reviews featured in this post
- Ritz-Carlton Budapest
- Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest
- Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest
- Aria Hotel Budapest
- Marriott Budapest
- InterContinental Budapest
- Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
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Each of the ten best luxury hotels in Budapest captures the city’s unique mix of historical grandeur and modern sophistication in a different way. Whether you’re interested in rich historic settings, a modern take on intricate architecture, or music-inspired design, Budapest’s luxury hotels offers exceptional and unique settings. We try to help you pick the best for your travels below.
1. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest is undoubtedly the best luxury hotel in Budapest. It has one of the best locations of any hotel in Budapest, right on the banks of the Danube River and across the roundabout from the iconic Chain Bridge.
The lobby at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest is jawdropping. It is reached via a huge wrought iron gate and extends through what feels like a historic shopping arcade. Instead of cobble flooring and horses and carts pulling up under the intricately detailed glass roof, you now have plush furnishings on a sparkly mosaic floor and chandeliers dangling from the stained glass roof. This space is so stunning that walking tours stop in the lobby to marvel at the setting.
This gorgeous space is the perfect place to enjoy some of Budapest’s magnificent cakes while relaxing on sumptuous seating to the tinkling of a live piano player. At night, the colorful bar, situated beyond the reception and down the right arm of the arcade, delivers cocktails and snacks to your table in this spectacular setting.
This hotel is everything you would expect from a Four Seasons hotel, including their joyous welcome, which feels like a warm hug and is a particular treat when you are in an unfamiliar city. Beyond the lobby are luxurious rooms with large bathrooms. Many offer breathtaking views of the Danube and Buda Castle.
There is a very large spa on the top two floors of the building with a large gym and a thin pool with rooftop views, and back downstairs, the acclaimed Kollázs Brasserie & Bar is a gorgeous setting for the hugely generous Four Seasons breakfast as well as offering a great place to enjoy a slice of cake and an evening meal.
What I particularly like about this brasserie is that, in the summer, the doors are swung open, and the noise and exuberance from the pedestrianized street that runs adjacent to the hotel filters into the brasserie. In the summer, you can sit out and enjoy a beer, live music, and light bites while watching the world go by.
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest has it all. A great restaurant, two great bars, an incredible breakfast buffet that is free if you book via our luxury travel concierge, a wonderful spa, incredible views, and the foyer is unique and resplendent. This hotel is usually the most expensive in Budapest, but it’s worth it. It’s undoubtedly the best.
Review: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest is a haven of luxury and tranquility set amidst the ever-evolving bustle of Budapest. Our arrival was on a hot day. It was around 35 °C centigrade outside, and upon entering the cool and classy Gresham Palace, I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders as the bellmen relieved me of my bags and ushered me over to the smiling receptionist. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest has the best location of any hotel in Budapest.
2. Ritz-Carlton Budapest
Ritz-Carlton Budapest is our second favorite luxury hotel in Budapest. The hotel has a beautiful marble foyer laced with flowers and occupied by joyous staff that welcome you at every corner. I appreciated the warmth of the staff at both the Ritz-Carlton and the Four Seasons, as Budapest has an Eastern European feel, and Hungarian is not a language I’m familiar with, so the city felt alien to me. The warmth of the staff really helped me feel at home.
Highlights of the Ritz-Carlton Budapest include an excellent breakfast, which is free if you book via our luxury travel concierge. This breakfast is the second best in Budapest after Four Seasons and is delivered by brilliant staff who care and love to have a joke. The breakfast is served in the main restaurant that spills out into a high-end shopping street.
Other highlights are the views over the bustling Erzsébet Square, and the location of the hotel, right on the main shopping precinct, so any shop or restaurant you want is steps away. The rooftop pool and gym are great, and the club lounge, which is the best club lounge in Budapest, is brilliant.
The rooms at the Ritz-Carlton are generous in size with large bathrooms but are not particularly noteworthy. They have blackout curtains and comfy beds and are modern in style. The pool is appreciated, although it was not large and was fairly cold when we stayed. It’s a nice space nonetheless, and the gym has everything you could want in terms of machines.
The club lounge at the Ritz-Carlton Budapest is brilliant. It’s the best Ritz-Carlton Club lounge that we’ve tried. The setting is modern and stylish, with creams and dark chocolate furnishings.
The cakes in this lounge are exquisite, the breakfast is plentiful, and the food is cooked on the spot by a private lounge chef. The afternoon tea is a generous display of mini sandwiches, scones, pastries, and more. In the evening, you can enjoy fine wines and other alcoholic drinks along with hot and cold dishes with veggies and salads that are completely delicious.
Review: The Ritz-Carlton Budapest
There are two hotel brands that give their guests the feeling of a big hug from the moment they arrive. These brands are the Four Seasons and the Ritz-Carlton. The Ritz-Carlton Budapest is one of those very special hotels that shares the love (and often a glass of champagne or fresh orange juice) from the moment you arrive. The rooms here are classy and modern, and the hotel offers a gorgeous pool, gym, and the best club lounge in Budapest. If you're searching for a well-located classy hotel in Budapest, you can't go wrong with this Ritz-Carlton.
3. Matild Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel
Matild Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel, is part of the Mariott Bonvoy brand, much like the Ritz-Carlton and is located on the far end of the main shopping precinct near Elizabeth Bridge.
This UNESCO World Heritage site recently underwent extensive renovations, bringing its Belle Époque charm back to life. Matild Palace combines old-world elegance with modern luxury in a boutique setting. Its communal areas are smaller in size than those at the Four Seasons or Ritz-Carlton, but the intricate and ornate detailing in this wonderful hotel is unique and makes this another great choice in Budapest.
The rooms here are my favorite of my top three luxury hotel picks in Budapest. They have a fun design mixing sassy fringed mustard standard lamps with turquoise sofas and chic mirrors and headboards. The feel is eclectic and uplifting, and the turquoise runs through to the bathrooms, which offer a mosaic of mini turquoise and gold tiles on the walls that radiate joy into the space. The golden taps, stylish sink, Japanese automatic toilet, and delicious toiletries make the bathroom a space that you’d never want to leave.
To get to the rooms you take a Willy Woka-style glass lift up from the lobby, which is ultra stylish and stunning. In fact, much of this hotel feels like you’ve walked into the pages of a glossy magazine, and on looks alone, the Matild Palace is more stylish than the Ritz-Carlton. I have, however, placed Matild Palace in position number three as the staff at the Ritz-Carlton were so exceptional, and I loved the fresh flowers and the breakfast at the Ritz-Carlton more than the equivalent at Matild Palace.
That said, the breakfast was brilliant at Matild Palace (and free if you book a stay here via our luxury travel concierge). In the evening, you can enjoy an outstanding dining experience with Chef Wolfgang Puck’s Spago restaurant. There’s also a rooftop bar, The Duchess, which has fantastic views. It is adults-only but meant to be very good (we didn’t try this as we were traveling with our son).
Review: Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest
Pictures do not do the exquisite Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest, justice. Its historic architecture and refined interior design exude elegance and grace, creating a setting that feels perfectly suited for a Vogue fashion shoot. Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest overlooks the Danube and the Elisabeth Bridge and is set on the other side of the river from a forested hill topped by a historic citadel.
4. Mandarin Oriental Budapest
The Mandarin Oriental Gellert, Budapest, is set to debut in 2027, unveiling a reimagined Art Nouveau masterpiece centered on wellness. Situated across from Matild Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel, and housed within its sister building, the property promises a luxurious experience steeped in history and elegance.
Originally opened in 1918 as one of Budapest’s most iconic grand hotels, the Gellert Hotel occupies a prime location on the Buda side of the city, just a short stroll from Liberty Bridge, which links Buda with Pest. Now owned by BDPST Group, this landmark will undergo a comprehensive restoration led by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, renowned for transforming historically significant properties such as the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid; Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich; and Mandarin Oriental Palace, Lucerne.
The refurbishment will celebrate Hungarian cultural heritage and artisanal craftsmanship while incorporating the finest in contemporary luxury and comfort. London-based interior design studio Alexander Waterworth, known for projects like the Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino, will spearhead the transformation, redesigning the hotel’s 143 guestrooms, suites, wellness facilities, and public spaces with timeless elegance.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Gellert, Budapest, will feature seven experiential zones for wellness and aesthetic treatments. These spaces will blend the Group’s signature Asian therapies with Eastern European spa traditions, honoring Hungary’s historic bathing culture. Guests will enjoy exclusive bathing rituals, a vitality tub, a sauna, a cold plunge pool, and an outdoor relaxation area under a retractable glass ceiling. Adjacent to the spa, a rooftop bar will offer breathtaking views of Pest and the Danube.
The hotel’s fitness and movement studio and an indoor pool on the top floor will further elevate the wellness experience. On the ground and first floors, spacious open areas will accommodate an indoor-outdoor specialty restaurant boasting picturesque city and river views. A patisserie and café will celebrate Budapest’s renowned baking heritage, becoming a vibrant meeting spot for locals and visitors alike. Additionally, the meticulously restored Art Nouveau ballroom is set to become a premier venue for events in the city.
Best Club Or Executive Lounge In Budapest
What is the best club or executive lounge at the best luxury hotels in Budapest? The best executive club lounge in Budapest can be found at the Ritz-Carlton Budapest, but the InterContinental should also be considered and is a great option. You may or may not know that if you book a stay at any luxury hotel in Budapest using an official Preferred Partner agent like our luxury travel concierge, you will get two free breakfasts along with other fantastic benefits such as a delicious welcome gift, a prioritized room upgrade (subject to availability) and $100 resort credit.
5. Budapest Marriott
A few buildings up the river from the Mandarin Oriental Budapest and Matild Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel is the Budapest Marriott, a stark modern monster located on the banks of the River Dube and offering incredible views across the river and over to the Castle beyond.
This is a great Marriott with arguably the best Marriott club lounge in the world. The entire building has been refurbished, the communal areas, including the rooms, club lounge, and restaurant, have been beautifully redesigned, and the entire hotel has wonderful views over the Danube from big windows.
In front of the hotel are wonderful terraces where you can relax and dine alfresco by the river. These terraces sit above a pedestrianized tree-lined precinct that runs along the banks of the Danube. There’s also a rooftop cocktail bar with amazing views.
In our opinion, the Budapest Marriott offers the best bang for your buck in Budapest, along with some of the best views. While it is not the most luxury hotel, it is a great deal and offers a gorgeous setting and base for your next stay in Budapest.
The M Club Lounge at the Marriott Budapest is magnificent with its own private terrace, stunningly large windows that look out over the Danube and a modern vibe and great food. if you are lucky enough to book a stay here, do give the club lounge a go.
Review: Budapest Marriott
Budapest Marriott Hotel is a huge hotel found on the banks of the River Danube in the center of Budapest. It was recently refurbished, so it has modern and stylish interiors and fantastic river views. The Budapest Marriott Hotel sits along the scenic banks of the River Danube, positioned near the end of the riverside promenade. This walkway extends from the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, where you’ll find the Four Seasons Budapest and the InterContinental Budapest, down to the Erzsébet Bridge, which lies closer to the Marriott.
6. Aria Hotel Budapest
The Aria Hotel Budapest is a music-inspired luxury hotel situated near St. Stephen’s Basilica in central Budapest. Housed in a refurbished neoclassical building, the hotel celebrates different musical genres across its four wings: classical, jazz, contemporary, and opera. Each room is decorated with music-themed art and features cutting-edge design touches like piano-key motifs in the lobby. The centerpiece is a lush indoor courtyard with a glass ceiling, creating an open, harmonious atmosphere. Guests can enjoy live performances, a rooftop bar with panoramic views, and an extensive music library curated by the hotel’s music director  .
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Aria offers a full suite of amenities, including the Harmony Spa with an indoor pool, saunas, and customized treatments. The hotel’s rooftop, the High Note SkyBar, is renowned for its creative cocktails and stunning vistas. Guests often praise the exceptional service, sumptuous breakfast, and thoughtful details like afternoon wine and cheese accompanied by live music. Combining luxury, culture, and an unbeatable location, the Aria Hotel provides an immersive stay for music lovers and travelers seeking a unique experience in Budapest
Review: Aria Hotel Budapest
Budapest is the capital of Hungary. Its 19th-century Chain Bridge over the River Danube connects the hilly Buda district with flat Pest. This beautiful city has loads of fun history to explore, like the funicular that runs up Castle Hill to Buda's Old Town, where the Budapest History Museum traces city life from Roman times onward. Although there is a Ritz-Carlton, a Four Seasons, and a Kempinski in Budapest, consider the Aria Hotel. It is a less well-known luxury hotel with the most "Budapest" atmosphere of any hotel in the city.
7. Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest
The Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest occupies a modern building overlooking Erzsébet Square, a vibrant urban park featuring seating, a playground, a skate park, and the iconic Budapest Eye. This 65-meter Ferris wheel, among the largest in Europe, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its summit.
On the opposite side of the hotel lies Fashion Street, a bustling pedestrian avenue lined with upscale boutiques. A short walk from Fashion Street brings you to the scenic Danube River, with stunning views of the hills crowned by Buda Castle and the Citadel. The historic Chain Bridge, spanning the Danube—Europe’s second-longest river—connects to Buda Castle and is just a 5-minute stroll from the hotel.
The Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest stands out for its functional but uninspiring 1990s exterior, lacking the historic charm of many neighboring hotels. Its small driveway off Erzsébet Square provides practical shelter for arrivals, while the entrance features large revolving doors adorned with a faded plastic flower arrangement—an unremarkable welcome compared to the fresh, elegant displays at the Ritz-Carlton next door.
Inside, the hotel offers a grand, multi-level marble-tiled foyer with soaring ceilings, rounded balconies, and dramatic cylindrical pillars. A honey-toned lighting design and curved architectural elements add visual interest, but the space feels more corporate and conference-oriented than an ultra-luxurious retreat. The staff are pleasant, and the large modern windows flood the space with light, but the overall atmosphere leans more towards functional than indulgent.
The hotel has a spa, function rooms, modern guest rooms, and plenty of restaurants, including Nobu Budapest. It ticks all the boxes but lacks style and joi de vivre. This hotel is well located, and good value but is an uninspiring choice in Budapest.
Review: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest
Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest is not the best luxury hotel in Budapest; the Four Seasons is. But this Kempinski is a well-located hotel that sits right next to the Ritz-Carlton in the center of Budapest. It offers good value and generous rooms but will never win prizes in a beauty competition. Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest is situated in an unattractive modern building overlooking Erzsébet Square, a lush urban park with ample seating, a playground, a skate park, and the iconic Budapest Eye.
8. InterContinental Budapest
InterContinental Budapest is a well located but tired hotel on the banks of the Danube. It’s located across the roundabout from Four Seasons Budapest next to the waterfront and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. This chain bridge spans the River Danube between Buda, where you will find tree-covered hills and Buda Castle, and Pest, where this InterContinental can be found.
The design of this hotel leaves much to be desired, as it occupies an unattractive 1970s or 1980s building. In my view, it could benefit from refurbishment, which places it well behind the top hotels in Budapest. The Four Seasons across the roundabout, the Ritz-Carlton, the Matild Palace (a Luxury Collection Hotel), and even the Marriott Budapest a few blocks away all offer significantly higher levels of luxury and appeal.
The lobby feels like a haphazard arrangement of old sofas and random seating areas, lacking a cohesive design. While you can find a comfortable sofa and enjoy a drink at the bar, the overall setup is far from stylish. It gives the impression of a large room filled with mismatched sofas, café tables, and chairs.
That said, the price reflects this, making the hotel one of the more affordable options in Budapest. Additionally, its excellent riverside location and scenic views are definite highlights.
Review: InterContinental Budapest
InterContinental Budapest is a modern 1970s or 1980s monstrosity that sits along the riverside pathway a few buildings up from the Marriott Budapest, which also has no beauty in terms of external design. These buildings are fairly foul from the outside, and the InterContinental feels dated on the inside, but you can't beat its location. InterContinental Budapest is also one of the main departure and drop-off hotels for Viking River Cruises, and there is a large Viking River Cruises desk centrally located in the lobby, ready to deliver and direct passengers on and off their boats.
9. Corinthia Budapest
The Corinthia Budapest, a five-star luxury hotel, stands as an architectural gem in the heart of Hungary’s capital, blending historic grandeur with modern sophistication. Originally opened in 1896 as the Grand Hotel Royal, this iconic property has been meticulously restored to its former glory while incorporating contemporary amenities to meet the needs of discerning travelers. Its grand façade and opulent interior reflect the elegance of the Belle Époque era, with a sweeping marble staircase, ornate ceilings, and sparkling chandeliers that create an atmosphere of timeless refinement. Located on Erzsébet Boulevard, the hotel offers easy access to Budapest’s main attractions, including the UNESCO-listed Andrássy Avenue, the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, and the vibrant nightlife of the city’s ruin bars.
The Corinthia Budapest is renowned for its exceptional hospitality and world-class facilities, including 439 elegantly designed rooms and suites, each thoughtfully equipped for comfort and convenience. Dining at the hotel is a journey through Hungarian and international flavors, with restaurants such as Bock Bistro and the Brasserie & Atrium serving gourmet cuisine in stylish settings. A highlight of the property is the Royal Spa, an oasis of tranquility featuring a stunning Art Deco pool, therapeutic treatments, and wellness programs. Whether for leisure or business, the Corinthia Budapest provides a seamless blend of history, luxury, and modernity, making it a premier hotel in Budapest.
10. Anantara New York Palace Budapestt
The Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel is a luxurious landmark in the heart of the city, exuding elegance and historical charm. Originally opened in 1894 as the New York Palace, the building is a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance architecture blended with Hungarian flair. Its façade is adorned with intricate stone carvings, while the interior features gilded ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, and opulent marble columns. The hotel is ideally situated in the Erzsébetváros district, providing easy access to Budapest’s cultural and historical attractions, including the Dohány Street Synagogue, the Hungarian State Opera House, and the Danube River.
10 Least Expensive Four Seasons Hotels In The World
Some of the most expensive Four Seasons hotels, and possibly the most amazing in historic glamor, are also some of the cheapest if you book in low season. Equally, some lesser-known cities like Budapest offer wonderful Four Seasons hotels at incredibly low rates. The Four Seasons brand of hotels doesn’t discount its rooms, but you can sometimes buy a packaged-up break with free nights. Equally, if you book on unpopular nights, such as winter weekends in European cities, or Sunday nights at hotels like Four Seasons Hampshire, you can pick up a much cheaper room rate.
The hotel is famous for its exceptional dining experience and is home to the legendary New York Café, often hailed as “the most beautiful café in the world.” This magnificent space, with its frescoed ceilings and gilded decor, offers a sumptuous menu of Hungarian and international dishes and an atmosphere steeped in literary and artistic heritage. The hotel boasts 185 luxurious rooms and suites, each blending classical elegance with contemporary comfort, alongside state-of-the-art facilities such as a spa and wellness center. With its historic grandeur, impeccable service, and prime location, the Anantara New York Palace Budapest promises an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking both luxury and a touch of old-world charm.
11. Dorothea Hotel, Budapest, Autograph Collection
The Dorothea Hotel, Budapest, Autograph Collection, is a recent addition to Budapest’s luxury accommodation scene, blending modern elegance with historical charm. Located in the heart of District V, the hotel spans three historic buildings, including the former United Budapest Metropolitan Savings Bank. It offers a blend of contemporary and heritage design elements.
Its 216 guest rooms and suites are divided into two distinct styles: contemporary rooms feature modern touches like dark wood floors and peacock blue curtains, while Neo-Renaissance-style windows, four-poster canopy beds, and vintage-inspired details distinguish heritage rooms. Each room also incorporates artwork by Hungarian photographer Zoltán Tombor, reflecting the city’s artistic heritage.
Best Ritz-Carlton Executive Club Lounges
Ritz-Carlton executive club lounges are some of the best club lounges in the world. Usually, they include five daily meal presentations, complimentary drinks and snacks throughout the day, and alcoholic drinks and events such as wine flights in the late afternoon and evening. Add in a sophisticated environment and often amazing views, and you will understand why these lounges can be worth paying extra for. Marriott Platinum members do not get free access to Ritz-Carlton club lounges.
The hotel’s amenities are designed to elevate the guest experience. Highlights include a serene spa with a pool, sauna, steam room, and an inner courtyard featuring the Pavilon Restaurant & Bar, where locally sourced, farm-to-table cuisine is served. Guests can also look forward to two upcoming restaurants led by Michelin-starred chef Dani García, including a rooftop Andalusian brasserie. With its strategic location near iconic landmarks like the Danube River, the Dorothea Hotel is not just a place to stay but a gateway to Budapest’s rich cultural and architectural heritage
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