The best of the best – 5+1 luxury hotels in Budapest

1. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace*****

Driving off the famous Széchenyi Chain Bridge towards Pest, the first thing you see is the grand Art Noveau facade of Four Seasons Budapest. Housed in the magnificent Gresham Palace that was built at the beginning of the 19^th century, the building is a sight for sore eyes. This five-star combines elegance, history and top-shelf comfort to satisfy your utmost needs. If you come visit, make sure you book a Danube-category room to have a balcony facing the illustrious river and the Buda Hill – you wouldn’t want to miss the view. Their in-house spa has a pool, a wellness center with massages and various other treatments (facials for men!), a steam room, and a fitness room. They’ve even found a spot for a Herend Porcelain shop in their facility, and they provide limo service as well. There’s a reason the Four Seasons name equals top quality – you simply can’t go wrong choosing them.

More info and reservations are available here.

2. The Ritz-Carlton Budapest*****

Let me introduce you to another Hungarian ambassador of a world-famous hotel chain: The Ritz-Carlton Budapest. The building was built back in 1914 to give home to an Italian insurance company, but the forefront was remade a few years ago to match the brand’s image. Located at one of the busiest spots of Budapest, it’s a perfect starting point for sightseeing: The St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Opera House and the Dohány Street Synagogue are all in walking distance. If you’re a gastronomy enthusiast, you don’t even need to leave the building – their restaurant serves Hungarian inspired dishes, international favorites and award-winning wines. The unique Kupola Lounge, situated beneath the iconic stained glass cupola, redefines the luxury hotel experience with mouth-watering cocktails and quick history lessons on its walls. Their spa and wellness area heals both body and soul as they’re offering spa rituals, a hot tub, a steam room, a 24/7 fitness center, and the light-flooded swimming pool of your dreams.

More info and reservations are available here.

3. Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest*****

Elegance, luxury, and high-end amenities – these are the first features that come to mind when thinking of the Kempinski Hotel in Budapest. Unlike most of the hotels in the 5-star category, Kempinski takes pride in its modern building made of glass and straight-lined stone designed by Hungarian architect József Finta, and has a capacity of 314 rooms and 37 suites. Towering over the main Fashion Street of Budapest, it’s a marvelous starting point for shopping tours and Christmas Market adventures during wintertime. Their extravagant spa boasts a pool, a Finnish sauna, a tepidarium and offers several facial and body treatments, such as Hungarymud therapy. As for food and drinks, you’ll be spoiled for choice – catering for the guests in the hotel are Nobu, a Japanese infuse kitchen restaurant, ÉS Bisztró, a more casual Hungarian-Viennese joint, and the Blue Fox Bar, which offers an array of luscious cocktails.

More info and reservations are available here.

4. Aria Hotel Budapest*****

Sitting next to St. Stephen’s Basilica with its own rooftop-bar (High Note SkyBar) – Aria Hotel Budapest is as exclusive as a hotel can get. The hotel mixes an impressive neoclassical architectural style with interior design inspired by different music genres, famous musicians and composers, creating a perfect duet of music and luxury. Most of the rooms are equipped with a high-end multimedia system, a Nespresso coffee machine, bathrobes and slippers. To make sure you stay hydrated, bottles of spring water are provided on each day of your stay; and complimentary breakfast, daytime snacks, and an afternoon wine and cheese reception are also part of the deal. Aria has an in-house spa that provides countless relaxation opportunities in case you’re tired of sightseeing. Good news is that you don’t have to go far to admire the most gorgeous parts of Budapest as you’ll already be in the heart of the historical city center.

More info and reservations are available here.

5. Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt*****

Opened in 2019, this hotel is a new addition to the luxury hotel scene of Budapest, but it’s definitely earned its place among the best. Offering nothing less than its older rivals, the renovated Art Deco architecture with stained glass and wonderful staircases will take you back in time to feel like an early 20^th century lord or lady. Their prestigious spa has a high-tech fitness center, sauna, pool, massages and other body treatments. The rooms and suites have been inspired by the fusion of Moorish, Art Deco and Neo Gothic styles, all equipped with private bathrooms and luxury amenities. Thanks to its central location, the Opera House, the Dohány Street Synagogue and the Elizabeth Bridge are all in a 2 km radius. Staying in is also an option as bars and cafés are available under the glass ceiling and hexagonal cupolas of the Párisi Udvar arcade.

+1 Hotel Clark Budapest****

Although we promised you 5-star hotels only, but we have a place that sits in such a breathtaking environment that we must mention it. First of all a little heads-up: if you’re planning a family holiday,one thing is certain: you can cross Hotel Clark off of your list. This gorgeous boutique hotel is so exclusive that they’ve entirely excluded children. As weird as it might sound first, this feature can be really appealing for travelers who desire serenity. It’s located at the foot of the Buda Hill and the Buda Castle, next to Clark Ádám tér, facing the Széchenyi Chain Bridge – you probably won’t find a hotel in a more luxurious atmosphere. Their black marble interiors ooze elegance from every pore, and almost all the rooms come with a view to the Danube and the glorious sight of Pest. If this weren’t enough, have a drink at their rooftop bar and get lost in the view from up there. The only reason Hotel Clark didn’t get their fifth star is the lack of wellness area, but they compensate for that with a glass-walled fitness room that will take your breath away.