Under the Communists, this four-story, art-deco building from the 1930s was a drab hotel for visiting politicians from other Eastern Bloc countries. Now, it's an attractive upscale boutique hotel that makes for a great base. It's on Andrássy út, the city's grand boulevard, which is lined with trees, villas, and embassies. This means it's a bit of a walk to the center, but it's a nice walk. Two blocks away is Városliget, the city's largest park, which holds the Budapest Zoo, the Szécheny bathhouse, the Circus, and other attractions. Inside, the primarily orange lobby has a modern-retro feel. Because it's an old building, the rooms vary in size and shape, though they all have contemporary furnishings and dark color schemes. The suites are enormous, and have whirlpool tubs. The restaurant, La Perle Noir, focuses on using quality local ingredients to prepare a mix of Hungarian and French dishes. There's also a wonderful terrace that's open during the warm months. A sister property, MaMaison Residences Izabella, is nearby and has 38 self-catering apartments; since the Hotel Andrássy has no gym, guests can use the facilities there.