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Dobrina Zhekova, Contributor
Forbes Vetted
After the fall of communism in 1989, Budapest emerged as one of the most enchanting destinations in central Europe, buzzing with spectacular landmarks, Michelin-starred restaurants, imposing Belle Epoque architecture and open-air thermal baths. The best hotels in Budapest offer guests a modern version of that storied glamour.
There’s a duality to this city’s hospitality scene—luxury hotels such as the Four Seasons and Anantara, housed in centuries-old palaces, stand alongside smaller boutique stays, such as the unique music-influenced Aria Hotel or Hotel Rum, home to one of the city's most prominent eateries. Below, we narrowed down the best hotels in Budapest for 2024.
- Best High-End Hotel In Budapest: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace
- Best Boutique Hotel In Budapest: Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection
- Best Value Hotel In Budapest: Hotel Oktogon Haggenmacher
- Best Hotel For Couples In Budapest: Hotel Clark Budapest
- Best Hotel For Families In Budapest: The Ritz-Carlton Budapest
- Best Hotel For Spa And Wellness In Budapest: Corinthia Budapest
- Best Hotel For Design Lovers In Budapest: Kimpton BEM Budapest, An IHG Hotel
- Hotel With The Best Location In Budapest: Matild Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel
- Best Historic Hotel In Budapest: Anantara New York Palace Budapest
- Best Hotel For Foodies In Budapest: Hotel Rum Budapest
Best High-End Hotel In Budapest: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace
Who Will Love It: Luxury travelers and families seeking opulent accommodations, a central location and top-notch amenities
All-Star Amenities: Rooftop spa; 24-hour room service; a curated list of experiences; concierge services; indoor pool; gym; family-friendly services like babysitting and kids food menus
What Not To Miss: A serene afternoon at the rooftop infinity edge indoor pool
Location: Pest
From its unbeatable location on the Danube overlooking the Buda Castle to its stunning Art Nouveau facade and opulent interiors, the Budapest outpost of the Four Seasons envelops guests in unmatched luxury and turn-of-the-century lavishness. The stylish rooms and spacious suites with plush furnishings, a timeless color palette of muted tones and oversized windows looking out on some of the city's most memorable landmarks offer a sophisticated setting to relax from a day of sightseeing. Head to the top floor and indulge in one of the hotel's signature spa treatments, like the Hungarian Moor Mud Therapy with mineral-rich Omorovicza products, or swim in the infinity-edge indoor pool looking out to the hotel's rooftop. Dining includes a casually elegant all-day brasserie with outdoor seating and Chain Bridge and the Danube River views to the stunning Muzsa bar with its Golden Age ambiance, hand-crafted cocktails, and Asian-inspired bites.
Best Boutique Hotel In Budapest: Aria Hotel Budapest By Library Hotel Collection
Aria Hotel Budapest By Library Hotel Collection
Who Will Love It: Melomaniacs and travelers with a penchant for unique hospitality concepts
All-Star Amenities: Music library; rooftop bar; complimentary breakfast and afternoon wine and cheese; daily live music; pool and full-service spa; Molton Brown toiletries; pillow menu
What Not To Miss: Cocktails at the rooftop bar with panoramic views over St. Stephen's Basilica's dome all the way to the Danube River
Location: Pest
Housed in a former 19th-century bank, the music-inspired Aria hotel sits less than a city block from iconic Elizabeth Square and just down the street from St. Stephen's Basilica. The 49 rooms and suites are divided into four wings, each themed after a music genre. If you opt for a signature king-size room in the Classical wing, you'll be pampered with sophisticated New Baroque interiors, including an elegant lacquered French writing desk, a fireplace and a striking yellow Onyx bathroom. Aria's stunning courtyard is transformed into a "music garden" where, each afternoon, guests can taste local Hungarian wines and cheese and enjoy live music (all complimentary, by the way). And even locals can't resist the property's Sky Note SkyBar, with its 360-views of Budapest and hand-crafted cocktails that the property calls "cocktail fine dining."
Best Value Hotel In Budapest: Hotel Oktogon Haggenmacher
Hotel Oktogon Haggenmacher
Who Will Love It: Budget travelers and those looking for an affordable and stylish hotel on Budapest's main shopping drag
All-Star Amenities: Parking; bar; lounge; luggage lockers; 24-hour concierge; daily breakfast
What Not To Miss: Detox with a sweat session at the sauna and enjoy a cocktail in the lounge area, located in a historic room with a fireplace
Location: Pest
Located on Budapest's elegant Andrássy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with high-end designer boutiques and housed in exquisite neo-Renaissance buildings, Hotel Oktogon Haggenmacher certainly lives up to its esteemed setting. The 19th-century former palace, which was once the city's public library and a gathering place for some of the country's most respected writers, still carries the spirit of Budapest's Golden Era but also offers travelers a modern environment to unwind. The guest rooms are a masterclass in cozy minimalism, with timeless decor and oversized windows looking out to the courtyard or the street. An on-site concierge is available to help you navigate Budapest's many landmarks, while facilities such as parking, a co-working space, a small gym with a sauna, a luggage storage area, and a lounge room add to the hotel's appeal and value.
Best Hotel For Couples In Budapest: Hotel Clark Budapest
Hotel Clark Budapest
Who Will Love It: Couples and travelers 14 and over who love to relax among Instagram-perfect city views and interiors
All-Star Amenities: Rooftop bar; limousine service; valet parking; gym with Finnish dry sauna; two boardrooms for business events and meetings; concierge
What Not To Miss: Sundowners at the rooftop overlooking the Danube River
Location: Buda
Steps away from the majestic Chain Bridge on the Buda side of the city, Hotel Clark is an adults-only sanctuary that has racked up accolades since its opening in 2018. Its modern architecture, including floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows and private balconies, makes the best of its unique location, delivering absolutely breathtaking views over the Danube River, the Buda Castle, and the bridge. All rooms and suites are enhanced with amenities like Nespresso machines, Balmain Paris bathroom amenities, blackout curtains, bathrobes, and slippers. Budapest definitely has an affinity for rooftop bars, and Hotel Clark's version is one for the books. A robust menu of cocktails, local wines, and shareable small plates and dips. complements the spectacular views.
Best Hotel For Families In Budapest: The Ritz-Carlton Budapest
The Ritz-Carlton Budapest
Who Will Love It: Multi-generational groups of travelers and families in need of spacious, luxe accommodations and top-notch facilities at the heart of Budapest
All-Star Amenities: Spa with an indoor heated pool; connecting rooms; Ritz Kids club; Club Lounge
What Not To Miss: The afternoon tea service with a selection of house-made pastries and cakes
Location: Pest
Family vacations in Budapest are made easy thanks to the abundance of pools, river cruises, parks, and museums, and The Ritz-Carlton Budapest sits opposite one of the city's most famous attractions: the Ferris Wheel, soaring 213 feet above ground in Elizabeth Park. Ample volumes characterize the rooms and suites—be it the high ceilings or the spacious interiors allowing for a comfortable stay, even if you have to ask for a crib or a rollaway bed. Amenities like children's books, a heated indoor pool and a treasure hunt will keep the hotel's youngest guests occupied on-site, while the property's stylish Italian restaurant, Ottimo, offers many kid-friendly options, including a mouthwatering selection of desserts (the Royal Chocolate cake and pistachio cream and strawberries filled cannoli are a highlight). Speaking of cakes, don't leave without tasting pastry chef István Mázás's exquisite creations at the Kupola Lounge.
Best Hotel In Budapest For Spa And Wellness: Corinthia Budapest
Corinthia Budapest
Who Will Love It: Wellness travelers and those who want to experience Budapest's famous bath culture in a more private fashion
All-Star Amenities: Hot tub; hammam; saunas; steam bath; heated pool; gym; valet service; concierge; florist
What Not To Miss: A signature body or face treatment along with a dip in the pool and the hot tub
Location: Pest
Corinthia's historic 19th-century neoclassical facade gives travelers a peek at the glamour that awaits inside one of Budapest's most iconic hotels (Wes Anderson famously visited the property in search of archival materials and inspiration for his 2014 film “The Grand Budapest Hotel.”) The legendary property still exudes the same Belle Epoque grandness that drew notable guests like Josephine Baker and Vaslav Nijinsky—from its grand staircase in the marble lobby to the sprawling presidential suite, which at 2,583 square feet was once the largest in Hungary. Its stunning Royal Spa carries the hotel's historic spirit in its most elegant form: Hailed as one of the best hotel spas in the city, its most impressive feature is the 50-foot indoor swimming pool flanked by Corinthian columns under a stunning stained-glass ceiling. Weary travelers can indulge in relaxing treatments with Omorovicza and ESPA products in a calming yet sophisticated setting fit for royalty.
Best Hotel In Budapest For Design Lovers: Kimpton BEM Budapest, An IHG Hotel
Kimpton BEM Budapest, An IHG Hotel
Who Will Love It: Travelers obsessed with design and Instagram-worthy moments; pet-owners, since the hotel is pet-friendly
All-Star Amenities: Balmain toiletries; Smart TVs; rooftop bar; gym with a hot tub, steam room and sauna; in-room body treatments; complimentary bikes; on-site parking
What Not To Miss: Cocktails at the rooftop bar overlooking the Danube river
Location: Buda
When renowned Dutch designer Marcel Wanders was tasked with reimagining a historic 19th-century mansion into Kimpton's newest hotel, he looked for inspiration in the property's neighborhood, the artistic Viziváros on the Buda side of the city, which is known for its many artisans. As a result, the hotel, which opened earlier this year, is an amalgamation of whimsical sights and décor vignettes rooted in place and referencing Hungarian folklore, mythology and traditional patterns. Grand emerald columns anchor the hotel's Mediterranean restaurant, while a lush Eden-like rooftop bar features a greenhouse-like structure with a striking blue-tiled bar that welcomes guests and unveils stunning city and river views. The 127 guest rooms and suites feature a soothing palette of greens and blues along with beautiful wallpapers, making a bold design statement.
Hotel With The Best Location In Budapest: Matild Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel
Matild Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel
Who Will Love It: Urban explorers and first-time visitors; luxury travelers
All-Star Amenities: Adults-only rooftop bar; spa; 24-hour room service; valet parking; Wolfgang Puck-led dining program
What Not To Miss: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city in the serene spa, influenced by traditional Hungarian bath rituals
Location: Pest
This 1902 Belle Epoque jewel just off of Elizabeth Bridge captures Budapest's storied past and offers travelers a chance to experience Budapest at its finest. The hotel was fully renovated in 2021 and offers spectacular UNESCO-protected architecture as well as one of the best addresses at the heart of the city, a few blocks from the Jewish Quarter and many of the Hungarian capital's most famous landmarks (including steps away from a subway station). Many of the 111 guest rooms offer Danube river views, balconies and contemporary interiors that reflect the building's glamorous past—think tasteful gilded accents, handmade ceramics, marble-top tables and herringbone parquet flooring. Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck chose Matild Palace as the home of his Spago concept in Budapest, and the property’s intimate rooftop bar, The Dutchess, offers heart-stopping city vistas.
Best Historic Hotel In Budapest: Anantara New York Palace Budapest
Anantara New York Palace Budapest
Who Will Love It: History buffs; travelers seeking opulent interiors
All-Star Amenities: Spa with indoor pool; multiple dining concepts; some rooms with private balconies; marble bathrooms; Italian furnishings; 24-hour in-room dining
What Not To Miss: The afternoon high tea ritual in the Atrium lobby with chef-prepared savory sandwiches and pastries
Location: Pest
Even by Budapest standards, the ornate Belle Epoque building that houses the Anantara New York Palace is a masterpiece. Dating back to 1894, the building, which served as the headquarters of the New York Life Insurance Company, blends Italian Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic and Art Nouveau references and presents a visual feast both inside and out. The hotel houses what has been called the most beautiful café in the world, New York Café, which, with its ceiling frescos, marbled columns and crystal chandeliers, elevates afternoon coffee breaks to an art form. Overlooking the cafe is the historic Poets Bar that has served as the meeting spot for Hungary's most prominent thinkers for one hundred years. Now, it's a cozy place to enjoy an evening cocktail, oozing Old World charm.
Best Hotel In Budapest For Foodies: Hotel Rum Budapest
Hotel Rum Budapest
Who Will Love It: Food-obsessed travelers; Michelin Guide enthusiasts
All-Star Amenities: Rooftop bar and restaurant; Michelin-starred restaurant; Nespresso coffee machines; rain showers; concierge service
What Not To Miss: The multi-course tasting menu at Salt, the Michelin-starred restaurant, located on the ground floor
Location: Pest
While the central location and youthful, contemporary feel of Hotel Rum’s accommodations, outfitted by local designers, is a good enough reason to make it your base camp in Budapest, its partnership with the Michelin-starred Salt restaurant will especially please foodies. The eatery, occupying the hotel's ground floor, was part of the inaugural class of Michelin-approved restaurants two years ago and continues to maintain its status as one of the capital's most awarded spots. The menu, by Chef Szilárd Tóth, highlights local and organic ingredients, some of which Tóth himself collects (the restaurant has a garden). The property also features the popular rooftop brunch restaurant, Solid, that serves innovative versions of classics like Eggs Benedict with smoked trout, elderflower, and green apple or Kimchi Sandwich with beef and cheddar cheese, complemented by panoramic city views.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where Is The Best Place To Stay In Budapest For First-Time Visitors?
Budapest comprises three cities along the banks of the Danube River—Pest, Buda, and Óbuda—that were united in 1873. Nowadays, the city is divided into districts, so if you're visiting for the first time and are planning to focus on exploring its most prominent landmarks, stick to the central areas in downtown Budapest, such as the Castle District (or District I), or on the Pest side, District V (where a lot of the hotels on our list are), District VII (that's the Jewish Quarter with a lot of ruin bars, galleries and boutiques), or District VI, anchored by the renowned Andrássy Avenue and the Hungarian State Opera.
Is It Better To Stay In Buda or Pest?
Buda, along the west banks of the Danube River, is home to the hilly Castle District, which dates back to the 13th century and has some of the city’s oldest and most beautiful landmarks, such as the stunning Baroque Buda Castle. This area tends to be quieter and more residential, with many art galleries, bookstores, and cafes along Bartók Béla Boulevard. However, if your primary goal is sightseeing, it's better to stay on the Pest side, where you'll also find many attractions like the parliament building, St. Stephen's Basilica, many museums, the opera, and the renowned Andrássy Avenue with high-end shopping, along with many of the luxury hotels and best restaurants.
How Many Days Do You Need For Budapest?
While Budapest has enough things to see and do to fill a week, a minimum of three days should allow you plenty of time to explore.
About Dobrina Zhekova, Your Budapest Guide
I am a travel journalist with over a decade of editorial experience in print and digital media in Europe and the U.S, including bylines in Travel + Leisure, ELLE, Harper's Bazaar, Sunset, Departures, RobbReport, InStyle, Vogue and many more. I am an expert on all things luxury travel, art, architecture and design—from the newest 5-star resort in Bora Bora to the latest immersive exhibition in Paris. I originally hail from Bulgaria and have extensive experience traveling throughout Europe, including many visits to Budapest.