The best hotels in Budapest

Magnificent architecture, immersive historical attractions, thousand-year-old spa culture, and an ultra-hip bar and restaurant scene combine to make Budapest an outstanding city break destination.

The Hungarian capital delivers on the hospitality front too, from ultra-luxurious spa hotels and unforgettable boutique experiences to contemporary budget accommodation in specular locations. Here’s our pick of the nine best hotels in Budapest.

1. Corinthia Hotel Budapest

Known as the world’s spa capital, Budapest sits upon more than 100 natural thermal water springs and boasts a tradition of public baths dating back to Roman times. The Corinthia Hotel invites guests to embrace this spa tradition amidst five-star luxury.

Step into the legendary hotel’s spectacular six-story atrium and sink into ultra-comfortable rooms and suites before dining in the Maltese Caviar and Bull. After dinner, head for the gilded Orfeum bar, soundtracked by a swing band.

The jewel in the Corinthia’s crown is undoubtedly its award-winning art deco-era Royal Spa, which dates back to 1886. Here, you’ll discover a striking pool, jacuzzi, gym, salt sauna, experience shower and hammam. A catalogue of luxury treatments includes the ESPA back, face, and scalp treatment, age-defyer facial, and hot stone massage.

At the heart of Grand Budapest, the Corinthia is located within walking distance of many of the city’s historic attractions and is surrounded by restaurants and bars.

Rooms start at around £130 per night and include complimentary spa access when booked directly via corinthia.com.

2. Prestige Hotel Budapest

Michelin-recommended dining, resplendent interiors and an outstanding location make the four-star Prestige one of the best hotels in Budapest for couples.

With striking interiors harking back to the early 20th century, the Prestige Hotel boasts plush accommodation ranging from rooms to suites, and a complimentary relaxation and fitness area that features a gym, sauna, jacuzzi and experience shower.

On the ground floor, the Michelin Guide-recommended Costes Downtown restaurant serves up fine dining in relaxed surroundings.

Just 2 minutes on foot from the Danube, Prestige Hotel is within walking distance from almost all of Budapest’s major attractions, including the Chain Bridge (5-minute walk), Buda Castle (17 minutes), and Fisherman’s Bastion (19 minutes).

Rooms start at around £130 per night.

3. MEININGER Budapest Great Market Hall

If you’re looking for no-frills cheap hotels in Budapest, it’s hard to beat the MEININGER Budapest Great Market Hall.

This clean and modern three-star features cheerful interiors, comfortable family rooms and a spacious lobby ideal for enjoying a spot of breakfast or getting some work done.

Located just a minute’s walk from Budapest’s wonderfully vintage Great Market Hall, the MEININGER is perfectly situated to allow you to get out there and explore the Hungarian capital.

Indeed, Liberty Bridge is just a six-minute walk from the hotel, while guests can reach Gellért Hill on foot in just 16 minutes, and the Citadella in 20.

Rooms start at £76 per night.

4. Hotel Moments

Located on the World Heritage site of Andrássy Avenue, a stone’s throw from the spectacular Hungarian State Opera House, the characterful Hotel Moments delivers contemporary elegance in a thoughtfully renovated historic building.

This four-star hotel offers a vast range of rooms, from the cosy superior room to the breathtaking Basilica Suite, which boasts an open-air terrace looking over St Stephen’s Basilica.

Zenobia restaurant, accessed directly from the hotel, plates up mouthwatering Lebanese and Syrian cuisine.

Hotel amenities include a gym and sauna, a 24-hour concierge, round-the-clock lounge bar service and breakfast.

Rooms start at around £146 per night.

5. Aria Hotel Budapest

One of the most famous boutique hotels in Budapest, the five-star Aria Hotel is much more than merely a place to lay your head – it delivers a luxurious music-themed experience in the heart of the city.

Its indulgent, soundproofed rooms are each themed around a different musical legend, and most offer private balconies which overlook the beautiful Music Garden Courtyard.

Recharge in the spa, sauna, steam bath and whirlpool or work out in the fitness centre before ascending to the year-round roof garden for a cocktail with 360-degree views that include the neighbouring St Stephen’s Basilica.

A stay at Aria Hotel also includes a complimentary breakfast, and wine and cheese each afternoon.

Rooms start at around £294 per night.

6. Emerald Hotel & Suites

If a Finnish sauna, immersive cocktail bar and all-day lounge bar service sound like your idea of a good time, take a look at the Emerald Hotel & Suites, often named among the best hotels in Budapest city centre.

This boutique hotel delivers sleek four-star luxury, with its contemporary accommodation ranging from pleasant economy doubles right up to the polished Emerald Suites.

Emerald Hotel is housed in a modern building that was built around the beautiful Church of St Anne, a truly unique feature that gives the hotel a special vibe. The perfect backdrop for a romantic evening, the Secco Cafe & Bar features a spacious ‘inner garden’ terrace that boasts views of the towering church.

The hotel is based in the heart of Budapest, close to the famous Váci Street.

Rooms start at around £98 per night.

7. B&B Hotel Budapest City

If you’re looking for cheap hotels in Budapest, the three-star B&B Hotel Budapest City is a superb option.

From its clean, modern rooms – which range from doubles to quadruples – and roof terrace to an all-you-can-eat breakfast, laundry room, underground garage and on-site shop and bar, B&B Hotel provides a wide range of convenient amenities.

Located on the Danube, 1.5km from the city centre, the hotel is surrounded by famous attractions, including the Great Market Hall, the Hungarian National Museum and the National Theatre.

Rooms start at around £56 per night.

8. Onyx Luxury Budapest

The four-star Onyx Luxury Hotel Budapest provides slick, contemporary accommodation with plenty of bells and whistles.

The well-appointed rooms feature wood-panelled flooring and plush furniture, with options ranging from a standard double room all the way up to the deluxe penthouse suite, which boasts an outdoor jacuzzi.

Ascend to the top two floors of the building to find the fitness-wellness area, which includes an infrared sauna, outdoor jacuzzi, and relaxation area.

Other highlights include the versatile restaurant, which is open for breakfast service in the morning, as a brunch bar and café during the day, and for snacks later on.

There are plenty of bars, restaurants, and cafes in the surrounding area, and a number of Budapest’s main attractions are within walking distance, including Vajdahunyad Castle, Heroes' Square and Budapest Zoo.

Rooms start at around £235 per night.

9. Ibis Styles Budapest Citywest

A colourful three-star design hotel with all the familiarity of a large chain, this Ibis Styles is a great springboard from which to explore Budapest on a budget.

The rooms, designed in a cheerful Pop Art style, range from twins and doubles to family rooms, while amenities include wi-fi and a bar.

Located at the western gate of Budapest, you’ll find the Kelenföld railway and subway station nearby, while the nearest attractions – the Citadella, Gellért Hill, and Buda Castle – are roughly a seven-minute drive away.

Rooms start at about £45 per night.