Where to Stay in Budapest – Editor’s Picks
A city of almost 2 million, Budapest, Hungary is a great European cultural and financial center that offers a fantastic selection of hotels. When choosing where to stay in Budapest, note that the forint-to-dollar exchange rate works in the dollar’s favor, and many hotels come at an exceptional value. If you use our hotel booking tool, you can compare prices of various hotel booking sites and find the best deal for your hotel in Budapest.
The hotels are organized by star rating, with the 5-star hotels in Budapest listed first. In compiling our list of best places to stay in Budapest, we have given priority to centrally located hotels offering free WiFi.
Where to Stay in Budapest for Tourists
As you may know, Budapest actually consists of two cities: Buda and Pest. Buda, the hilly area with the castle on top of the hill and Pest, the flat side where the Hungarian Parliament is located. Connected by many bridges and tunnels, it is easy to hop between the two cities and explore this beautiful place. But to maximize your time, we recommend the top two places to stay in Budapest for tourists.
Castle District Budapest
The Castle District, located on the Buda side, is very green and laid back. You can explore the massive Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Gellert Hill if you stay in this area. Once you leave these major sights though, it instantly feels like you are staying where the locals live.
The Castle District is one of the best areas to stay in Budapest if you like to stay in a quiet and calm neighborhood with lots of green, parks and local charm. If you are looking for nightlife and lots of dining options, this isn’t the best place to stay in Budapest though and you should consider our next option.
Budapest VII
If you are in Budapest for the nightlife and ruin bars, Budapest VII or the former Jewish Ghetto is the place to be. Be aware though that Budapest has become a hip destination for Bachelor and Bachelorette, also known as Stag and Hen Parties that last well into the morning hours and might keep you up if you choose a hotel in this area of Budapest.
Budapest VI
If you are looking for the old-time charm of Budapest, with its grand cafés and distinguished culture, Budapest VI, the area around the State Opera House is the place to be. This district reminded me a lot of Paris and is one of my favorite places in Budapest.
Budapest V
Budapest V is probably one of the best places to stay in Budapest if you want to be in the main tourist area. Home to the iconic Hungarian Parliament, the Chain Bridge over the Danube, the Great Market Hall, St. Stephen’s Basilica, this area of Budapest is the perfect location to explore main tourist sights.
Best Hotels in Budapest – Editor’s Choice
5-Star Hotels in Budapest
Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest
One of the best hotels in Budapest, this 5-star hotel is a short walk from the Chain Bridge and features elegant, modern décor. Rooms overlook Fashion Street or have views of Pest’s fin-de-siecle architecture.
Rooms at the Kempinski Budapest come with free WiFi, 24-hour room service, individually controlled climate settings, complimentary shoe-shine service, and a pillow menu.
Restaurant Giardino offers Hungarian and Mediterranean cuisine year round, and the Fashion Lounge is open during warm months. The Kempinski SPA offers a complete fitness room and an Asian-accented spa facility.
Providing the luxury and service Kempinski hotels are known for, the hotel also furnishes one of the most elaborate breakfast buffets around.
St. George Residence In The Buda Castle
Believe it or not, you can actually stay inside the Buda Castle in the famous Castle District!
The New York Times listed this hotel among the top 100 hotels in Europe, describing each suite as a “living museum.” Each of the hotel’s four styles of the suite has a living room, bedroom, bathroom, and fully equipped kitchen; and the prices may surprise you.
A free high-speed internet connection is provided in all rooms. Serving Hungarian and international cuisine, the on-site St. George Restaurant and Café features Colonial and Oriental-Hindi décor. The hotel furnishes several tours, including a helicopter tour and a wine tour, and in-room massages.
Corinthia Hotel Budapest
Opened in 1896, this hotel exudes a classical ambiance with its marble floors and sweeping staircases. The hotel’s Royal Spa is even older, and it has been faithfully restored to its original grandeur.
Teréz körút, a major street, is just outside the door, and it’s about a half-hour walk to the Danube.
The 414 rooms and 24 apartments each come with complimentary WiFi, a seating area, and a Queen-size bed or larger (twin beds are also available). Amenities include a fitness center, 15-yard-long pool, two restaurants, two bars, and a café.
Where to Stay in Budapest: 4-Star Hotels
This boutique hotel is a stunning property located just next to the Fisherbastion. Each room is unique and exquisitely decorated. One of their suites even has its own private rooftop garden. The only downside? It only has a handful of rooms and they are booked out months in advance. So if you want to stay here, you need to hurry and book now!
Opera Garden Hotel & Apartments
Near the Opera House and Andrássy Street, this apartment hotel is located on a pedestrian street in a neighborhood filled with shopping and dining options.
Coming at a good value, each of the 35 rooms and apartments comes with a separate bedroom and kitchen, free WiFi, Art Cool design air-conditioning system, sound-proof windows, and a complimentary shoe shine. Amenities include a sauna with Jacuzzi, fitness machines, a rooftop terrace, and bike rentals. For the quietest night’s sleep, ask to be put in a room away from the elevator.
Hotel Palazzo Zichy
Located in the Palace quarter and a five-minute walk from the Hungarian National Museum, this hotel is housed in a 19th century palace, and the rooms, halls, and reception combine detailed ornamentation with modern décor.
The room price includes unlimited in-room WiFi, use of the sauna and fitness center, a breakfast buffet, and unlimited coffee and mineral water in the lounge. Rooms, some of which are on the small side, have air conditioning and soundproof windows. The staff is especially accommodating.
Eurostars Budapest Center
This hotel stands out for its value, location, and friendly staff. Offering 175 modern rooms with wood flooring and individualized air conditioning, it is a short walk from the Chain Bridge. This hotel is located in the Belvaros – Lipotvaros district of Budapest, and within walking distance to Vaci Utca, Kalvin ter and Hungarian National Museum.
The Eurostars Budapest Center offers spacious rooms geared towards the requirements of families and kids. Note that complimentary WiFi is offered in the rooms but it can be quite slow. Amenities include a small but modern gym, sauna, an interior patio, and a breakfast buffet.
Cosmo Fashion Hotel
If you really dislike the colors pink and purple, this is not your boutique hotel, but in any case, it would make for a great photo opp in Budapest. Opened in 2010, it is located 200 yards from the Danube on the Váci utca pedestrian street.
The 36 rooms, which are reasonably priced, come with air conditioning, safes, minibars, and hairdryers. The price also includes breakfast and in-room WiFi.Amenities and services include 24-hour room service, a selection of tours and programs, and the Cosmo Resturant, which serves Italian cuisine. The fact that the hotel does not have a gym or a spa may make discerning guests question the 4-star rating.
3-Star Hotels in Budapest
No, this is not The Grand Budapest Hotel, but it could easily be the backdrop for another Wes Anderson movie. It is located in a quiet neighborhood in Pest and offers splendid views of the Parliament and the Castle Complex.
While it is a bit outside of the city center, it is well connected with public transportation. The tram is just across the street and the bus stops right in front of the hotel. The interior is retro-classic but offers all the amenities like wifi and air conditioning.
Budapest Panorama Central
Opened in 2009, this hotel has 12 rooms, some of which overlook Karoly Boulevard, and the English-speaking staff is professional and hospitable. Each of the well-maintained guest rooms features free WiFi, air conditioning, and a private bathroom.
A continental breakfast is offered for an additional charge at a nearby café, and the Chain Bridge is roughly 20 minutes from the hotel by foot. Note that the entrance is off-putting but that the hotel, which is located on the building’s third floor, is otherwise warm and inviting.
Bo18 Hotel Superior
Opened in 2011, this hotel may be a little way out of town (it takes roughly 40 minutes to walk to the Chain Bridge), but it offers attractive and functional rooms for an excellent price. Further, the inviting staff often provides insider recommendations in the area. Budapest’s metro runs regularly, and there are several stops near the hotel.
Each of the 45 rooms comes with free WiFi, individualized air conditioning, and a full-length mirror. Complimentary champagne is served with the continental breakfast. The reception and the hotel bar offer 24-hour service. Other amenities include an on-site restaurant that serves lunch and dinner, Finnish and infra saunas, and a multifunctional gym machine.
Best Western Hotel Orion
This hotel is a 10-minute walk from the Chain Bridge and close to most major sights, however, the immediate neighborhood does not offer many restaurants, bars, or shopping options. The rooms are smartly decorated and come with free WiFi and air conditioning. The staff is very friendly.
Amenities include a sauna, fitness facility, and cocktail lounge. A continental breakfast is provided for an additional charge.
Easyhotel Budapest Oktogon
About a 25-minute walk from the Castle District, the Easyhotel provides functional rooms near the main street, Teréz körút.
Ideal for the budget traveler, each of the frugal rooms comes with central air conditioning, a pay-to-view television, and a private shower. WiFi is offered, but it costs almost half as much as the room; better to visit the Starbucks down the road.
The hotel is a 5 to 10-minute walk from the West Railway Station.
For more options on where to stay in Budapest, take a look here: Hostels and Hotels in Budapest.
And if you are still looking for ideas for what to do in Budapest, take a look at our extensive Budapest Guide here.
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Where to Stay in Budapest was written by Mattie Bamman for EuropeUpClose.com
Hungary Tourist Information | EuropeUpClose.com
Saturday 2nd of February 2013
[...] host of sites that offer booking information for hotels, hostels and B&Bs, chief among them is Budapest Hotels, with a lot to choose from plus extra information on Hungary’s famous spas, sights and other [...]