Budapest, Hungary’s majestic capital, is a city that effortlessly blends old-world charm with contemporary cool. From the historic Buda hills and royal castle to the vibrant ruin bars and grand palaces of Pest, the city offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re seeking stunning architecture, a night of partying, or a tranquil Danube river cruise, Budapest delivers on every front. With an influx of new, top-tier hotels recently opening their doors, here’s a curated list of the best places to stay in Budapest, where classic elegance meets modern luxury.
Where to Stay in Budapest
Budapest is divided into two main areas by the Danube River: the tranquil, affluent Buda side and the vibrant, bustling Pest side. While Buda is home to quiet residential neighborhoods and peaceful hills, Pest is where the action is, with its historical landmarks, lively bars, shopping districts, and restaurants. This guide focuses on the best hotels in Pest, offering easy access to key attractions, nightlife, and shopping hotspots.
1. Corinthia Hotel Budapest
Price Range: $$$ | Readers’ Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019
The Corinthia Hotel Budapest is a true Budapest icon. Originally opened as the Grand Hotel Royal Budapest in the early 20th century, the hotel has played host to stars like Josephine Baker and served as the inspiration for Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel. A masterpiece of architectural grandeur, the Corinthia spans three 19th-century buildings, joined together by grand glass atriums. One of the hotel’s standout features is the beautifully restored Royal Spa, dating back to 1888, where guests can relax in a historical setting of columns, saunas, and period tiles. The Corinthia also boasts a magnificent ballroom, once home to the city’s first cinema. For foodies, the hotel offers two exceptional fine-dining restaurants, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists.
2. Kimpton BEM Budapest
Price Range: $$$ | Opening: September 2024
Kimpton BEM Budapest, the only full-service 5-star hotel on the Buda side of the Danube, is an exciting new addition to the city’s hotel scene. Set in a grand 19th-century neoclassical building, the hotel overlooks a serene garden square and offers a mix of modern design and historical charm. The public spaces, designed by Marcel Wanders, feature bold mosaics, oversized sculptures, and elegant tiled columns, while guest rooms boast bespoke Moooi furniture, rich colors, and striking designs. Guests can enjoy Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at the AGOS restaurant or relax with a cocktail at the rooftop bar, Fennen. The hotel’s basement spa provides a peaceful escape with a sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi. A short walk from the Castle District and Margaret Island, the Kimpton BEM is perfectly situated for both relaxation and exploration.
3. Verno House
Price Range: $$$ | Boutique Hotel
Verno House brings a fresh vibe to Budapest’s boutique hotel scene. Located near Liberty Square Park and just a few minutes from the Hungarian Parliament, this 19th-century building is a stylish blend of luxurious comfort and Nordic-inspired design. The hotel’s 48 rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, contemporary furnishings, and glass-walled bathrooms with freestanding tubs. The design focuses on natural tones, with forest greens, ochre, and earth hues complemented by contemporary photography from Zoltán Tombor. For relaxation, guests can unwind in a dramatic red-lit jacuzzi in the basement. The hotel’s restaurant, Flava, serves a fusion of North African, Latin American, and Middle Eastern dishes, while the tranquil terrace offers stunning views of the park. At weekends, a resident DJ adds a laid-back vibe to the dining experience.
4. W Budapest
Price Range: $$$$ | Luxury Hotel
W Budapest is a bold reimagining of the W brand, housed in the historic Drechsler Palace, once home to the Hungarian State Ballet Academy. The hotel blends modern design with Hungary’s rich history, particularly through a chessboard theme that honors Budapest’s cultural ties to the game. Black-and-white tiles appear throughout the interiors, including in the striking bathrooms and elevators. The two standout suites—the Extreme Wow Suite and the Wow Suite—offer dramatic contrasts, with the former featuring a sculptural chessboard by artist Ronan Mckenzie. Guests can unwind at the Away Spa, a visually stunning space inspired by Houdini’s illusions, and dine on refined Asian cuisine at Nightingale by Beefbar. The hotel also features Society25, a speakeasy-style bar hidden behind a bathroom mirror, offering a selection of cocktails inspired by Budapest’s storied past.
Conclusion
Whether you’re in Budapest for its rich history, vibrant nightlife, or modern luxuries, the city’s hotel scene offers something for everyone. From the grandeur of the Corinthia Hotel to the contemporary flair of Kimpton BEM and the intimate elegance of Verno House, Budapest’s best hotels offer the perfect blend of comfort, style, and access to all the city has to offer. With new properties opening regularly and classic institutions continuing to impress, there’s never been a better time to book a stay in this dynamic European capital.
