Corinthia Hotel Budapest

Opened in 1896 as the Grand Hotel Royal, the Corinthian was once favored by European royalty and society folk, and is still a grand, albeit corporate, option.

• The grand lobby
• The club level with private check-in and complimentary refreshments throughout the day
• The wide range of dining options, from Spanish tapas to traditional Hungarian cuisine.

Upon entering, the opulent 414-room Corinthia reminds of a bygone era; the grand entryway is marked by a white marble staircase and beautiful glass atrium (and the building’s Neo-classical façade is similar to that of the fictional hotel in Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel). While the luxe property, set on the leafy Elizabeth Boulevard, does not offer Danube views, it is a wonderful option for travelers who want upscale accommodations. The rooms are spacious but simplistic, and offer all the amenities of a five-star hotel. With a  $150 million refurbishment in 2004, the largest in history for a Hungarian hotel, the hotel now features five restaurants offering everything from Spanish tapas to traditional Hungarian cuisine. For those travelers who wish to be in one of the city’s most famed properties and near the National Opera House, the Corinthia is a wonderful, albeit slightly less luxurious, alternative to the Four Seasons.

For families, the indoor pool (one of few in Budapest) is a major plus, and all love the Royal Spa, which helps give truth to Budapest’s moniker as the City of Healing Waters. The exercise facilities, despite being small, are more than sufficient for those who wish to maintain their fitness regimen while traveling.

A great value option for those who cannot get into the Four Seasons and don’t mind a slightly obscure location.