Where to Stay in Budapest, Hungary

Three distinct things are shared among the best places where to stay in Budapest.

First, their walls speak of history and how Hungary’s rich heritage helped curate the hotels’ overall customer experience. Many hotels in Budapest are situated in old buildings, adding timeless flair to the properties.

Second, they are filled with a design that ranges from contemporary to urban taste – sometimes even a mixture of both. A lot of the establishments also feature masterpieces made by Hungarian artists.

Third, each enjoys a privileged location that lets guests step out of the hotel and start their adventures. Whichever hotel you choose, plenty of tourist spots are a quick stroll away.

Check out our list of where to stay in Budapest:

Do you need help planning your trips? Start here!

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Where to Stay in Budapest, Hungary

LUXURY HOTELS

Aria Hotel Budapest

  • Rating: 9.6 Exceptional
  • Customer review: “Fabulous Hotel, lovely, helpful staff. Spotless. Quiet hotel and great central location near St Stephen’s Basilica . Highly recommended.”
  • To check prices and how to book, click here.
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Photo credit: Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection | Booking.com

Aria Hotel is a 5-star luxury boutique hotel in Budapest that enjoys an intimate view of the St. Stephen Basilica from its rooftop. It is on the Pest side of the river Danube and is located near many tourist spots in the city.

The whole property sings to your senses quite literally, with every corner of the hotel dedicated to the art of making music. From each wing comes tasteful pieces that speak of jazz, classical, opera, and contemporary music.

Even the suites are designed with artistic portraits of notable musicians worldwide. With its consistently high ratings from guests and award-giving bodies, Aria is highly regarded as one of the top luxury hotels in Budapest.

The Romeo and Juliet Opera Balcony Suite is a good choice for couples, with a city view showing Budapest’s cobblestone streets. The Sunroom is for travelers wishing for a picturesque morning and an enchanting night. The room is situated on the top floor, made especially unique with the glass ceiling that makes you feel closer to the city.

Nearby Attractions:

  • St. Stephen’s Basilica
  • Hungarian State Opera
  • Budapest Operetta Theatre
  • Dohany Street Synagogue
  • Chain Bridge

Compare prices and read reviews: Booking.com


Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest

  • Rating: 9.1 Superb
  • Customer review: “Good Location Nice restaurants Excellent concierge desk Very clean Value for money”
  • To check prices and how to book, click here.
Woman in a hat reading by the sea with cityscape in the background
Photo credit: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest | Booking.com

Kempinski Hotel Corvinus is one of the luxury hotels in Budapest, well-celebrated for its prime location and world-class amenities.

Imagine enjoying the view of the Budapest Eye from your hotel room window as it goes in a circle to provide gorgeous cityscape scenes to each occupied gondola.

Kempinski Budapest boasts 351 impressive rooms and suites that offer stunning city views. On the top floor of the hotel is the exquisite Royal Suite Corvinus.

The suite is regal in every way, with a personal butler at your service and a 24-hour in-room dining service ready to make you themed dinners as you please.

Don’t miss the relaxation packages and top-notch amenities at The Spa at Kempinski when you stay in this luxurious Budapest accommodation. Indulge in the Treatment of the Month and be spoiled with spa treatments intricately curated for your enjoyment.

Nearby Attractions:

  • Vigado Concert Hall
  • St. Stephen’s Basilica
  • Dohany Street Synagogue
  • Chain Bridge
  • Danube River

Compare prices and read reviews: Booking.com


Anantara New York Palace Budapest

  • Rating: 9.1 Superb
  • Customer review: “Anantara New York Palace Budapest is possibly the most prestigious, traditional and legendary hotel in Budapest that meets high expectations.”
  • To check prices and how to book, click here.
Woman in a hat reading by the sea with cityscape in the background
Photo credit: Anantara New York Palace Budapest | Booking.com

History meets modernity in this 5-star luxury hotel in Budapest. The New York Palace is among the properties that comprise the Dedica Anthology, a line of hotels dedicated to the curation of experiences that are nothing short of perfect. This hotel has 185 rooms and suites that have a contemporary style, from unassuming chandeliers to bespoke amenities.

Stay in New York Palace’s Exclusive Rooms and enjoy a quiet and comfortable stay right in the center of Budapest. If you are traveling for work, use the Executive Suite and be wowed by the features that are purposefully laid out for the jet-setting businessperson.

See the talk of the town and enjoy an afternoon at the New York Cafe. Dubbed one of the most iconic places to visit in Europe, this cafe is intricately designed, from its artful ceilings to its cushioned seats. The place speaks of a French charm distinct to the late 1900s.

Nearby Attractions:

  • Madach Theatre
  • Hungarian State Opera
  • Dohany Street Synagogue
  • Budapest Operetta Theatre
  • Liszt Ferenc Memorial Museum

Compare prices and read reviews: Booking.com

Are you planning your travels? Here’re my top travel resources!

I’m a serial planner both in life and in travel – I have bucket lists, things to do, see, and everything. So, I always love when my life is sorted easily using tools and resources that would make my general planning a little smoother and easier. Therefore, in my many years of traveling the world, I’ve seen myself returning to these travel resources repeatedly. And here I am, sharing my tips to make your life easy and breezy so you can stress less, travel heaps, and focus on the fun part of travel!

  • Booking.com – I book all my hotels through this website and don’t honestly use anything else. They always have the best prices, in my opinion.
  • Airbnb – If I’m traveling long-term to one destination, I book my flats through Airbnb.
  • Skyscanner – The best place to find cheap flights on flexible dates. I use this a lot to score cheap flights within Europe!
  • SafetyWing – Always travel insured! Never leave your home country without one. It is worth the extra money, I promise you!
  • GetYourGuide – Hands-down, the best place to find cool and unique tours if you don’t feel like winging it, and go straight to a local expert. I use this a lot in new destinations to get acquainted with the area!
  • My Pretty Wild World Travel Diary (coming soon) – A book you can write down your travel plans, create itineraries, track down your budget, and dot down memories along the way! A handy book you can keep and read later to revisit memory lane.
  • Pretty Wild World Travel Planning Printables (coming soon) – Are you a nut like me when it comes to planning? Yes? Good. My travel planning resource in one zip file is an easy-to-use printable planner that comes with tips that helps you plan your travels during the planning stage, a pre-flight checklist, an itinerary planner, and so on.

PEST-BUDA Design Hotel by Zsidai Hotels at Buda Castle

  • Rating: 8.9 Fabulous
  • Customer review: “Very beautiful and comfort rooms in the historical center of Budapest. Design is great! Also restaurant is great!”
  • To check prices and how to book, click here.
Woman in a hat reading by the sea with cityscape in the background
Photo credit: PEST-BUDA Design Hotel by Zsidai Hotels at Buda Castle | Booking.com

Having been in the Castle district since 1696, Pest-Buda is the oldest luxury Budapest accommodation in the heart of Hungary’s capital. It remains hidden in the historic walls surrounding Buda, a far cry from the luxurious facades of Budapest’s best hotels.

Ten contemporary rooms and suites make up the charming Pest-Buda. Check in to the Atelier Suite and be captivated by how well the hotel has incorporated urban designs with timeless pieces.

You wouldn’t want to leave this attic room once you see the authentic antique items and Hungarian artworks that give the place its unique vibe.

Nearby Attractions:

  • Fisherman’s Bastion
  • Trinity Square
  • Matthias Church
  • Buda Castle
  • Danube River

Compare prices and read reviews: Booking.com


MID RANGE HOTELS

Gerlóczy Boutique Hotel

  • Rating: 9.0 Superb
  • Customer review: “Great hotel with beautiful atmosphere in the centre of Budapest.”
  • To check prices and how to book, click here.
Woman in a hat reading by the sea with cityscape in the background
Photo credit: Gerlóczy Boutique Hotel | Booking.com

Gerlóczy is a boutique hotel, cafe, and brasserie in downtown Budapest. This Parisian-themed property is situated in a building erected back in 1892.

The building may be quaint, but the hotel is charming. The restaurant at the terrace serves great coffee and breakfast with a lovely view of Buda’s streets.

There are a total of 19 rooms in Gerlóczy. Opt for a Deluxe Room with a balcony and enjoy the view overlooking Kamermayer Square. As many reviews describe, its high-ceiling room is a hit with many guests. Be spoiled with the complimentary drinks at your private mini-bar, which gets replenished daily.

Nearby Attractions:

  • Dohany Street Synagogue
  • Karolyi Garden
  • Vigado Concert Hall
  • Hungarian National Museum
  •  St. Stephen’s Basilica

Compare prices and read reviews: Booking.com


Danubius Hotel Astoria City Center

  • Rating: 8.1 Very Good
  • Customer review: “Great location. a few steps from the subway, bus, and tram stops. We had a suite that had plenty of space. An old-style hotel that doesn’t look much from the outside but is quite ornate inside.”
  • To check prices and how to book, click here.
Woman in a hat reading by the sea with cityscape in the background
Photo credit: Danubius Hotel Astoria City Center | Booking.com

On the Pest side of the city is one of the best hotels in Budapest’s city center. The Danubius Hotel Astoria is a 4-star historic hotel that dates back to 1914. It has 138 rooms and suites with classical designs and attractive decors that make you feel you’re stepping back in time.

The Deluxe Suite at Danubius follows suit, with a timeless and elegant vibe running through. Cafe Astoria and Restaurant serves the well-loved Astoria Breakfast, which offers a taste of comforting cuisines from all over Europe.

Nearby Attractions:

  • Karolyi Garden
  • Dohany Street Synagogue
  • Hungarian National Museum
  • Danube River
  • Great Market Hall

Compare prices and read reviews: Booking.com

Hold up! Have you thought about the importance of travel insurance?

Remember this: anything can happen. Travel is fun, but your health is more important; thus, I always, always, always recommend getting insured during the duration of your trip. I have benefitted from having one multiple times, and it has been covered for thousands of euros!

The latest one is not necessarily “health” related – it was during the peak of the unspeakable terrible C that consumed the world. I was living in Vietnam when I received an email from SafetyWing (my travel insurance) that if I want they’ll fly be back home to Finland as the world goes through a global emergency alert. I flew back fully covered, and dealing with SafetyWing was a breeze despite the roar of people in contact with them trying to get back home.

I can’t highly recommend them enough. Otherwise, I rarely get sick; hence I don’t always need to head to a hospital, but knowing that I have travel insurance makes me feel safe at the very least.

Read my post about why you should get travel insurance for more information. Otherwise, you can get a free quote from SafetyWing – they’re the best, in my opinion.


Casati Hotel – Where to stay in Budapest for Adults Only

  • Rating: 9.3 Superb
  • Customer review: “Really stylish hotel in a great location! The staff go above and beyond.”
  • To check prices and how to book, click here.
Woman in a hat reading by the sea with cityscape in the background
Photo credit: Casati Hotel | Booking.com

One of the top hotels in Budapest is the Casati Budapest Hotel. It’s straightforward, functional, and inexpensive for its high-quality service and inclusions. All 25 rooms at Casati Hotel are equipped with complete amenities to make your stay as pleasant as possible.

Opt for a clean feel and book the Heaven Room. The minimalist styling speaks volumes to the simplistic in you. Notable artworks from Hungarian artists don the room’s crisp white walls.

If you need something trendy, book the aptly-called Cool Room. Its edgy design, curated by local artists, will awaken your imagination.

Nearby Attractions:

  • Hungarian State Opera
  • Budapest Operetta Theatre
  • St. Stephen’s Basilica
  • Hungarian National Museum
  • Danube River

Compare prices and read reviews: Booking.com


WHERE TO STAY IN BUDAPEST FOR BUDGET HOTELS

The Magazine Hotel and Apartments

  • Rating: 8.3 Very Good
  • Customer review: “Location, parking place, friendliness, a great place to go around Budapest, excellent internet speed, clean”
  • To check prices and how to book, click here.
Woman in a hat reading by the sea with cityscape in the background
Photo credit: The Magazine Hotel & Apartments | Booking.com

One of our favorites among the cheap hotels in Budapest is The Magazine Hotel. fashion meets service in this quirky property in downtown Budapest. The Magazine has twelve rooms and four apartments, which all scream urban to us.

Panorama is our room of choice. This spacious suite is tastefully trendy as it is purposefully designed. The artistic bed serves as the place’s focal point, as if the room needed more to stand out. St. Stephen’s Basilica peeks from the window and adds a touch of classic beauty to the modern atmosphere.

The Magazine Hotel might be tricky to find. Still, depending on your character as a traveler, some may find that extra special to know. It is within a century building which can be found by standing in front of the Basilica, looking to your right, and scanning the area for the California Coffee Company.

Nearby Attractions:

  • St. Stephen’s Basilica
  • Chain Bridge
  • Dohany Street Synagogue
  • Hungarian Parliament Building
  • Budapest Operetta Theatre

Compare prices and read reviews: Booking.com


Maison Bistro and Hotel

  • Rating: 9.5 Exceptional
  • Customer review: “This was our second time at the hotel and we had fond memories of it from 5 years ago. They did not let us down! The staff is professional, kind and helpful.”
  • To check prices and how to book, click here.
Woman in a hat reading by the sea with cityscape in the background
Photo credit: Maison Bistro & Hotel | Booking.com

Maison Budapest is a bistro and hotel which was formerly the Spiegel House. Its humble history dates back to 1701 when Bernát Spiegel purchased a dilapidated building and converted it into a one-story property.

Now, Maison Bistro and Hotel has 17 elegant rooms and has extended to the next street, calling its other location Petite Maison due to the limited number of rooms available in the property.

The Grand Suite at Maison Budapest is truly captivating. Nothing speaks ‘on a budget’ with great installations, from the canopy bed details to the posh mirrors. Amenities include a private terrace and a hot tub. Trust us on this, and just make up an event or two while on the property.

Its meeting room, Cellar a la Maison, takes your parties and gatherings to a whole other level with its unapologetic chandeliers and rustic stone walls.

Nearby Attractions:

  • Fisherman’s Bastion
  • Matthias Church
  • Buda Castle
  • Chain Bridge
  • Budapest History Museum

Compare prices and read reviews: Booking.com


KViHotel Budapest – the smart hotel

  • Rating: 8.5 Very Good
  • Customer review: “This was our second stay at this hotel. The rooms are beautiful, nice, and modern. We had for the first-time room with glass between bedroom and bathroom.”
  • To check prices and how to book, click here.
Woman in a hat reading by the sea with cityscape in the background
Photo credit: KViHotel Budapest – the smart hotel | Booking.com

When they tell you ‘everything is controlled by your smartphone,’ try not to be in shameless awe. Dubbed a smart hotel that’s a pioneer in this type of accommodation, the KViHotel in Budapest is highly unique that it has no reception desk, no key card, and no concierge person. Everything you need and might need, as they say, is at your fingertips.

With 40 rooms adorned with blue, white, and gold, everything is thoughtfully designed to be easy on the eyes. The Junior Suite is the largest of all the rooms, with an exclusive view of the gardens from your window.

This four-star hotel room is perfect for both leisure and business travelers. Thankfully, its LobbyBar has someone making your drinks – otherwise, we’ll be extremely dumbfounded.

Nearby Attractions:

  • Great Synagogue
  • Shoes on the Danube
  • Halaszbastya
  • Heroes Square
  • Hungarian National Museum

Compare prices and read reviews: Booking.com

What are my favorite travel must-haves?

As a frequent traveler, I’ve learned a lot throughout my years of travel, and there are five items that I always carry with me regardless of where I go and how long the trip is. Here are my five travel must-haves!

  • Warm packable jacket – I always carry a light jacket, even when heading to warm countries. There hasn’t been a time I never used it, especially in airports and planes.
  • Transparent toiletry bag – I often bring a carry-on if I’m only traveling within Europe for a few days. Life is so much easier to go through security checks with a transparent toiletry bag.
  • Kindle Paperwhite – I love a good read and always take my Kindle everywhere. It keeps me entertained during long flights and waiting times.
  • Powerbank – I don’t know how I could travel without one! Having a power bank saved me a ton since I carry a lot of electronic devices with me.
  • Travel Adapter – I never leave my luggage without a travel adapter! I carry one with me all the time. It is just one of that travel-must haves that doesn’t hurt to have in your bag at all times.

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