3 Best Hotels in Hungary

A quick walk around the exterior of this hotel quickly betrays its mixed architectural origins—it was built in 1977 around the remains of a 13th-century Gothic chapel—but the modern and tasteful rooms, proximity to Matthias Church, and great views from Castle Hill will soothe the most delicate of aesthetic sensibilities. The hotel's LÁNG Bistro restaurant has gorgeous views of the Danube and Pest, while there are great drinking options both high above (the elegant White Raven Skybar, a rooftop Champagne and cocktail bar serving tasty bar snacks) and far below (the atmospheric Faust Wine Cellar, set deep in the caves below Castle Hill and offering various fun and informative wine tastings).

The moment you step inside the Kempinski, it's clear you're in one of Budapest's finest five-star hotels, as the lovely lobby area gives way to a charming promenade lined with lounge cafés, cocktail music bars, boutique flower and gift shops, takeaway delis, and even a small art gallery. Guests can also book in for a meal at the hotel's swanky Japanese-fusion restaurant Nobu. Head upstairs to find spacious, recently refurbished rooms and suites that offer modern contemporary fittings and furnishings, large smart TVs, and glistening marble bathrooms. Treat yourself to a stay in one of the five sprawling Corvinus Art Collection Suites, which come with stunning city views and fabulous artworks. The recently refurbished, second-floor spa has a swimming pool, steam bath, multiple saunas, and a well-equipped gym, and offers a host of massages and VOYA beauty treatments. Breakfast is served in the laidback ÉS Bisztró, with terrace seating out on Fashion Street; come back in the evening for a fine steak dinner.

Brody House is a hip-as-you-like guesthouse, where each of the rooms is named after the local artist whose work adorns the walls; it also offers a few apartments. Are these artists dilettantes or geniuses? You decide. Sky-high ceilings and free-standing bathtubs make this hotel popular with the bohemian set. The historic palace that houses the guesthouse is situated in the inner Palace District of up-and-coming District VIII and provides a very central location. Brody House also serves as private arts club, so members will be coming and going in the common areas.