Budapest Hotels - 10 Top Hotel Choices

1. Luxury Getaway: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace

For that perfect weekend away, Budapest boasts not one, but three world-class hotels - with each offering unbridled luxury for honeymooners, romantic couples or those simply wishing to experience the best the city has to offer.

It's a closely fought contest, with the Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal and Boscolo's New York Palace also vying for the accolade of Budapest's best hotel. However, we think the Four Seasons' combination of first-class service and an unmatched sense of occasion make it a worthy winner.

A sumptuous and truly distinctive property, guests are pampered from the moment they arrive with a range of amenities that include a luxury spa, swimming pool and upscale dining (boasting views overlooking the Danube). With a perfect location adjacent to the majestic Lanchíd (Chain bridge), we can't think of a better place to stay in Budapest...read more >> 
 

2. Thermal Fun: Hotel Gellért

This year's (2008) restoration of both the women's and men's sections of the famous Gellért baths means there's no better time than now to visit this historic 4-star hotel.

Art nouveau in style and with an extravagant spa/thermal bath complex attached, the hotel was made famous by restaurateur Károly Gundel in the late twenties, quickly becoming the place to be seen for rich, well-heeled Hungarians. Its ambiance still harks back to the Austro-Hungarian empire, with a tradition and old world charm that's all but disappeared elsewhere in the city. Situated in Buda on the banks of the Danube, you won't find a better location for that perfect spa break...read more >>
 

3. In the Heart of the City: Marriott Millennium Court

In this category, at least ten hotels would be able to satisfy even the most demanding of visitors to Budapest. We're fans, for example, of both the K & K Opera and the Best Western Premier Hotel Parlament - each worthy properties in their own right.

However, our favourite 4-star accommodation in the city, without doubt, is the Marriott Millennium Court. Immaculately presented apartments coupled with good value rates and a wonderful downtown location makes the Marriott very difficult to beat.

And, with the Danube embankment and major sights within just a few minute's walk away, we're sure you'll enjoy the Millennium Court just as much as we did...read more >>
 

4. Room with a View: Marriott Budapest

While both the Sofitel Budapest Maria Dorottya and InterContinental Budapest offer equally pleasant views of Buda from the banks of the Danube (both hotels are located next to the Marriott), the Marriott Budapest is unique in offering all of its guests a river view.

Moreover, a recent renovation (undertaken in 2007) not only increased comfort levels within the property's 384 guest rooms, but also their physical dimensions too. Coupled with the rejuvenation of public areas and the opening of the contemporary AQVA Lounge Bar, it all adds up to a very pleasant 5-star hotel experience...read more >>
 

5. Historic Budapest: Danubius Hotel Astoria

A traditional and historic early 20th-century hotel set along the busy crossroads of Kossuth Lajos utca/Múzeum krt and leading to the city's Erzsébet bridge.

The "Astoria Café Mirror" is a wonderful example of the Mittel-European coffeehouse tradition, complete with Empire style interior decoration, fancy carpets, crystal chandeliers, glittering mirrors and stained glass windows.

And, in keeping with the rest of the property, guest rooms have been refurbished in a Viennese style that enhances the character of the Astoria all the more...read more >>
 

6: Cheap and Cheerful: Ibis Budapest Centrum

While there are plenty of decent budget options in Budapest, this likeable Ibis property enjoys one of the best downtown locations of any hotel in Budapest. Situated along Ráday utca - a popular local night spot, the street is home to an ever-growing number of swanky cafés and bistros, making it a lovely place to visit both during the day and in the evening.

What's more, the property lies close to the The National Museum, the picturesque Central Market Hall and Budapest's most famous shopping street - Váci utca...read more >>
 

7. Romance in Budapest: Andrassy Hotel/Hilton Budapest

Now part of the MaMaison Group, the five-star Andrassy Hotel is ideal for a romantic getaway in Budapest. While at first glance, its location can't complete with the clutch of luxury hotels overlooking the Danube, it's just a short hop along from City Park with its fairytale like Vajdahunyad Castle Castle and Széchenyi Thermal Baths. Moreover, rooms and suites here are beautifully appointed, while Baraka - the in-house restaurant - is a fabulous eatery in its own right.

Alternatively, for a truly romantic setting in the Castle District, the Hilton Budapest ticks all the right boxes. While guest rooms are more traditionally furnished than those at the Andrassy Hotel, the panoramic views of Parliament and Pest beyond (particularly at night) are breathtaking. And helpfully, the Hilton's in-house florist can arrange for floral arrangements to be sent to that special someone...read more >>
 

8. Keen to be Green: Hotel Normafa

As an immaculately kept "chalet style" property situated in the picturesque woodland of Sváb hill in Buda, Hotel Normafa is a great choice for families, especially in summer. Ideal for those wanting to combine the hustle and bustle of the city with relaxation, wellness and natural outdoor pursuits, the property's environmental credentials are also faultless - being a past recipient of the Hotel Association of Hungary's "Green Hotel Award".

Well-sized rooms are pleasantly furnished in keeping with the style of the hotel, while a good range of facilities include an outdoor pool, beach volley ball and tennis courts, gym and sauna...read more >>
 

9. Away from it all: Uhu Villa

The four star Uhu Villa is the most charming hideaway in the Hungarian capital. Overlooking the city, this elegant turn-of-the-century villa has been decorated with considerable attention to detail, combining harmonious colors to create an atmosphere of comfort and style.

Providing a rare opportunity for peace and quiet in Budapest, Uhu Villa has consistently ranked highly with our customers, not just as a romantic retreat (and haven from the hustle and bustle of the city), but also as a sophisticated property in which to comfort and care for both body and mind...read more >>
 

10. Chic Boutique: Boutique Hotel Zara

Following the launch of Boutique Hotel Zara in 2006, and with the upscale Lanchíd 19 also opening its doors late in 2007, boutique style properties have started popping up all over the city. Typically with this class of hotel, establishments are characterised by their informal charm and individuality. Unfortunately, however, form can often take precedence over function, with some of the most modern satisfying only their designers brief and not the needs of their guests.

All the more rewarding then, that Boutique Hotel Zara is actually a straightforward, no-nonsense property ideally placed in Pest's fifth district. In truth, room sizes aren't the biggest in town, but everything is stylish, clean and works well. What's more, complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access is available to guests, while convenient connections to major tram and metro routes are also a boon...read more >>
 

Finding Hotels in Budapest - A Brief Guide...

Although good discounts can be had when booking Budapest accommodation online - including those offered on our own website - room rates during peak season are often on a par with those in Paris or London (especially when the F1 Grand Prix comes to town). To North American visitors, prices at four/five star Budapest hotels will therefore seem expensive. A small comfort perhaps is that, as with other European cities, Budapest's larger hotels are owned by well-known international chains such as Mercure, Radisson, Hilton and Ibis. As such, service and facilities at these hotels reflect the high standards of their Western European counterparts.

Many of Budapest's most exclusive hotels, such as the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Sofitel Atrium Budapest, Budapest Marriott and InterContinental are located in and around the Dunakorzó and Belgrád Rakpart (Pest Embankment), while 4 star alternatives - with equally pleasing river views - include the Hotel Victoria and Art'otel (which enjoy locations on the opposing Bem Rakpart overlooking Pest from Buda).

Moreover, it's possible to escape both the hustle and bustle of Pest, and the energy zapping hills of Buda, by choosing accommodation on the leafy, tranquil Margit Island (an ideal choice, not only because of the ban on cars, but also because the island enjoys excellent hotel/public spa and swimming facilities). The Danubius Grand Hotel Margitsziget and Danubius Thermal Hotel Margitsziget are the two hotels located here.

Choosing from hotels further afield will save you money (as accommodation in downtown Budapest carries a price premium), although the availability of public transport should be considered carefully. Fortunately, as the city has an excellent integrated public transport system (including metro, bus, tram and trolleybus) even hotels situated in outlying districts have relatively good connections to the city centre. As a rule, check our listings to see which district hotels are situated in. Central districts in Budapest have lower numbers - indicated in roman numerals i.e. II - whereas those on the outskirts are given higher numbers (there are 23 in total).

Once you're over the hurdle of deciding on Buda or Pest, our guide makes choosing from a wide-range of Budapest hotels easy. Each entry carries a brief description of the property, while multi-language booking allows you to make a room reservation in seconds. Where the option to book is given, all transactions are conducted over a secure server, using the very latest encryption technology.

Suffice to say, four and five star hotels in Budapest have a bathroom, telephone, TV, radio, mini bar and are usually air-conditioned. Three star hotels have at least one restaurant and a bar, while the majority of two star hotels will have their own shower or bath. Rooms in hostels/guest houses will have wash basins along with hot and cold running water. Many of the Budapest/Hungarian hotels listed in this guide also have their own car parks (for which a daily tariff of around $20 USD is usually charged). For further details about star ratings and general hotel quality in Hungary visit the Hotel Association of Hungary website.