The 12 best hotels in Budapest for a dreamy Danube stay

Step into the glamorous world of 19th Century Budapest, with a modern twist in this bombastic five-star hotel which is set over three historic buildings from separate eras. Each of the 216 rooms and suites has been curated by Italian designer Piero Lissoni and feature sleek four-poster beds, dark hardwood furnishings, sumptuous bathrooms with freestanding baths and terrazzo vanity sinks and huge windows with views across the city. It’s a place full of surprises, from the glass-roofed, plant-filled Pavilion restaurant serving up local and regional dishes or the BIBO Andalusian rooftop brasserie by Dani García. If you can bear to make it outside, you’re also in easy distance of the Parliament, Chain Bridge and the business quarter. 

Mood? Bombastic design haven. 
Location perks? Close by to the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Hungarian State Opera, the Budapest History Museum and  the city centre. 
Budget range? High-end. 

Just metres from St Stephen’s Basilica, the Aria successfully packages itself as a luxury boutique hotel with a quirky musical theme. The 49 rooms are colourful and elegantly designed, with an impressive music selection you can put on – and pipe into the bathrooms. To feel truly at home, book a treatment at the low-lit, atmospheric Harmony Spa and go for a swim in the basement pool. The Sky Note rooftop bar offers stunning views of the basilica.

Mood? Eclectic design. 
Location perks? The panoramic views over downtown are pretty spectacular. 
Budget range? Spenny.

Just look at that pool... isn’t it spectacular? With its tiles, arches and general elegance, it’s as glam as any of Budapest’s finest bathhouses – and that’s not all that’s on offer at the Corinthia, which is on the city’s Grand Boulevard. The OG ‘Grand Budapest Hotel’ (in name as well as in spirit), the Corinthia features loads of original nineteenth-century features like its façade, spa and ballroom. Guests here can also expect top-tier dining from several restaurants, plus easy access to Buda Castle, Heroes Square and Széchenyi Baths.

Mood? Classic charm. 
Location perks? Nestled in the city centre.
Budget range? Very well priced. 

Stepping into the Mystery Hotel can be a bit of a bewildering and surreal experience. Pitching Persian carpets and ornate columns alongside enormous modern versions of classic artworks like the ‘Mona Lisa’ and ‘Girl With a Pearl Earring’, the Mystery feels like the abode of a very well-travelled art collector. Just five minutes’ walk from Andrássy Avenue, it’s also got a bar, restaurant and swanky spa on-site.

Mood? Historic vibes.
Location perks? Situated in the 6th District in downtown.
Budget range? Super affordable.

The Palace District in the VIII area earns its name from the smattering of palatial buildings in its vicinity, and in Palazzo Zichy, there’s one you can stay in. This 80-room hotel offers modern, stylish comfort in the grand surroundings of a 19th-century mansion. Breakfast is included, and you can also unwind at a small on-site wellness centre. The neighbourhood’s quiet, but the lively nightlife of the VII District is just a short walk away.

Mood? Modern design. 
Location perks? Located in the historic Palace Quarter.
Budget range? A fantastic deal.

This family-owned boutique in the Castle District has 11 stylish and relatively cheap rooms decked out in exquisite vintage furniture. Foodies, take note: Baltazár is renowned for its bistro, grill and bar on the ground floor. From tasty chargrilled steaks to Hungarian wine and an extensive gin selection, you won’t need to stray far to find decent food and drink.

Mood? Contemporary chic. 
Location perks? Located within walking distance of the Castle.
Budget range? Very decently priced.

Hostels don’t have to be ‘party hostels’ in Budapest. The laid-back Shantee House is located in a residential part of Buda, not far from trendy Bartók Béla Avenue, and is very budget-friendly. There’s a community kitchen, and if you love to sleep outdoors, you can camp in the garden or sleep in a hammock (lockers are available). And if you’d prefer not to share a dorm but still want to save money, you can even book a private ensuite room.

Mood? Traveller vibe.
Location perks? In the 11th District of Budapest.
Budget range? Super cheap.

For the ultimate deluxe stay, book into the Four Seasons Gresham Palace. Many of the 179 rooms enjoy views over the Chain Bridge and Buda Castle, but the real draw here is the architecture. The Gresham Palace building is an art nouveau wonder, with the gorgeous arcaded lounge as its glorious centrepiece. If you need to unwind, head to the rooftop spa for a swim in the infinity pool. For fine dining, you don’t need to leave the building – grab a table at the Kollázs Bistro, or indulge in one of their Herend high teas in the lounge.

Mood? Glam on glam. 
Location perks? The hotel overlooks the Danube River – be sure to catch a sunset in the bar.
Budget range? High-end.

Escape the city for the night at this grand, secluded hotel on Margaret Island, whose 164 classically furnished rooms overlook the surrounding wooded parkland and, on one side, the Danube. An underground corridor connects the Ensana Grand with the thermal baths and wellness centre at Health Spa Resort Margitsziget. Grab a blowout dinner on the terrace of the Széchenyi restaurant or relax in the turn-of-the-century Viktória bar.

Mood? Luxury grandeur. 
Location perks? You're on a literal island. Magical.
Budget range? Surprisingly affordable. 

Hotel Moments occupies a palatial building on Andrássy Avenue right by the Hungarian State Opera House. The 99 rooms in this four-star hotel are clustered around an elegant wrought-iron courtyard. Guests get free access to the breakfast buffet, complimentary coffee, and tea round the clock in the lounge bar. There’s also a small wellness centre with a gym and an aromatic sauna.

Mood? Accommodation of dreams.
Location perks? On the renowned Adrássy Avenue.
Budget range? Mid-range but so worth it.

Situated on the banks of Danube, Aurea Ana Palace is nothing short of a fairytale. set in a historic building, this five-star hotel has everything you need for a trip fit for royalty. Room service, spa and wellness centre with sauna, a bar, continental breakfast, the works. The location is perfect too. Szabadság Square, Chain Bridge and Budapest History Museum are within easy reach of the palace. 

Mood? Princess Diaries. 
Location perks? You're bang in the centre.
Budget range? Moderately priced for such a swanky abode.

If pretty views are your non-negotiable then you won't be disappointed at the Intercontinental Budapest. Set on the Danube promenade, it's a prime spot for jaw-dropping views of the river, not to mention, the hotel features a lively terrace with a Lebanese restaurant, a pool, a sauna and a ballroom. Dreamy. Interior-wise it's all about refined elegance and comfiness: large beds, desK space, wall art and the views. Kick off the day with the buffet breakfast and wind down at the on-site bar in the evenings 

Mood? The most scenic spot along the river. 
Location perks? Walkable distance from popular attractions like Chain Bridge and the Museum of Ethnography.  
Budget range? Moderately-priced.