The lobby is slightly off key, but the interior design of the rooms and hallways is pleasant and inviting. All rooms have beautiful art deco accents and either a aqua and cream or black and gold color scheme. Over 1000 pieces of Hungarian art is in the hotel's collection; a temporary exhibit featuring the work of Zoltan Hus was prominently displayed during my visit.

The fitness center is quite comprehensive, though like many luxury hotels admission is not included in the price of your room. Prices are fairly high to access their gym, coed (and nude) sauna, massage areas, and small swimming pool with resistance current.

Excellent meeting rooms and facilities make this a great choice for premium business gatherings or incentive travel. A full service restaurant, classy pub, and late night bar provide guests with a number of dining and entertainment options within the complex.

The employees of Malev airlines did all they could to make the flight from New York''s JFK airport to Budapest as comfortable as possible. But, despite their efforts, I still arrived in beautiful Budapest with jet lag. The most courteous driver who met me at the airport, relatively easy traffic, and the excitement of searing this dramatic city, helped to temporarily alleviate my jet lag. But when I walked into my room at the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus and saw the fluffy duvet and on the bed, jet lag—and an overwhelming desire to sleep—resurfaced.

When traveling from west to east, it''s always a difficult decision to know how to beat this time trap that saps travelers of their energy. Usually, I just fight it and instantly try to get in sync with the local time, but I knew that my itinerary called for some late-night events, so I split the difference and rested a little. Actually, in this town so well known for its thermal baths, I took what I now refer to as the Kempinski Corvinus Cure to get me over my jet leg and into a productive work mode. A light snack, a hot, steamy shower in a bathroom suite designed to pamper, and having my tired body completely enveloped by a cloud-like downy-soft duvet for two hours made a new woman out of me. I was ready to go.

Actually, the minute you walk into the modern elegant setting of the Kepinski Corvinus, in the heart of the business district, the jet lag cure starts. Friendly employees are there to see that your needs are taken care of, whether it’s their job or not. No wonder that, for the fourth year in a row, readers of Business Traveller have voted the 5-star Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest as one of the top 3 Best Business Hotels in Eastern Europe. This year, they were in second place.

The breakfast buffet, included in the cost of the rooms, is a bountiful feast where making decisions (and trying not to overeat) is a challenge. Should you have an omelet made to order or perhaps enjoy freshly baked rolls and pastries and an assortment of farm-fresh cheeses? The smoked salmon always found it’s way to my plate, as did the fresh fruit.

The service at breakfast was particularly impressive. It was fun to sit there and watch as everyone went about his or her job, frequently helping a fellow employee.

While the Business Center employees (particularly Katalin Dombo at World Wings Travel Agency) were very helpful, I really enjoyed the convenience of the Kempinski’s Internet Corner, just off the lobby. It was fast, efficient and very handy. And, after I finished my Internet work, I could relax in the lobby and enjoy live music. After all, this is Hungary, whose musical contributions to the world are legendary.