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HUNGARY
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Featured
hotels in Hungary
Not
Just Known for Goulash: A Tour of Hungarian Wines
Goulash and Zsa Zsa Gabor---that
about sums up Hungarian culture for many Americans. Thankfully, that’s
not all Hungary has to offer. With over 500,000 acres of land used for
grape growing and wine production, as well as 22 distinct wine regions,
Hungary is home to some excellent yet largely undiscovered wines---or as
the Magyars call them: bor.
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The country’s tradition
of winemaking has spanned more than a thousand years. It even survived
the Communists’ wreaking havoc on Hungary’s wine culture. Many wineries
and vineyards were destroyed during Communism. "Fortunately, there remained
a core [group of aficionados] in our society, for whom winemaking is a
moral question --- something that must be kept alive, --- rather than merely
a good business," says Balint Losonci, Editor of Borbarat Magazin, a leading
Hungarian wine publication. "And that is a precious heritage, one which
must be revitalized."
And an increasing number
of wine producers and loyal consumers are attempting to do just that. "There
has been growing emphasis on quality by many young consumers," Losonci
explains, "there are many newborn wine-clubs and wine routes." |
And rightfully so: there
are hundreds of private Magyar wineries and thousands of winemakers. Hungarian
wines are comparable to other Eastern and Central European ones, and much
of that resemblance is attributed to similarities in climate and wine preparation
methods.
| Take the acclaimed Tokay
Aszu, for example, a sweet white table wine made in the wine district of
Tokaj. Situated on the banks of Lake Balaton, this hillside region is Hungary’s
greatest grape producer. The melodiously sweet wine is a favorite in Central
Europe and is similar to some German rieslings. "It is concentrated, unique
and has a fantastic sweetness-acidity balance that is unrivaled in the
world," says Losonci. According to fable, Franz Joseph gave bottle upon
bottle of Aszu to Queen Victoria on her birthday. Even old Louis XIV termed
Tokay "the wine of kings; the king of wines."
The process of making Tokay
Aszu is particular and tedious. After the must is perfected, small cloth
containers are filled with the sweet pulp and juice of Aszu grapes and
added to the wine. The value of Aszu is measured by the number of puttonys,
or containers of pulp added---the more puttonys, the better the wine. Aszu
is sold in two to six puttonys. The six puttonys, aptly named Tokay Essence,
is rarely made and usually reserved for the winemaker’s best friends, celebrities,
heads of state, and the like.
An excellent full-bodied
red to try is Egri Bikavér, or Bull’s Blood of Eger. Legend says
that Bikavér came in handy during the Turks’ occupation of Hungary.
In 1552, the long-bearded Ali Pasha and over 100,000 of his soldiers attempted
to take over the fortress of Eger. |
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Bikavér-drinking Magyar
soldiers – all 2,000 of them – triumphantly defended the fort. Much of
their success is attributed to Bull’s Blood and its legendary powers to
turn even the weakest of men into heroes. As such, this hearty wine is
not for sissies, pansies or cowards. Turks may drink it in moderation.
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For something different,
try the semi-light Badacsonyi Szürke Barát, or Grey Friar of
Badacsony, a delightful Pinot Gris. Or opt for Hajos-Bajai Kekfrankos Ausbruch,
a ripe, fruity and rich red.
With great taste and ample
variety, it’s a wonder Hungarian wines are not more popular around the
world. The problem is in marketing and production, says Losonci. "Every
wine region [that is] successful has to make its reference wine."
The focus has shifted from
mass wine production to uniqueness and quality, resulting in increased
interest from foreign investors. New products are being tested and developed,
their quality at par with other Western wines. Once those new bottles are
marketed, Magyar wines will popularize. |
"Until then, [the focus is]
on wine tourism, as there are some wonderful sights and places in our country
with added wine-culture," Losonci explains. Lake Balaton is a prime example:
a place frequented by foreign visitors for its beautiful scenery and soothing
waters, the mountainous terrain surrounding the Lake is also home to some
of the country’s best vineyards and winemakers. Tourism will not only bring
potential consumers, but also introduce Hungarian wines to potential investors,
many of whom are finally getting familiar with Magyar culture.
Quality Hungarian wines are
a lesser-known option for wine aficionados who crave something different.
With better marketing and newfound focus on quality, Magyar wines are sure
to become more popular in the near future. After all, as the Magyars say,
"A Magyar bor verre valik"---"Wine made in Hungary turns into blood upon
consumption."
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Featured
hotels in Hungary
By Ursula
Furi-Perry |
| EGER,
HUNGARY - FEATURED HOTELS |
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hotels in Eger
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Hunguest
Hotel Flora Eger
Whether you come to Eger
for business or pleasure, this property offers a friendly atmosphere and
makes your stay a pleasant one. Nestled on the south side of Bukk
Mountains, the Hunguest Hotel Flora is just a short walk from the Eger
Town Centre. This property boasts 184 guestrooms that are equipped
with all the essential amenities to ensure you utmost ease and luxury.
The on-site restaurant serves Hungarian and international specialities
for you to feast on. The hotel offers a wellness centre, which includes
a well-equipped gymnasium, sauna, swimming pool, jacuzzi, massage service
and aromatherapy for your mental as well as physical well being. You can
also indulge in the game of tennis or billiards, which are available on-site. |
| GYOR,
HUNGARY - FEATURED HOTELS |
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Hotel
Raba City Centre Gyor
If you are looking for a
relaxing breaks then the Raba Hotel Gyor with its excellent facilities
and Hungarian hospitality, is an ideal place for you and your family.
Situated in the middle of the baroque centre of Gyor, Raba Hotel is within
easy reach from the M1-E60 motorway and half way between Budapest and Vienna.
All the 21 apartments with two or three bedrooms are well decorated and
equipped with several modern amenities. Attentive room service is also
available in order to make your stay as easy and comfortable as possible.
Guests are welcome in a cordial atmosphere with more than 25 sorts of Belgian
beer specialities and a wide range of dishes served at the restaurant. |
HEVIZ,
HUNGARY - FEATURED HOTELS
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Danubius
Spa Heviz
Offering convenient facilities
and traditional Hungarian hospitality, the Danubius Spa presents something
new to experience for all its guests. The Danubius Spa is located
in the heart of Heviz and is only 500 metres away from the Lake Heviz.
The Central Europe's largest lake, Lake Balaton is just 6 kilometres from
the hotel. This property offers 210 well-appointed accommodation
units that are furnished with an array of modern amenities to ensure you
a comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy spectacular views of the garden, lake
or the town from their rooms. The Tavirozsa Restaurant and Brasserie
Borostyan offer delicious Hungarian, international, dietetic and vegetarian
dishes. You can also enjoy a fine drink at Ciklamen coffee-bar. |
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Hunguest
Hotel Helios Heviz
With its excellent, affordable
accommodation in Heviz, Hunguest Hotel Helios is an ideal base for both
leisure and business travellers Hunguest Hotel Helios Heviz is situated
in the middle of a 4.5-ha-large well-kept nature conservation park and
500 metres from the thermal lake. The hotel offers 150 double rooms
and 12 suites, which are well decorated and equipped with several modern
amenities. Attentive room service is also available for your convenience.
Guests can dine at the in-house restaurant that serves a wide variety of
delicious cuisine. You can also take a sip of your favourite drink at the
on-site lobby bar. |
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Palace
Hotel Heviz
This Heviz spa hotel is
near Lake Heviz. Another nearby attraction is Festetics Palace. Dining
options at Palace Hotel Heviz include a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Room
service is available during limited hours. Recreational amenities include
an indoor pool, a spa tub, a sauna, a fitness facility, and a steam room.
Spa amenities include spa services, massage/treatment rooms, body treatments,
and beauty services. This 4.0-star property offers small meeting rooms
and business services. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available
in public areas. |
LAKE
BALATON, HUNGARY - FEATURED HOTELS
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hotels in Lake Balaton
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Hotel
Annabella Hotel Balatonfured
Whether you are on a relaxing
holiday or travelling on business, the Annabella Hotel Balatonfured is
the perfect place for you to reside. Located just 50 metres from
the coast of Lake Balaton, with beautiful views of the lake and the Tihany
Peninsula, this property is within walking distance from the promenade
and shopping area. Guests are provided with the comfort of well-furnished
guestrooms that are facilitated with a host of modern amenities. Attentive
room service is also available for your convenience. You can savour
international and Hungarian cuisine at the on-site restaurant as well as
enjoy the drinks at the in-house cocktail bar. |
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Hotel
Marina All Inclusive Balatonfured
Located in Balatonfured,
this beachfront hotel is near Tihany Abbey. This Balatonfured property
has a private beach. Dining options at Hotel Marina All Inclusive include
a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Recreational amenities include an indoor
pool, a children's pool, a sauna, and a children's club. Spa amenities
include massage/treatment rooms, beauty services, and a hair salon. Guest
parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include a marina,
a coffee shop/café, and multilingual staff. The property has designated
areas for smoking. |
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Ramada
Hotel Resort Lake Balaton
This hotel is located in
Balatonalmadi. Dining options at Ramada Hotel Resort Lake Balaton include
a restaurant. Recreational amenities include a sauna and a steam room.
This 4.0-star property offers limo/town car service, audio-visual equipment,
and business services. Wireless Internet access is available in public
areas. Additional property amenities include multilingual staff and laundry
facilities. Televisions have satellite channels. Rooms also include air
conditioning |
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PECS,
HUNGARY - FEATURED HOTELS
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hotels in Pecs
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Hotel
Palatinus City Center Pecs
Set in the heart of Pecs,
this hotel is close to Pecs Synagogue and Szechenyi Square. Another nearby
attraction is Mosque of Gazi Kaszim Pasha. Dining options at Hotel Palatinus
City Center include a restaurant. Room service is available during limited
hours. Recreational amenities include a sauna and a steam room. This 3.0-star
property has a business center and offers small meeting rooms. Wireless
Internet access (surcharge) is available in public areas. This Pecs property
has event space consisting of banquet facilities, conference/meeting rooms,
and a ballroom. Guest parking is available for a surcharge. Additional
property amenities include multilingual staff and laundry facilities. |
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Hotel
Patria Pecs
Set in the heart of Pecs,
this hotel is close to Pecs Cathedral and Archaelogical Museum. Another
nearby attraction is Mosque of Gazi Kaszim Pasha. This 3.0-star property
has a business center and offers small meeting rooms. Wireless Internet
access (surcharge) is available in public areas. A complimentary breakfast
is served daily. Room service is available during limited hours. Guest
parking is available for a surcharge. Additional property amenities include
a bar/lounge and laundry facilities. There are 117 guestrooms at Hotel
Patria. Guestrooms have balconies. Bathrooms feature bathtubs. |
SZEGED,
HUNGARY - FEATURED HOTELS
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hotels in Szeged
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Hunguest
Hotel Forras Szeged
Offering host of amenities
and comfortable accommodation, Hunguest Hotel Forras Szeged is a perfect
venue for a pleasant as well as relaxing stay. Located in the quiet
suburban surroundings of the downtown neighbourhood, the hotel is placed
directly on the riverside of Tisza and is just a kilometre from the city
centre and 3 kilometres from the railway station. All the 117 accommodation
units at the hotel are gracefully decorated and come with a host of modern
amenities. Guests can dine at the onsite a la carte restaurant that
serves a wide variety of international and Hungarian delicacies.
You can work out at the well-appointed gymnasium, indulge in the game of
tennis or relax at the sauna. |
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Novotel
Szeged
This Szeged hotel is located
on a river. Dining options at Novotel Szeged include a restaurant and a
bar/lounge. Room service is available during limited hours. Recreational
amenities include a sauna and a children's club. This 3.0-star property
offers small meeting rooms, a technology helpdesk, and audio-visual equipment.
Wireless Internet access is available in public areas. This Szeged property
has event space consisting of banquet facilities, conference/meeting rooms,
a ballroom, and exhibit space. The property offers an airport shuttle (surcharge).
Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include multilingual
staff, gift shops/newsstands, and laundry facilities. |
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