Travel Agent - October 1, 2007 - (Page 45)

AGENTADVICE Gwen Kozlowski, a travel advisor specializing in Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland with Exeter International, prefers the Pest side of the Danube River due to the wide variety of restaurants and shops there. “Hotels of all budgets can be found in this area,” she says, noting that next year, a luxury spa hotel from Baglioni (www.baglioniho tels.com) will be open on the Buda side. Budapest’s spa baths also are a mustsee, according to Kozlowski. “These are definitely not the U.S. variety of spas featuring facials and massages,” she says. Instead, the baths are actually large pools with different chemical make ups to create various health benefits, she explains. “If guests are interested in a true Hungarian spa experience, I recommend a visit to Széchenyi Baths, located on the Pest side of the city,” Kozlowski advises. “This is one of the largest bathing complexes in all of Europe.” Kozlowski also suggests extending a client’s stay with day trips to the Hungarian countryside. “Some of my favorite sites are on day trips outside of the city,” she says. “Guests can journey back in time to rural Hungary with a visit to the historical village of Hollókö and I also love the artist village of Szentendre, located along the Danube River bend.” Both options easily tack on another day for clients to soak in culture. She also finds the controversial Terror House (www.terrorhaza.hu) an interesting choice for clients who are history buffs. “This newer museum details the history of terror acts committed by Hungarian fascists and the Hungarian communist secret police,” she explains. Kozlowski prefers to visit in the late fall and early spring and advises avoiding booking a client’s trip during the Hungarian Formula One Grand Prix, which runs every August (2008’s date is August 3). “Hotels have their highest rack rates of the year during this time and the city is extremely crowded,” she says. LEFT: Budapest Parliament near the Danube River ABOVE: Park Suite at the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace promotional web site), including familiar favorites like the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace (www.fourseasons.com/budapest) and Le Méridien Budapest (www.starwoodhotels. com), both which Travel Agent had a chance to check out on a recent trip to Hungary’s capital . At the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Danube Premier rooms (be sure to book one with a balcony) provide the basics—albeit the basics in high style and comfort. Rooms are decorated in an Art Deco style, with marble bathrooms that offer a deep soaking tub in addition to a separate glass-walled shower. Though there are larger suites at the hotel, the best are the Park Suites, which are located on the third and fourth floors. These are not two-room suites that Americans may be used to. Instead, Park Suites are made up of one large open concept living and bedroom area. What makes these standouts is the positioning of their beds, directly facing windows that open up to a fantastic view of the Danube. It’s quite a sight to wake up to. Contact Sherryn Bates, the hotel’s director of marketing, at +36-1-2686000 or sherryn.bates@fourseasons.com. Le Méridien Budapest is much more opulent than the Four Seasons in both décor and the number of people roaming around it. Le Méridien’s lobby offers abundant, velvety cushioned seating, which guests obligingly use: On a Saturday morning, its lobby, which is partially dedicated to food and beverage services, boasted the bustle of a popular sidewalk café. Guests preferring easy access in and out of the hotel should opt for rooms on the third floor, since they’re closest to the lobby. If clients desire a view, ask for a room that faces Erzsébet Park and St. Stephen’s Basilica—there are a few on each level of the hotel. The best vista however, is to be had from the balconies of Le Méridien’s Diplomatic Suites on the top floor. These suites also are the most spacious. Contact General Manager Adrian Gray at +36-1-4295670 or adrian.gray@lemeridien.com. Both the Four Seasons and Le Méridien are on the Pest side of the Danube River, not far from where the famous Gerbeaud Ház Café (www.gerbeaud.hu) is located. (Try their dark chocolate cake and take home a tin of coffee.) CONTINUED ON PAGE 46 October 1, 2007 TravelAgent | 45 http://www.baglionihotels.com http://www.baglionihotels.com http://www.fourseasons.com/budapest http://www.starwoodhotels.com http://www.starwoodhotels.com http://www.terrorhaza.hu http://www.gerbeaud.hu

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Online Now From the Editor From the Publisher Contributors Caribbena: Porta Caribe, Puerto Rico, an Unspoiled Retreat Carribbean Deals Mexico: Insider Tips: Hotels, Dining and Shopping in Cancun Mexico Deals Las Vegas: Tell Clients About Day Trips Into the Great Outdoors Europe: Budapest: Off-Season Promotions Pacific/Asia: Korea Expands its Offerings Seoul Primer: All the Info You Need For a Smooth Trip Pacific/Asia Deals Hawaii: Captivating Kauai: Enhanced Resorts, Natural Beauty Cruises: Building Revenue with Themed Cruises Cruise Deals Hotels: London: The Lanesborough’s New Guest Rooms Tours: Gutsy Women Travel’s New Morocco Itinerary Tour Deals Spas: Escape to Tranquility: Three Spa Havens Spa Deals Cover Story: Donna Flora Agent Profile Podcasts Offer a New Way to Give Your Clients Added Value Car Rental Navigation 101: Shift Profits into High Gear with These Tips Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Cruise: Commission Cutting, Hurricanes Pitch Colombia, Impress Your Clients Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism New Alaska Products for Families In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Classified Marketplace Trendwatch

Travel Agent - October 1, 2007

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