Hotels in Budapest

Art nouveau in style and with an extravagant spa/thermal bath complex attached, this hotel was made famous by restaurateur Károly Gundel in the late 1920s and quickly became the place to be seen for rich, well-heeled Hungarians. For tradition and charm, it's still hard to beat. Ideally located on the Danube riverbank, it's just a 10-minute walk from Great Market Hall and the downtown shopping area.

Budapest's first boutique hotel, the stylish art'otel, situated on the Buda side of the Danube, affords splendid views of the river and the parliament. The hotel, an interesting combination of old and new (think baroque townhouses meet contemporary architecture), was designed by Donald Sultan, the American artist, whose paintings and sculptures are on display throughout the building, decorating both the light, spacious public places, and the 164 well-appointed bedrooms.

This mid-range Budapest hotel option is located on a quiet back street of inner Pest within easy walking distance of the big sights close to the Danube. Its 25 rooms are simple, clean and modern, and the attached bathrooms are in pristine condition. Its pleasant inner courtyard is topped by a high atrium, making it a fine spot to relax whatever the weather.

What this places lacks in location (a bit of a schlep at the top of Gellért Hill) it more than makes up for in value for money and atmosphere. Housed inside the historic citadel, its 12 rooms are not remarkable, but they all have private washing facilities and many have original features. There’s also a 14-bed communal dorm for those on a real budget.