Hilton Budapest
Hess A ter 1-3, Budapest, Hungary, 1014
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#6 of 30
expert-rated hotels in Budapest- Recommended for:
- Business travellers, Couples, Culture vultures, Singles, Design and architecture, Escaping the crowds, Great views / scenery, History, Sightseeing
Expert review of Hilton Budapest
Offers Budapest's prettiest views and the romance of the old town.
Built around the remains of a medieval monastery, the Hilton’s architecture tends to divide opinion. Its neo-Baroque façade is studded with rows of metallic-tinted windows; I rather like its blend of old and new, but others are less sympathetic. Either way, its location makes it a winner for those who prefer the gentler atmosphere of the Castle District.
Location:
The Hilton sits smack-bang next to the extravagant Matthias Church in the main square of the Castle District. Its elevated position means that the views over the river to the Parliament building are eye-popping. It’s around 15 minutes from the centre of Pest (by taxi or bus 16 to Deák tér); you can also ride up and down the hill aboard a funicular railway.
Bedrooms:
While the exterior is daring, the interior is more understated. Guestrooms are pleasant in a neutral sort of way, with a colour scheme featuring browns, beiges and creams rather than anything too bold. In terms of size, they occupy the middle ground too. The standard rooms look onto the Castle District, but to make the most of the hotel’s biggest selling point you should book a river-facing Hilton Plus room. There’s something decadent about cleaning your teeth at the end of the day while watching the city’s lights! Rooms have all you need, although there is a charge for internet access. If you take an executive room, you get to use the excellent executive lounge, whose offerings include free drinks and canapés in the evening.
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Public areas:
I find the lobby disappointing. There’s no central feature, the ceilings are low and there’s something of the ‘conference hotel’ about it (albeit a conference hotel at the upper end of the bracket). Having said that, if you walk to the left on entering you can look over the remains of the 13th-century Dominican courtyard – now used for private functions and events – which isn’t something you come across in every hotel you visit!
Eating and drinking:
The new ICON restaurant serves some of the city’s best food. Its menu focuses on Mediterranean and Hungarian dishes, and a pianist tickles the ivories as you dine. Try to bag one of the 16 tables nestled in niches alongside the river-facing windows. The small but generally lively Lobby Bar is – you guessed it – just off the lobby (overlooking the Dominican courtyard), and is a decent spot for a pre-prandial drink or a digestif.
Leisure facilities:
The hotel has a small fitness centre with a panoramic window overlooking the river. It contains the usual cardio equipment, a sauna, a solarium and a massage room, but joggers might prefer to take a more atmospheric turn around the Castle District itself. There’s no pool or spa.
Service:
Service is good; I’ve always found the restaurant staff are attentive without hovering uncomfortably at your shoulder. On occasion, the reception can be busy, but you don’t usually have to wait long to check in or out.
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Who stays there:
The hotel hosts the occasional celebrity – A-listers like Robert Redford have stayed here; otherwise you'll see a broad range that includes suited business types and tourist groups in jeans and T-shirts.
Pros:
Location and views
Restaurant
Cons:
No 'wow' factor in the public areas
No swimming pool
More information on Hilton Budapest:
- Price from:
- Type:
- Hotel
- Address:
- Hess A ter 1-3, Budapest, Hungary, 1014
- Amenities:
- Business Centre, Fitness Centre, High-Speed Internet, Parking, Pets Allowed, Restaurant, Room Service
- Neighbourhood:
- Castle District
