon is like stepping from black-and-white into full colour – intricately designed mosaics, marble and stained glass glow under a cascading chandelier, green velvet and dark wood give the bar area a cosy appeal, and the staff are as intuitive as you’d expect at a Four Seasons. The ground floor Gresham Restaurant, once a hang-out for intellectuals from the next-door Academy of Science, is now an elegant eatery featuring top-notch – if unimaginative – pan-European fare. Gym bunnies will find all the requisite cardio equipment in a spacious top-floor fitness suite, while a lavish spa offers a huge array of treatments, plus a neat little pool to lounge by.

Guestrooms Rooms come in four size categories – superior, deluxe, Gresham and premier – but the real distinction is between those with an unbeatable view over the Danube and those without. Several of the latter have a small step-out balcony. The décor varies from room to room but is generally a touch more Art Deco than in the rest of the hotel, with subdued tones and elegant lighting. Bathrooms are large, with soaking baths and separate showers, and toiletries are by L’Occitane.

Can I work here? Paid-for Wi-fisticks in the craw as always, particularly at €21 per day, but apart from that the Gresham Palace should meet the requirements of all but the most exacting executives. In-room desks are a decent size and there’s free Wi-fiin all public areas, while a staff ed 24-hour business centre on the ground floor offers internet access and printing on three terminals. Those in a hurry will appreciate the one-stop check-in.