Looking for a storybook perfect honeymoon, castles included? Combine two Eastern European hidden gems — Budapest and Prague – for the ultimate happily-ever-after getaway. 

Start your romantic journey at the Anantara New York Budapest Hotel. Stepping into the lobby feels like you’re in the center of a wedding cake, with tiers of scrolling white columns and layers of balconies all covered by a glittering glass atrium. It’s fabulous, ornate and intricate, offering a catch-your-breath moment to start your honeymoon in a truly grand way. 

Although it may not seem possible, the adjacent New York Cafe, often referred to as “the most beautiful cafe in the world,”  is even more impressive than the main hotel lobby.

During the day, visitors to Budapest line the sidewalk waiting for one of the precious tables in the jewel box dining room adorned with marble floors, gilded columns, crystal chandeliers and intricately frescoed walls and ceilings. As hotel guests though, you’ll both walk right in to start the day like royalty with a lavish breakfast spread served on fine China and filled with delicacies like smoked salmon and rich Hungarian pastries as part of the inclusive start to your day. 

Of course, to get to the cafe, you’ll first have to tear yourself away from the suites upstairs where there are deep soaking tubs for two, silk wall coverings and cloud-like king-size beds. 

It’s worth it to leave your comfy digs and go out on the town, so the two of you can explore an entire enchanted castle district across the river on the hilly “Buda” side of town (the hotel is on the flat “pest” side of the river). Budapest’s famed hot spring baths are nearby in equally palatial surroundings. Or, stay in and take advantage of the hotel’s spa, where you can be coddled with thermal muds and couples massages. 

Next, head to Prague by train or car (we did the latter and stopped for an afternoon of blissful wine tasting) and check in to the regal NH Collection Prague Carlo IV. Built as a palatial bank in the late 1800s, the building has been transformed into a plush and luxurious palatial hotel. Crests adorn the vaulted ceilings that crown the marble-floored lounge. A bank vault with velvet walls is a cozy cocktail space. And an elegant restaurant serves seasonal delicacies, including wild game and foraged mushrooms, in the afternoon and evening and a complimentary breakfast buffet bonanza to start the day. The lower level boasts one of the biggest indoor pools in the city, perfect for a float before a Czech aromatherapy massage for two.

For an extra special stay, the Presidential Suite with hand-painted vaulted ceilings, a grand chandelier, and floor-to-ceiling French windows is a room meant for romance. 

The hotel is the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the perfectly preserved city. There are castles that rival the ones along the Rhine to explore, a grand cathedral with stained glass resembling Paris’ Notre Dame, and boat rides to reach the monument-lined Charles Bridge that will make you feel transported to Venice. 

It’s the best of Europe all in one accessible, walkable and very memorable spot. 

NH can help coordinate intimate interludes to the charming Old Town starting with a ride in a historic car to a picturesque dinner just for two in the only privately owned castle in Prague. You’ll have the twinkling city spread out at your feet while you enjoy a VIP viewing of the artwork housed here, then a multicourse, candlelit dinner awaits, for the final fairytale touch to your honeymoon.