Forget the “Little Paris” label—Budapest is more than just a copycat central European city. This majestic capital of Hungary blends the tranquil, wooded hills of Buda with its charming old town and royal castle, and the buzzing, bohemian vibe of Pest, across the sprawling Danube. It’s a dynamic city where contemporary cool collides with old-school grandeur, all sprinkled with a generous dose of Hungarian flair.
The best hotels in Budapest aren’t just places to crash; they’re experiences waiting to unfold. Whether you’re swooning over art nouveau masterpieces, partying like a rock star in a grand thermal bath, sipping cocktails from a rooftop bar, or dining on a moonlit Danube cruise, Budapest has got it all. With new and exceptional options popping up, your only challenge might be falling head over heels for the best hotels in Budapest. So, buckle up and prepare to be charmed by the most delightful and diverse array of stays.
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Discover the Best Hotels in Budapest: Your Helpful Guide to Luxurious Lodging
Corinthia: A Grand Hotel That’s Anything but Ordinary
When it comes to the best hotels in Budapest, Corinthia stands out like a diamond in a pile of rhinestones. Unlike many posers in the hotel scene, Corinthia’s pedigree is as authentic as it gets—it started life as the Grand Hotel Royal Budapest, a hotspot for 20th-century icons like Josephine Baker. And if you think that name rings a bell, it might be because this very grand dame inspired Wes Anderson’s Oscar-winning flick, The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Nestled within three 19th-century buildings, Corinthia is a colossal wonder where side streets have been transformed into soaring glass atriums. But the true crown jewel of this majestic establishment? Its Royal Spa. Originally opened in 1888 and dramatically rescued from becoming a soulless parking garage, the spa invites you to swim, sauna, and soak in hot tubs amid stunning columns and vintage tilework.
For those with a taste for luxury, the best hotels in Budapest often come with fine dining—and Corinthia does not disappoint. With two gourmet restaurants and a ballroom that once hosted Budapest’s first cinema, it’s hard not to fall in love. So, if you’re on the hunt for the best hotels in Budapest, Corinthia might just sweep you off your feet.
Price: Standard doubles start from about £165.
Address: Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 43-49, 1073 Hungary
W Budapest: A Masterpiece of Modernity and Historical Flair
Welcome to W Budapest, where modern chic meets historic charm in a game of stylish chess. Located in the majestic Drechsler Palace—once the headquarters of the Hungarian State Ballet Academy—this gem is one of the best hotels in Budapest for those who appreciate a blend of past and present.
Step inside, and you’ll find a chessboard theme that pays homage to Budapest’s love for the game. From black-and-white tiles in the elevators to the Extreme WOW suite (yes, it’s as dramatic as it sounds), this place knows how to make an impression. The Extreme WOW suite features a sculptural chessboard by artist Ronan Mckenzie, perfect for some high-stakes practice while you’re shopping along Andrássy Avenue.
The Away Spa is a mirror-filled marvel inspired by Houdini’s illusions, where even the most contorted muscles will find relief. After a day of indulgence, dine at Nightingale by Beefbar for refined Asian cuisine, then swing by Society25—a speakeasy-style basement bar accessed through a bathroom mirror. Here, cocktails like the Brew Bop (a nod to Budapest’s café culture) and the Strawberry Plié (a playful tip to the city’s ballet past) will make your evening as memorable as the hotel itself.
For those on the lookout for the best hotels in Budapest, W Budapest is a top contender that promises an extraordinary stay.
Price: Standard doubles from about £300 per night.
Address: Budapest, Andrássy út 25, 1061 Hungary
Matild Palace: Where Royalty Meets Modern Luxury in Budapest
When it comes to the best hotels in Budapest, Matild Palace stands tall as a beacon of neo-baroque splendor. Built on a grand scale for Princess Clotilde of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and her Archduke husband, this UNESCO-protected marvel reopened in 2021 to charm a new generation of travelers with its blend of heritage and high design.
Imagine this: A majestic palace reimagined with award-winning contemporary flair, topped off with a rooftop bar offering panoramic views that will have you feeling like royalty. Matild Palace isn’t just about looks; it’s also about taste. With the first Spago restaurant by Wolfgang Puck in Europe—already being eyed for a Michelin star—you’ll dine like a king (or queen) amidst sumptuous surroundings.
Rooms at the Matild Palace boast soaring four-meter ceilings, herringbone parquet floors, and a splash of rich, contemporary colors. For the ultimate indulgence, book the three-storey tower suite, which offers 360-degree views of Budapest and the Danube that will make you never want to leave.
Looking for the best hotels in Budapest? The Matild Palace combines historic charm with modern luxury in a way that’s simply unforgettable. Whether it’s the seasonal cabaret at the art nouveau café or the bottomless Champagne brunch, your stay here will be nothing short of extraordinary.
Price: Standard doubles start from about £390.
Address: Budapest, Váci u 36, 1056 Hungary
Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest: Where Art Nouveau Meets Modern Luxury
If you’re hunting for the best hotels in Budapest, the Párisi Udvar Hotel is a glittering gem you can’t afford to miss. This place is like stepping into a time machine that whisks you back to early-20th-century Budapest, where stained glass, intricate ceramics, and jaw-dropping art nouveau designs reign supreme. After an epic 85,000 hours of meticulous restoration, it reopened in 2019, proving that sometimes, fairy tales do come true.
Inside, the atrium is so breathtaking it might cause vertigo. Rooms are a chic blend of modern elegance and classical charm, providing a serene escape from the dazzling historic decor. When evening falls, the ÉTOILE Champagne bar invites you to pop open one of its 50 bottles, with 20 available by the glass—because why settle for less when you can sparkle?
After you’ve indulged, head to the Párisi Passage Restaurant for Hungarian and international classics paired with fine wines. And if you’re feeling adventurous, just step outside and dive into the heart of Budapest’s pedestrian paradise. For those searching for the best hotels in Budapest, Párisi Udvar is a top pick that promises luxury, charm, and a touch of historical magic.
Price: Standard doubles start from about £385.
Address: Budapest, Petőfi Sándor u. 2-4, 1052 Hungary
Kozmo Hotel Suites & Spa: A Modern Marvel in Budapest
If you’re scouting for the best hotels in Budapest, look no further than Kozmo Hotel Suites & Spa. Opened in 2021 in a former 1920s telecom hub, this gem blends historic grandeur with sleek modernity. Imagine stepping into a time capsule only to find yourself in a contemporary paradise. The hotel’s façade boasts original 1920s sculptures, but inside, it’s all about chic design and spacious suites.
Perched as the tallest building in the area, Kozmo offers expansive terraces with panoramic views of Budapest’s tiled rooftops—perfect for showing off your holiday snaps. Inside, expect a stylish mix of glass, black metal, and soothing blues paired with warm parquet floors and fluffy cream rugs. The bar is the perfect spot to sip on an evening cocktail before heading to the elegant courtyard bistro, where delightful dinners await.
For those on the hunt for the best hotels in Budapest, Kozmo delivers modern luxury with a nod to its historic past, ensuring a stay that’s both fashionable and memorable.
Price: Standard doubles start from about £180.
Address: Budapest, Horváth Mihály tér 17, 1082 Hungary
Aria Hotel Budapest: The Ultimate Symphony of Luxury
If you’re searching for the best hotels in Budapest and have a soft spot for music, the Aria Hotel is your backstage pass to luxury. Nestled just 100 meters from St. Stephen’s Basilica, this gem is more than a hotel; it’s a love letter to the world of melody. With a 19th-century glass-roofed courtyard as its centerpiece, it’s the place where music legends like Placido Domingo, Lenny Kravitz, and Rita Ora have stayed.
The Aria Hotel’s four musically themed wings each pay homage to different composers and musicians. Rooms boast private terraces, or street views, and are adorned with original art by Czech caricaturist Josef Blecha, from the opulent purples of the opera wing to the subtle elegance of the classical wing. And let’s not forget the Mirror Bar—its walls are practically a who’s who of musical greats, covered in their signatures.
Every evening from 4-6 pm, indulge in complimentary cheese and wine in the courtyard, serenaded by local talent. For those in search of the best hotels in Budapest, the Aria Hotel offers a melodic blend of luxury and entertainment that hits all the right notes.
Price: Standard doubles start from about £300.
Address: Budapest, Hercegprímás u. 5, 1051 Hungary
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest
When it comes to the best hotels in Budapest, the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace reigns supreme with its jaw-dropping art nouveau splendor. Once a grand office for London’s Gresham Life Assurance, this architectural gem was lovingly restored in 2004 after a $110M makeover—talk about a serious commitment to luxury!
Sitting pretty by the iconic Chain Bridge, this palace of indulgence offers panoramic views of the Danube and the Buda hills, with rooms that could make even a minimalist swoon. The building’s heart motif isn’t just for show; legend has it the original architect was so smitten that he poured all his romantic passion into his masterpiece. And who can blame him? The Gresham Palace now boasts exquisite rooms, the sophisticated Múzsa cocktail bar, and enough elegance to make you feel like royalty.
For those seeking the best hotels in Budapest, this opulent retreat is a love letter to luxury that you’ll never want to leave.
Price: Standard doubles start from about £560.
Address: Budapest, Széchenyi István tér 5-6, 1051 Hungary
Kempinski Hotel Corvinus: The Timeless Choice Among the Best Hotels in Budapest
Celebrating three decades of opulence, the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus proves that age is just a number, especially when it comes to being one of the best hotels in Budapest. Unlike those flashy new spots that flaunt their heritage renovations, this luxury gem was purpose-built to impress from day one—and it shows.
Inside, the Kempinski dazzles with its modern curves and a Hungarian art collection that could give the Louvre a run for its money. The spa, now reimagined with a fresh menu of indulgent treatments, is the perfect place to relax after a hard day of shopping on the nearby Fashion Street.
Dining options are as varied as Budapest itself, from Hungarian classics at ÉS Bisztró to Nobu’s Asian fusion creations and a slew of other culinary delights. And don’t miss the newly renovated rooms, where cool contemporary tones mix with luxurious brass and wood accents, all while you gaze out at the Budapest Eye and the dome of St. Stephen’s Basilica.
Price: Standard doubles start from £200.
Address: Budapest, Erzsébet tér 7-8, 1051 Hungary
Anantara New York Palace: The Rococo Royalty Among the Best Hotels in Budapest
Just across from Budapest’s lively party district, the Anantara New York Palace stands like a classic movie star amidst the chaos—muscular stone atlases holding up the grand entrance porch like they’re lifting the weight of your travel woes. Step inside and you’re met with a honey-colored, column-lined lobby that leads to a courtyard so grand it might just have its own postcode.
This Belle Époque marvel is famous for its New York Café, often hailed as the most stunning café in the world. With rococo columns, glittering chandeliers, and frescoed ceilings, it’s like dining in a baroque painting—where breakfast is as exceptional as the view. The rooms are tastefully adorned, ensuring you wake up in comfort and style.
Don’t miss the brand-new spa, where the 15-metre pool and serene massages might make you question if you’ve somehow been transported to the Greek islands. Meanwhile, the White Salon restaurant offers elegant dining amidst a white-and-gold gallery overlooking the vibrant chaos below.
For a taste of historic glamour with a side of modern luxury, the best hotels in Budapest don’t get much better than the Anantara New York Palace.
Price: Standard doubles start from about £240.
Address: Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 9, 1073 Hungary
The Ritz-Carlton Budapest
Welcome to the Ritz-Carlton Budapest, where the history of a former insurance company, police headquarters, and Le Méridien Budapest collides with contemporary luxury. Nestled in Erzsébet Square, this architectural gem received its posh new identity in 2016, and it’s been serving up style and comfort ever since.
The rooms are the epitome of modern elegance—think crisp whites, cool blues, and soothing greys that make you want to snuggle in and never leave. And if you’re yearning for a splash, the indoor pool is ready to whisk you away from the city buzz to serene swims.
Start your day under a stunning circular stained-glass cupola at breakfast, or indulge in the Ottimo restaurant. This Italian gem, decked out with tan leather banquettes and mirrored columns, will have you doubting Budapest’s landlocked status with its mouthwatering grilled balsamic-marinated octopus.
For a blend of historical charm and contemporary flair, the best hotels in Budapest just don’t get better than the Ritz-Carlton.
Price: Standard doubles start from about £250.
Address: Budapest, Erzsébet tér 9-10, 1051 Hungary
Verno House: The New VIP of the Best Hotels in Budapest
Meet Verno House, the newest gem in the crown of the best hotels in Budapest. Nestled in a chic 19th-century building right across from Liberty Square Park, this place is the ultimate comeback kid, having shed its Iberostar skin for a total luxury makeover.
Walk into rooms that are so relaxed they practically nap for you. With a calming palette of forest greens and ochres, plus Zoltán Tombor’s art, it’s like living in a stylish forest glade. Those floor-to-ceiling windows? Perfect for letting in light and peeking at the Parliament’s splendor. The glass-walled bathrooms come with freestanding tubs that might just make you reconsider your bathing habits.
Downstairs, the basement’s giant red-lit jacuzzi gives off serious Bond villain vibes, minus the evil plans. And when you’re ready to dine, head to the Flava restaurant, where the tranquil terrace meets a fusion feast of North African, Latin American, and Middle Eastern delights. Plus, the weekend DJ keeps things groovy with chilled beats.
For a taste of luxury and cool vibes, Verno House is definitely among the best hotels in Budapest.
Price: Standard doubles start from about £210.
Address: Budapest, Október 6. u. 26, 1051 Hungary
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