The Budapest Grand Hotel – Is it real or fake?

If you wanted to stay in the mysterious Budapest Grand Hotel I have got bad news for you.

What exactly did you expect when you searched on the Budapest Grand Hotel? Were you looking for the movie released in 2014? Or were you looking for overnight accommodation in Budapest? If you wanted to stay in the mysterious Budapest Grand Hotel I have got bad news for you.

The Truth

Do not be deceived, the Budapest Grand Hotel that you may know from the film does not exist. Originally the Corinthia Hotel Budapest (as it is named now) was called the Budapest Grand Hotel but it does not look like the hotel on the screen at all…

…and there have been a couple of other hotels as well that were run under the same or similar name (e.g. Grand Hotel Gellért). The good news is that there are 3 hotels that are located in Budapest and contain the Grand Hotel in their name but keep in mind that they have nothing to do with the hotel in the film!

Read the article and learn more about the namesakes of the hotel and about the movie too!

Danubius Grand Hotel Margitsziget

There is a 4* superior hotel, named the Grand Hotel in Budapest which is located on the picturesque Margaret Island. The hotel was built in 1873 based on the plans of the famous architecture Miklos Ybl and although it has been renovated since then several times, the building still has got its original style and atmosphere. This is a typical example of the mixture of old times and modern comfort. The hotel is connected to the Health Spa Resort hotel through a heated underground tube. Eat a hearty breakfast on the lovely terrace of the hotel and relax in the thermal pool of the Spa Resort.

Access:

You can easily access the hotel from Árpád Bridge by car or you can take bus 26 from the Nyugati Railway station or from the “Göncz Árpád városközpont”. Get off at „Szállodák” stop.

In case you have decided to stay in the hotel:

• You should take your swimming costume with you if you want to enjoy the gorgeous spa services offered in the neighbouring hotel. (massage, thermal bath, beauty and medical treatments etc.)
• If you have made the choice to stay in the Grand Hotel in Budapest, do not miss the opportunity to discover Margaret Island. The island houses various sports establishments and renting a bringo cart is a must-do activity.
• Watch this video about the hotel.

Summary of
Danubius Grand Hotel Margitsziget

Opening hours

0-24h Open

Price Range

$$$

Web Address

https://www.ensanahotels.com/en/hotels/grand-margaret-island

Address

Budapest, Margitsziget Danubius Grand Hotel IV. em., 1, 1138 Magyarország

Verdi Grand Hotel

The newly built Verdi Grand Hotel is a 4* property located in Budapest’s famous District 9 which is one of the most dynamically developing districts in the Hungarian capital. If you wish to breathe in the real Budapest as well and you are not interested only in the touristic spots, this is a good choice for staying overnight. It has got a small gym, 198 rooms and several meeting and conference rooms.

Access:

It is an easily accessible spot in Budapest by car. Or take Metro line 3 and get off at Klinikák stop.

Summary of
Verdi Grand Hotel

Opening hours

0-24h Open

Price Range

$$$

Web Address

https://www.verdigrandhotel.com/hotel/verdi-grand-hotel/?l=en

Address

Budapest, Üllői út 89b, 1091 Magyarország

Iberostar Grand Budapest

This is probably the poshest hotel out of the 3. The 5* super elegant accommodation is located in the very heart of Budapest near Szabadság square. A lot of attractions are by walking distance from this place. Just leave the hotel lobby behind and you will find yourself in the buzzing city of Budapest. Fitness room, meeting rooms and massage are some examples of the services on the list of the hotel.

Access:

You can access the property by car (keep in mind the rush hours and many one-direction streets) but you will have to pay a parking fee. Take Metro line 3 and get off at Arany János street or walk to the hotel form the Parliament.

Summary of
Iberostar Grand Budapest

Opening hours

0-24h Open

Price Range

$$$$

Address

Budapest, Október 6. u. 26, 1051 Magyarország

The Grand Hotel Budapest – The Movie

If you haven’t had a chance to watch the movie yet, it is highly recommended to do so. The film was released in 2014 and had become an instant box office success. Wes Anderson directed the film based on the script by Stefan Zweig. The movie has been shot in the Grand Budapest Hotel, which had been one of the most popular hotels during the World Wars. The comedy-drama won 4 Oscar and 1 Golden Globe Awards.

The plot in a nutshell The Grand Budapest Hotel tells the story of the adventures of the legendary concierge of the Grand Budapest Hotel, Gustave H. The other main character of the movie is Zero Mustafa who has become a trusted friend of Gustave H. during the years. The plot would not be complete without a murdered hotel guest, an invaluable painting, considerable family inheritance and a love story. The film is about friendship, promises and honour. Watch the trailer for more:

The male actors of the movie were asked to grow facial hair (beard and moustache) before they went on the movie set and their facial hair was carefully designed by professionals to look lifelike and original. It has been revealed that the original Grand Hotel Budapest refers to a hotel, that still exists today but under a different name, the Corinthia Hotel Budapest and the comparison dies here since the former Grand Hotel Budapest does not look like the film’s namesake at all.

Summary

I hope now all your questions have been answered considering the Budapest Grand Hotel and your curiosity has been raised to come and visit Budapest. Why don’t you come to Hungary and watch the movie here? Would not that be very classy?