Plunge into a realm where romance and chateau life collide at BOTANIQ Castle of Tura. Located in hinterland Hungary, a mere hour’s drive from lively Budapest, and originally crafted by a 19th-century baron as a love letter to his wife, this neo-baroque wonder magically transformed into a chic fairytale haven.
From the moment you cross the castle’s threshold, it’s clear you’re in for a visual and atmospherically regal dessert. Every corner of this folkloric escape whispers tales from its storied past, from the 40 oil paintings and illustrations adorning walls to the preserved façade breathing old-world nobility. Another instance is in the onsite restaurant, Clarisse, which, named after the baron’s granddaughter, plates Hungarian, French, plus Nordic dishes. Less of a namesake but just as worthy of a mention due to its myriad cocktails and casual bites is the ground-floor restaurant & bar, Palm House. And when evening falls, the Botaniq Bar beckons with over 200 wine varietals, and an assortment of Hungarian coffee concoctions—the terrace sprawling out towards the back topiary ensemble sets the scene for toasting champagne with friends.
The 19 plush rooms or suites span four floors. As confessors of hotel comfort, we can confirm you’ll love sinking into your cashmere bed at the end of the day.
Ten acres of meticulously maintained gardens, picnic-perfect parkland, and a yoga terrace, BOTANIQ Castle of Tura sparks a peaceful setting inside and out. The premises also boasts tennis courts for those looking to play Wimbledon next year.
And when you’ve appeased your thirst for countryside silence (granted, you’ve refreshed via a treatment at the hotel’s tantalizing spa), a jaunt back to Budapest is at your fingertips.
Top Takeaways
Location: Tura, Hungary
Rating: Five-star
The Vibe: The Chateau escape of your dreams (but make it Hungarian, not French)
Food + Drink: Clarisse restaurant and Palm House provide a culinary journey with locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients—the former serves a hodgepodge of dishes: Nordic, French, Italian, and Hungarian dishes are on the menu. For an evening cocktail, Botaniq Bar boasts an extensive wine list alongside an expansive terrace that lets you stare out at the enchanting gardens suffusing the hotel’s backyard.
Our Favorite Part of the Hotel: Its chateau feel is artfully preserved, making you feel like an aristocrat sojourning at their countryside home.
Amenities: Spa with multiple relaxation options, tennis courts, fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, pet-friendly, on-site dining at two restaurants, extensive gardens.
What’s Nearby? It’s smack in the middle of the countryside—when you stay here, it’s more about relaxing at the hotel.
Pricing: Rates start around $322
Room count: 19
Closest airport: Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (45-minute drive to the hotel)