After my cruise aboard the AmaMagna, my traveling companion and I spent four nights in Budapest, one of Europe’s grandest cities. The Four Seasons Gresham Palace, occupying an exquisite art nouveau building at the foot of the historic Chain Bridge, has long reigned unopposed in Hungary’s capital. But on this visit, I discovered two new hotels worthy of recommendation.

The opulent Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, has memorable views of the 1960s-era Elisabeth Bridge and Gellért Hill on the far bank of the Danube River. Its location is wonderfully central, about halfway between the Central Market Hall and St. Stephen’s Basilica.

The Kozmo Hotel Suites & Spa is in the still gentrifying Jósefváros neighborhood, outside of Budapest’s most touristy quarters. The hotel has no river views, but it makes up for that with its impressive architecture, stylish and spacious accommodations and service that is at once warmly personal and highly professional. I felt like a Budapest insider at this address.