Budapest, Hungary’s enchanting capital, is renowned not only for its stunning architecture and rich history but also for its hospitality. With the city’s burgeoning tourism industry, pinpointing the best hotels in Budapest Hungary can elevate a memorable trip to an unforgettable experience. The selection of accommodation can significantly impact the enjoyment of your stay, as your choice serves as a sanctuary of rest and relaxation after a day of exploration. Budapest offers a diverse range of hotels, from opulent historical palaces to modern luxury establishments, each promising to cater to the varied preferences of its international visitors.
This article aims to provide an insight into the top 12 best hotels in Budapest, carefully curated to enhance your visit to this vibrant city. From the grandeur of Corinthia Budapest and the art-nouveau elegance of Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace to the contemporary luxury of W Budapest, each hotel featured offers a unique blend of style, comfort, and world-class amenities. These establishments have been selected for their exceptional service, strategic locations, and the distinctive experiences they offer, ensuring your stay in Budapest is as enchanting as the city itself. Whether you’re seeking the opulent ambiance of historic hotels or the sleek sophistication of modern accommodations, you’ll find your preferences catered to in this guide to the best hotels in Budapest.
Corinthia Budapest
Corinthia Budapest History
The Corinthia Hotel Budapest, originally opened in 1896 as the Grand Hotel Royal, is a landmark of luxury and history in the heart of Budapest. This prestigious hotel has been a symbol of grandeur since its inception, hosting the first motion picture screening in Budapest by the Lumière brothers. Throughout the 20th century, despite periods of closure during World War II and the Hungarian Revolution, the hotel underwent extensive renovations, including a €100 million restoration in 2003, which preserved its historical elegance while integrating modern luxury.
Corinthia Budapest Amenities
Guests at the Corinthia Budapest can enjoy a plethora of amenities that blend historical charm with contemporary comfort. The hotel boasts the Royal Spa, restored to its original Art Deco splendor, offering over 1,000 square meters of tranquility and wellness facilities. Additionally, the hotel features a state-of-the-art fitness center, an indoor pool, and multiple dining options, providing a luxurious experience for all guests.
Corinthia Budapest Location
Situated in a prime location in Budapest, the Corinthia Hotel is just a short walk from major attractions such as the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Danube River, and the Chain Bridge. Its central location ensures that guests have easy access to the best that Budapest has to offer, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking convenience and elegance.
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace
Gresham Palace Architecture
The Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, an iconic example of Art Nouveau architecture, stands majestically along the River Danube. Originally constructed in 1906, the building showcases a beautifully restored façade with arches, columns, and floral motifs, topped by a teal-colored roof. The grand entrance is marked by an original black-iron gate featuring intricate peacock patterns, leading to one of Budapest’s most stunning hotel lobbies. Inside, guests are greeted with a mosaic of two million cream stone tiles and a towering Preciosa chandelier, enhancing the opulent atmosphere.
Gresham Palace Rooms
The hotel offers a total of 179 rooms, each designed with a blend of early 20th-century elegance and modern comforts. The Superior rooms provide residential comfort alongside intuitive workspaces, while the Gresham rooms offer views of the courtyard or city streets. The Danube rooms allow guests to enjoy vistas of Budapest’s iconic sites. Notably, some rooms feature balconies and vaulted ceilings, with bathrooms adorned in Spanish black and chocolate marble, complete with art deco-style mirrors.
Gresham Palace Dining
Dining at the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace is a culinary journey through various European influences. KOLLÁZS – Brasserie & Bar serves as a contemporary all-day dining venue overlooking the Danube. Guests can indulge in a diverse menu that includes everything from Hungarian porcelain afternoon tea to craft cocktails, under the historic Peacock Passage’s glass cupola. The brasserie emphasizes creative combinations in its offerings, ensuring a vibrant and inspiring dining experience.
Anantara New York Palace
New York Palace Design
The Anantara New York Palace, prominently located on Erzsébet körút within the Grand Boulevard, captures attention with its majestic 19th-century structure. Originally built to house the New York Cafe, the building reflects an eclectic architectural style with Italian Renaissance influences. The facade is adorned with ornate towers and intricate carvings, making it a stunning visual landmark.
New York Palace Dining
Dining at Anantara New York Palace is an exquisite experience, blending the historical charm of the New York Café with modern culinary innovation. The café, once dubbed “the most beautiful café in the world,” continues to attract with its luxurious decor and refined menu that includes Hungarian and international dishes. Additional dining venues like the White Salon Brasserie and The Poet Bar offer a range of options from casual to sophisticated, ensuring every meal is memorable.
New York Palace Spa
The Anantara Spa at the New York Palace provides a serene escape, featuring a variety of treatments that incorporate Hungary’s renowned thermal waters. The spa’s facilities include a large relaxation pool, a Finnish sauna, and a unique aromatherapy steam room, designed to offer guests a tranquil and luxurious wellness experience.
Matild Palace
Matild Palace History
Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, boasts a rich history that dates back to its construction in the late 19th century. Originally designed as a private residence for a wealthy Hungarian family, the palace was transformed into a hotel in the early 20th century. Throughout the decades, it has been meticulously restored to preserve its historic charm while integrating modern amenities and luxuries.
Matild Palace Rooms
Each room at Matild Palace exudes elegance, equipped with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a private bathroom with a shower, free toiletries, and a hairdryer. Guests enjoy additional comforts such as a coffee machine, and selected rooms feature a balcony with city views. All rooms are furnished with luxurious bed linen and towels, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Matild Palace Dining
Matild Palace is renowned for its exceptional dining experiences, led by Michelin Starred Chef Wolfgang Puck. The hotel features Spago by Wolfgang Puck, offering a menu of Californian cuisine with Hungarian and global accents. Additionally, The Duchess Rooftop Bar provides a unique atmosphere with its secret liquor library and panoramic views of Budapest, making it a perfect spot for enjoying fine liquors and unique cocktails.
W Budapest
W Budapest Design
W Budapest stands as a beacon of modern design in the heart of the city, where the bold design meets heritage. The hotel is housed inside a palace on a UNESCO heritage site, blending history with contemporary luxury. The design captures the spirit of the Belle Époque with interiors inspired by iconic Budapest figures like Zsa Zsa Gabor and Harry Houdini, featuring flamboyant décor and architectural illusions. The hotel’s esthetic includes soft pink hues, curved lines, and a lush color palette, creating a graceful ballet of design elements.
W Budapest Amenities
Guests at W Budapest enjoy a range of top-tier amenities designed to provide comfort and luxury. The hotel features an indoor pool, fitness center, and an AWAY® Spa, offering a wellness sanctuary inspired by the city’s famous thermal baths. Dining options include a restaurant and bar, where guests can savor a variety of culinary delights. The hotel also offers a unique 24-hour fitness facility equipped with state-of-the-art TechnoGym® equipment.
W Budapest Location
Located on Andrássy Avenue, a prestigious UNESCO World Heritage site, W Budapest enjoys proximity to many of the city’s major attractions. The hotel is steps away from the Hungarian State Opera, the House of Terror, and St. Stephen’s Basilica. Its central location offers guests easy access to explore the rich culture and history of Budapest, with the Danube River, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and the historic Buda Castle all within walking distance.
Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest
Párisi Udvar Architecture
Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest is housed in a neo-Renaissance building designed by the renowned Hungarian architect Alajos Hauszmann. This historic hotel features a stunning glass-covered courtyard, ornate facades, and intricate architectural details, making it a visual masterpiece in the heart of Budapest.
Párisi Udvar Rooms
The rooms at Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest are a blend of elegance and modern amenities. Each room is equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and en-suite bathrooms, offering guests a comfortable and luxurious stay.
Párisi Udvar Dining
Guests at Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest can enjoy a variety of dining options. The hotel features a restaurant that serves traditional Hungarian cuisine and a café that offers light meals and refreshments. These dining venues combine historical charm with contemporary culinary excellence, providing a memorable gastronomic experience.
Aria Hotel Budapest
Aria Hotel Theme
The Aria Hotel Budapest, opened in 2015, is a unique boutique hotel inspired by music and designed to offer guests an immersive musical experience. Each of the hotel’s wings is dedicated to a different musical genre—Classical, Opera, Contemporary, and Jazz—creating a diverse esthetic and atmosphere throughout. The design elements range from Neo-Baroque furniture and Murano glass chandeliers in the Classical wing to the cool Hollywood glamor of the Jazz rooms, featuring Art Nouveau furnishings and a custom-made area rug with a Saxophone etching.
Aria Hotel Rooms
Guests at the Aria Hotel Budapest can choose from a variety of rooms and suites, each named after a famous artist or composer and designed to reflect the specific musical theme of its wing. The rooms offer supreme comfort, soundproof peace, and privacy, with most featuring a private, furnished balcony overlooking the beautiful Music Garden Courtyard. Luxurious amenities in the rooms include Italian Onyx showers, signature robes and slippers, and customizable bedding to ensure optimal comfort.
Aria Hotel Entertainment
The Aria Hotel Budapest excels in providing exceptional entertainment and leisure options. Guests can enjoy live musical performances daily, which complement the hotel’s musical theme. The High Note Sky Bar offers stunning 360-degree city views and is a perfect spot for evening relaxation. Additionally, the hotel hosts a complimentary daily breakfast in the Music Garden and a two-hour wine and cheese reception, both of which are highly praised by guests.
Kempinski Hotel Corvinus
Kempinski Hotel History
Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, established in September 1992, is situated on the site of a former residential building that was bombed during World War II. For decades, the location served as a parking lot until it was developed into Budapest’s first contemporary luxury hotel. The hotel honors Hungary’s 15th-century king, Matthias Corvinus, reflecting its deep connection with national history. It also boasts a significant art collection started at the hotel’s inception, emphasizing the union of art and hospitality.
Kempinski Hotel Dining
The Kempinski Hotel Corvinus offers an impressive array of dining options. Guests can enjoy gourmet experiences ranging from the historically inspired The Living Room, reminiscent of Budapest’s coffee-house culture, to ÉS Bisztró with its vibrant street-side dining under red umbrellas. The hotel also features Nobu Budapest, the first Central European establishment of the famous chain, co-owned by Robert De Niro. For those preferring privacy, in-room dining provides a range of options from early breakfast to late-night meals.
Kempinski Hotel Location
Located in the heart of Budapest, Kempinski Hotel Corvinus stands next to Erzsébet Square and is closely situated to key attractions like the Danube, Dohány Street Synagogue, and St. Stephen’s Basilica. Its central location in the Erzsébetváros district ensures that guests have the best of Budapest within easy reach, making it an ideal spot for both leisure and business travelers.
The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest
Ritz-Carlton History
The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest, established in 2016, is set in a historic early 20th-century building. This luxury hotel exemplifies a blend of contemporary comforts with traditional Hungarian elements, reflecting the city’s rich heritage.
Ritz-Carlton Rooms
The hotel boasts 170 elegantly designed rooms and suites, offering a variety of accommodations from standard rooms to expansive suites with separate living areas. Guests can enjoy views of Elizabeth Park and city landmarks from rooms that feature sleek lines, tall ceilings, and expansive windows. The Club Lounge access available in select suites and guest rooms provides an exclusive experience with a range of personalized services.
Ritz-Carlton Dining
Guests at The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest, can choose from multiple dining options. The Deak St. Kitchen offers Hungarian and international cuisine in a sophisticated setting, while the rooftop bar provides panoramic views of the city. The hotel also features a lobby lounge for a more casual experience. For a unique dining experience, guests can enjoy classic Italian dishes at the Ottimo Italian kitchen, which serves artfully presented meals that embody the essence of ‘La Dolce Vita’.
Kozmo Hotel Suites & Spa
Kozmo Hotel Design
Kozmo Hotel Suites & Spa, set in a historical landmark, combines classic luxury with modern design. The building, once the largest telecommunications center in Eastern and Central Europe, retains its original elements like the reddish facade and palatial ceilings, complemented by a meticulous interior design that highlights its historic features. Art by Carlos Cánovas and Lluis Lléo adorns the rooms and common areas, enhancing the ambiance with “al fresco” painting techniques and selective photography.
Kozmo Hotel Rooms
The hotel offers a variety of rooms, from intimate Standard Rooms to the expansive Presidential Suite, which spans 190 m2 and features a terrace with stunning city views. Each room category is designed for comfort and luxury, equipped with amenities like showers, bathtubs, and king-size beds, ensuring a memorable stay for every guest.
Kozmo Hotel Amenities
Guests at Kozmo Hotel Suites & Spa can indulge in an array of five-star services. The Spa & Wellness Center is a highlight, offering a space to rejuvenate with treatments by Valmont and Adrienne Feller, alongside a pool, sauna, and relaxation area. The hotel’s bistro reinterprets Hungarian cuisine with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients and live cooking, creating a unique dining experience.
Verno House
Verno House Design
Verno House showcases a stunning modern design by the renowned architect John Smith. Its sleek, minimalist exterior harmonizes with the surrounding urban landscape, reflecting a contemporary tribute to Budapest’s cosmopolitan history of the late 19th century. Inside, the open-concept layout emphasizes natural light and connectivity among the main living areas, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Verno House Rooms
The accommodations at Verno House offer substantial comfort with a blend of modern and nostalgic elements. Rooms are spacious, featuring ample storage, en-suite bathrooms, and luxurious amenities such as air conditioning, a minibar, and flat-screen TVs. The Superior and Deluxe rooms provide stunning city views through large, “head-to-toe” windows, enhancing the light and elegance of the spaces.
Verno House Dining
Dining at Verno House is highlighted by Flava, the in-house restaurant that offers a unique Mexican-inspired menu. The restaurant’s design integrates with the hotel through a giant glass wall, creating a seamless connection with the lobby and emphasizing a communal dining experience. This setup not only enriches the architectural esthetics but also fosters a vibrant community atmosphere within the hotel.
InterContinental Budapest
InterContinental Location
Located on the Danube Promenade, InterContinental Budapest offers stunning views of the Danube River and the Castle District, one of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This prime location provides an elegant setting, ideal for exploring the city’s rich history, vibrant gastronomic scene, and cultural landmarks.
InterContinental Rooms
InterContinental Budapest features 402 sophisticated rooms that exude elegance and comfort, ranging from classic guest rooms to presidential suites. The rooms are equipped with high-speed internet, Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and air conditioning, catering to every guest’s needs. Room sizes vary, with options like the 23-square-meter Classic rooms and up to the spacious 27-square-meter rooms, offering comfortable space for up to three people.
InterContinental Views
The hotel’s rooms and suites boast breathtaking panoramas, with many overlooking the Danube, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge. These views are particularly stunning from the hotel’s suites, which feature floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize the scenic vistas.
Conclusion
Throughout this article, we have journeyed through Budapest’s luxurious hospitality, exploring the top 12 best hotels that the city has to offer. Each hotel, with its unique blend of historical elegance, modern luxury, and exceptional service, promises an unforgettable stay. From the opulent surroundings of the Corinthia Budapest and the art-nouveau splendor of the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace to the contemporary allure of the W Budapest, we’ve seen how these hotels stand as monuments to Budapest’s rich cultural heritage and testament to its modern vibrancy.
Choosing the right accommodation in Budapest means immersing yourself in an experience that extends beyond mere lodging to become a highlight of your travel. The hotels showcased here not only provide a place to rest but also enrich your visit, allowing you to savor the city’s architectural beauty, culinary excellence, and historical significance. Whether you desire the grandiosity of historic palaces or the sleek sophistication of modern designs, Budapest’s top hotels eagerly await to transform your stay into something truly extraordinary.
FAQs
Which area is recommended for sightseeing accommodations in Budapest?
The Palace Quarter is highly recommended for tourists interested in sightseeing. This area is not only visually stunning but also hosts trendy second-hand stores and vibrant bars. Key attractions include the Hungarian National Museum and the Szabó Ervin Library, making it a great spot for history enthusiasts and literature lovers alike.
What is the ideal duration for a visit to Budapest?
To cover the highlights of Budapest, a minimum stay of two full days is suggested. This duration requires a selective approach and brisk pace. For a more relaxed experience that allows deeper exploration of the city, consider extending your stay to three or four days. Longer stays also provide opportunities for day trips.
Where is the most luxurious part of Budapest?
The most luxurious area in Budapest is District V – Belváros. This district is suitable for a wide range of visitors and is known as the most upscale and picturesque area in Pest. It is home to several large luxury hotels, including The Four Seasons, Sofitel, Kempinski, and Ritz Carlton, among others.