The 9 Best Budapest Hotels of 2018

Located a few steps from St. Stephen’s Basilica, five-star Aria Hotel Budapest is the top-rated hotel in the city. The service is flawless and the neo-classical façade contrasts beautifully with the hotel’s contemporary music-themed decor. Think piano key floor tiles in the central courtyard and cartoon renderings of iconic musicians throughout. Each of the 49 rooms and suites includes a King bed, a Nespresso coffee machine, an iPad and a 55” TV with surround sound.

Dining options include acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant Stradivari and High Note Skybar, the only year-round roof garden in Budapest. Here, you can savor designer cocktails while admiring stunning 360-degree views of the illuminated basilica domes. Breakfast is included and there’s a complimentary wine and cheese reception every afternoon. Help yourself to free tea and coffee in the Music Library; or spend an indulgent day at the subterranean spa. Facilities include a heated pool and an exercise room.

For a similar location at a fraction of the price, book the 12 Revay Hotel. Located in between St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Hungarian State Opera House, you can walk to many of the city’s top attractions - saving you valuable money on public transport. If you do want to explore further afield, there are bus and metro stations right outside. The hotel has 56 rooms to choose from, all of which are clean and comfortable with stylish furnishings parquet flooring.

The Standard Double Room is the best choice for budget travelers. Amenities include an ensuite bathroom, a kettle with complimentary tea and coffee and an LCD TV. And you can save money on data by logging on to the free Wi-Fi instead. A generous breakfast buffet is served each morning, and although it costs €10 per person, you’ll receive a 20 percent discount if you book before arrival. There’s also a 24-hour bar.

Owned by a family of top restaurateurs, Baltazár Budapest is a quirky design boutique located in the city’s historic Castle District, near the Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church. It is known for its inviting atmosphere, as well as its bohemian design theme that draws inspiration from the opulent, the elegant and the delightfully avant-garde. Choose from 11 uniquely decorated rooms and suites, each with down duvets and a limestone bathroom complete with a designer rain shower.

In-room technology includes adjustable mood lighting, a smartphone-connected music player and an LED TV. This boutique is particularly popular with foodies, thanks to top-rated restaurant Baltazár Grill. Here, you can order quality meats cooked to perfection on a charcoal grill imported from Spain; or sample gourmet street food. Adjacent watering hole The Wine Bar showcases the best vintages from central Europe, as well as a collection of the world’s finest gins.

The four-star Bo33 Hotel Family & Suites is ideally located halfway between the cultural attractions of the Inner City and the family friendly City Park (with its museums and Budapest Zoo). Hire bikes from reception for a memorable day spent sightseeing or let your little ones play in the landscaped garden. Family Rooms consist of two interconnecting ensuite rooms, providing plenty of space and ample privacy for older kids.

In-room amenities include an iPad docking station, free Wi-Fi and a 32” TV with a DVD player for cozy evenings in. The restaurant serves a champagne buffet breakfast for parents and has kid-friendly options for lunch and dinner. In the Lobby Bar, you can enjoy a quiet drink while your children play on the PlayStation. Other helpful amenities include professional babysitting, an express laundry service and a Wellness Area with massages and fitness equipment.

Hotel Moments Budapest enjoys a romantic location on Andrássy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its breathtaking neo-Renaissance architecture. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, the hotel’s glass-roofed atrium sets the scene for a truly special stay. All rooms include a minibar, a satellite TV and a walk-in shower or bathtub. You can book romantic extras ranging from flower bouquets to bottles of champagne.

For honeymoon trips or milestone anniversaries, splurge on a stay in the Basilica Suite, with its private terrace views of St. Stephen’s Basilica. The hotel offers a complimentary gourmet breakfast buffet, while cozy Bistro Fine serves tasty local and international cuisine. There’s a Lounge Bar, and a sauna and fitness room perfect for quality relaxation time with your loved one.

The benchmark for five-star hotels in Budapest, Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace sits at the end of the Chain Bridge on the eastern bank of the Danube River. It combines Art Nouveau architecture with an atmosphere of understated grandeur. All rooms and suites offer down duvets, a marble bathroom and satellite TV. For the most decadent stay in the city, book the Budapest Royal Suite.

Expect complimentary butler service and over 1,400 square feet of opulent space, including a pantry, a dining room and a living room. KOLLÁZS Brasserie & Bar serves first-class Hungarian and international cuisine throughout the day, while The Bar & Lobby Lounge offers an elegant space for sipping martinis beneath a stunning glass cupola. Other luxuries include a spa, an indoor infinity pool and a health club.

Located in the heart of the city’s buzzing downtown area, Buddha-Bar Hotel Budapest is designed for trendy partygoers. Every evening, the Buddha-Bar Lounge resonates to the sound of resident DJs spinning electro-ethnic tunes. Sip on a signature cocktail or choose from over 250 premium liquors before hitting the dance floor. If you’re looking for a private party venue, glass-ceilinged Klotild Bar & Lounge is one of the hottest spots in the city. There are two restaurants - one serving Asian fusion cuisine and the other specializing in Lebanese food. A spa allows you to indulge in a pampering session between parties, while all rooms offer a deluxe bed, a Nespresso coffee machine, 24-hour room service and a full bar.

Conveniently located in the Inner City, five-star Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest is the ideal choice for the well-heeled corporate traveler. The hotel has 10 event rooms, providing abundant meeting space for up to 450 guests. Wi-Fi is complimentary and the business center is open 24/7. In between meetings, stay in shape with a visit to the fitness center or indoor pool. There are several dining outlets, including sushi restaurant Nobu Budapest and Blue Fox The Bar - a trendy spot for post-work cocktails. All room categories include a work desk, a TV and a luxuriously comfortable bed.

Situated opposite the Hungarian National Museum in Budapest’s Palace Quarter, neo-classical Brody House blends in with its elegant surroundings. Built in the 19th century, it once served as a bohemian artists’ residence. Those artists lend their names to 11 uniquely decorated rooms. Fall in love with a whimsical blend of vintage furniture and contemporary art, enhanced by useful amenities including an ensuite bathroom, free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. Some rooms even boast a free-standing bathtub. A continental breakfast buffet is served every morning and there’s an honesty bar for evening apéritifs.