Luxury Hotels in Budapest
Published 28th Jun. 2021
Reading time
Four Seasons Gresham Palace
Without doubt the best - albeit also the most bank-busting - place to stay in Budapest, and one of Europe's finest hotels, full stop.
Originally built in 1906 for the Gresham Life Insurance Company (hence the official name the Four Seasons Gresham Palace Hotel), the latter day Four Seasons is an Art Nouveau masterpiece.
Despite occupying probably the finest location in the city - right opposite the iconic Chain Bridge, by the 90s the building was desperately in need of a face lift. Fortunately help (and a very large cheque) was at hand and after six years under wraps the palace re-emerged in its latest guise as a hotel in 2004. The results are, quite simply, spectacular.
Despite the eye-watering price tag, we at Original Travel believe it was money extremely well spent. What welcomes guests now is one of Europe's finest urban hotels, from the beautiful mosaic-inlaid (to a design by Frank Lloyd Wright, no less) entrance hall to the service in the fine restaurants and the extremely comfortable bedrooms. The rooms are a minimum of 350 square foot and all have king size beds and well-appointed bathrooms. All guests have the run of the spa and gym on the top floor, as well as the indoor infinity pool.
The location is also a big bonus as the main city sites are all within 20 minutes walk, and the leathery uplit snugness of the bar is a welcoming retreat after a hard day's sightseeing.
Why We Love It
Rarely can a renovation have been so thorough and under-taken with such attention to detail, but that's probably to be expected from a budget of $85 million.
Brody House
Brody House is a private members' club and boutique hotel in the heart of the beautiful Hungarian capital city of Budapest.
The club is a hub for creative types and the super-connected concierge knows everyone there is to know in the city, so VIP club access and restaurant bookings are a breeze.
The spacious bedrooms are all individually styled and have well appointed contemporary bathrooms. While the original building dates back to 1800 and was once the unofficial residence of the Prime Minister when the former parliament next door was in session, there is now contemporary art and eclectic furniture in abundance, and a fun and bohemian atmosphere pervades.
Away from the hotel there is excellent shopping and culture in Budapest and the city is also famous for its hot spring spas, some of which date back to Turkish times. A visit to one of these is a must, and again the concierge can arrange this.
Why We Love It
For anyone who makes friends quickly, Brody House offers the chance to host dinner parties in the private room so you can entertain your new Euro-chums back at yours.
Why visit Hungary with Original Travel ?
Travelling with us means enjoying a trip that has been meticulously crafted by our team of experts, each knowing their specialised country like the back of their hand. Tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind, we can customise itineraries based on your taste, be that an architecture aficionado, a food fanatic or an environment enthusiast. Working hand-in-hand with local Concierges and guides, we’ll uncover spots perfect for you. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, our curated experiences are supported by an array of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline and an app full of recommendations.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Hungary
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
You might also like
Practical advice and inspiration for your next trip
How will El Nino affect travel in 2027?
Unless you've been living under a rock recently, you'll have heard that a strong El Nino is developing in the Pacific, and it is likely to influence weather well into 2027. El Nino occurs when unusually warm Pacific waters alter weather patterns around the world. Some models indicate this edition could become one of the strongest on record. So how will El Nino affect travel in 2027? I’m no meteorologist, but those far better informed than me are saying:
10th September 2026 - Travel Tips
Our Favourite States for an American Safari
Casinos in Vegas, movie stars in LA and New York’s yellow taxis all rank among the USA’s most recognisable icons but look beyond the bright lights and you’ll find the wild and wonderful world of American safaris. From Alaska’s grizzly bears to Florida’s alligators, America’s animal kingdom boasts an A-list impressive enough to rival Hollywood’s. So, ready to wield your binoculars, pull on your cowboy boots and take a walk on the wild side?
7th September 2026 - USA Safari & Wildlife
Just Back: Emily’s Research Trip to Greece
On a recent research trip to Greece, our Europe specialist, Emily, spent three days exploring the Athenian Riviera, Porto Heli and the island of Spetses. From sunrise yoga overlooking the Aegean Sea and cruisin’ around on a yacht to evenings spent stargazing beneath sparkling constellations, it was certainly an adventure to remember. She returned home sun-kissed and eager to share notes from her travel journal, teeming with tips, tricks and plenty of inspiration for your next Greek getaway.
24th August 2026 - Greece Travel Inspiration