Corinthia Hotel, Budapest

Upon arriving at the Corinthia, it is immediately obvious that you have arrived at one of Hungary's top hotels. Walking into the lobby, you know that you are somewhere very special, somewhere with history, somewhere endowed with pure class. Taking stock of the lavish surroundings, I checked in and was given the keycard to my room on the second floor, one of the Executive Rooms. These rooms are large enough to swing a reasonable size moggy or even a small cheetah, but due to lack of feline companion and with animal rights a great concern to me, I was content just lying back on the deliciously comfortable bed and resting my weary body.

In fact, the Executive Rooms give access to an Executive Lounge, where guests can enjoy complimentary drinks as well as light meals throughout the day. I adjourned there before bedtime and enjoyed a light liquid refreshment, before returning to the sanctity of my room.

The next morning, I decided it was time for an early-morning dip in the hotel's sumptuous swimming pool. I completed a few lengths of the 15-metre pool in the magnificent surroundings, before heading to the sauna and the jacuzzi for a few minutes. After such a glorious start to the day, it was only due to get better when I went down for breakfast. An array of hot and cold options greeted me - and seeing as I'd earned it in the spa that morning, I treated myself to hash browns, eggs florentine, bacon, sausages and French toast washed down with fresh orange juice and a suitably strong Turkish coffee.

Having made the effort to get up early to benefit from what the hotel has to offer, I was ready to take on the day in Budapest with a spring in my step. A fitting start in what has to be one of Europe's finest cities.