7 hotels for a magical Christmas stay in Budapest

The Ritz-Carlton Budapest

The Ritz-Carlton is a brand that needs no introduction. In Budapest, the 5-star luxury hotel stands tall and proud in the city's epicentre, amidst the Christmas haze. One path leads to crafts and chimney cake at the Christmas Fair on Vörösmarty tér, while the other to the newly opened alfresco ice rink on Deák Ferenc tér. You're also in the perfect place for a festive shopping spree, as Fashion Street and the famous shopping street Váci utca are literally around the corner. And yet, our favourite part of The Ritz during Christmas time is the majestic Christmas tree in the Kupola Lounge, placed right under a magnificent glass dome and chandelier. This is the setting that envelops you while enjoying breakfast, Sunday brunch, or afternoon tea. Although it might be the most expensive hotel on our list, it's undoubtedly the most glamorous one too.

More details and bookings here.

Hard Rock Hotel

Hard Rock Hotel Budapest is another 5-star gem you're surely familiar with. Its golden-hinted building is nestled on a narrow street in downtown Budapest – close enough to all the major sights, surrounded by clubs, theatres, and restaurants. However, you might not feel like venturing outdoors once you've tried their modern, American-styled Sessions Restaurant or treated yourself to a delicious cocktail at Roxy Rooftop Bar. Also, during the holidays, the leisure vibes and leather sofas are complemented with gigantic baubles and golden polar bears, and you can even stock up on Christmas presents at the RockShop. And yet, as it's the festive period, we say, don that hat and scarf and explore all the Christmas fairs – especially with two of them just a stone's throw away from the hotel. Once you've had your fair share of the holiday fuss, you can settle into your comfortable room and put on a curated playlist. Keep an eye out for special holiday deals here. 

More details and bookings here. (x)

VERNO HOUSE

If you are looking to stay in a hip urban oasis, Verno House will hit the spot. The stylish boutique hotel, rooted in downtown Budapest, boasts 50 stunning rooms and suites, adorned with earth colours, unique furniture, nature prints, and even Marshall radios. We also adore its lobby, which is brimming with plants, and where you can just sit and mingle with fellow travellers. Near Szabadság tér (Liberty Square) and only 5 minutes from the dazzling Christmas fair at the Basilica, this 5-star hotel feels more like a sanctuary, where you can recharge between Christmas shopping sprees. And by recharge, we mean enjoying a massage or Turkish steam bath in its spa centre or treating yourself to Korean BBQ ribs, kimchi or teriyaki salmon at its stylish restaurant, Flava.

More details and bookings here. (x)

The Grand Margaret Island Health Spa Hotel

Can you believe that you can actually stay at a 150-year-old hotel? Grand Hotel on Margaret Island is a legend that hosted Hungary's Golden Team and the Portuguese football squad in 2021. It's an elegant and classic hotel with marble columns, patterned blackout curtains, and a striped tapestry, showering you with fin-de-siècle architecture and atmosphere. It also boasts panoramic views of the Danube and the mature trees, along with a spa centre (in the adjacent Thermal Margaret Island Health Spa Hotel), where you can soak in healing thermal water. Here you will find peace and quiet after a busy day touring the Christmas markets, so you can start again the next day. Speaking of which, there is a lesser-known, local-favourite fair near here opening on December 1st: the Christmas market in Óbuda.

More details and bookings here.

Alice Hotel

Situated on the World Heritage Site Andrássy út, Alice Hotel was originally a palace built in the late 1870s, once the residence of Baron Manfréd Weiss and his wife Alice. It's also rumoured to have been illuminated with electric lighting even before the Royal Palace in London. Today, Alice Hotel stands as a stylish and playful boutique hotel, its pastel green, blue and pink walls and plush sofas creating an inviting atmosphere. Conveniently located near the oldest metro line in Europe, you can easily explore the main Christmas fairs or venture to the City Park. There, you'll find the recently reopened ice rink and Széchenyi Baths, allowing you to check off even more items from your Christmas bucket list. The hotel offers not just accommodation but a unique experience, blending history with contemporary charm. Oh, and don't miss out on their afternoon tea!

More details here.

TG Hotel Suites

TG Hotel Suites is for those looking to spend the holidays in their own cosy and fully equipped space. This centrally located apart-hotel boasts fun and vibrant apartments: 9 uniquely furnished suites, to be precise. They all give you a homely feel, but better: because you have all the needed amenities, daily housekeeping and premium textiles at hand, too. Our personal favourites are the Marble and the Jade suites, but that's just us being obsessed with the open-plan bathroom. The reason for this apart-hotel making the list is not only the fact you can host a private Christmas dinner here (which you can) but also the vicinity to the magical Christmas fair at St Stephen's Basilica.

More details and bookings here.

Full Moon Budapest

If you'd rather spend money on festive feasts, thermal baths, and prezzies instead of 5-star hotels, Full Moon Budapest is a great choice. Housed in a history-infused apartment building, this B&B offers a laidback atmosphere and simple but comfy rooms for 1-2-3-4 people. Located in the city centre, it's super easy to get around: the Parliament is only a 10-minute walk away, and the café-lined Pozsonyi út is literally on the other side of the road. However, if you take our advice, you hop on the Christmas tram instead of walking and enjoy a sightseeing tour from aboard. Then hop off at Vigadó tér and explore the Christmas market on Vörösmarty tér.

More details and bookings here. (x)