Dohany u. 42 - 44, Budapest, Hungary | (888) 635-3814
Close proximity to historic sites and metro lines
On-site spa and wellness center with gym and indoor and outdoor pools
On-site restaurant with 24-hour room service, cafe, and live piano performances
Buffet breakfast available (for a fee)
Business center
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Street noise can be heard from some rooms
Size of rooms varies considerably
Standard rooms do not include desks or work areas
Fees for on-site parking and use of the wellness center
Opened in 2010, the 272-room Continental Hotel Zara Budapest is housed in what was once a famous public bathhouse. Aspects of the original building were restored and are a prime example of Viennese Art Nouveau architecture. Inside, the accommodations are thoroughly modern. With contemporary furnishings and 21st-century amenities -- such as indoor and outdoor pools, a rooftop spa, and a business center -- the hotel caters to both business travelers and those looking to relax. The on-site restaurant and cafe with a terrace offers views into central Budapest, which is only a 15-minute walk away. Travelers whose top priorities are spa treatments may also want to check out Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest.
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Scene
Art Nouveau details and modern contemporary decor in a renovated historic bathhouse
Guests are greeted by a beautiful entrance of glass patterns and raised copper designs. The lobby, with a stained glass barrel-vaulted rotunda and marble columns, pays homage to the hotel's previous incarnation as a bathhouse. Large pieces of artwork decorate the walls, and leather club chairs dot the floor. The seating is plentiful, so guests can relax and -- on some nights -- listen to live music played on the grand piano. Low lighting and soft neutral tones throughout makes the mood warm and inviting, while the rooftop spa, open terraces, and large windowed elevator banks provide grand views of central Budapest.
Location
Great for walking to nearby historic sites, shopping, and public transportation
The Continental is located near the Danube in a historic part of Budapest, surrounded by old houses full of character as well as shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Parliament Building and Saint Stephen’s Basilica are 20 minutes away on foot. The hotel is a 15-minute walk from Vati Utca, the northern section of which offers shopping, while the the southern part is mainly for exploring local history. If guests want to venture further out, the nearest bus stop and the Blaha Lujza ter underground station are each a five-minute walk away. At the Chain Bridge, guests can venture over the Danube River, and find themselves at Buda Castle or the famous Gellert Baths. The Budapest Airport is 30 minutes away by car; alternatively, travelers can reach the airport on the metro in about an hour via the Deak Ferenc ter station, which is a 15-minute walk from the hotel.
Rooms
Functional lodging ranging from single-occupancy rooms with walk-in showers, to suites with separate living and sleeping areas
The hotel offers six different room options; all share a similar style of contemporary decor characterized by a mix of wood and leather furniture, lamps with chrome accents, and a chocolate brown palette. Amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and in-room safes. The bathrooms offer free toiletries and hair dryers.The standard is the smallest room type, and many guests traveling on business suggest upgrading to a suite, since each includes a separate living area. Guests overall often opt for a room with a tub because showers in some rooms run small. The Continental Suite has separate living and sleeping areas as well as an impressive spa-like bathroom with a big round tub and a two-person shower with seats.
Features
On-site restaurant, cafe, and rooftop wellness center
The hotel offers a wide variety of conveniences. There is a 24-hour concierge to arrange itineraries, a business center, and five conference rooms, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. The computer and printer in the main lobby are free for guest use. Underground parking is also available for a fee. The rooftop wellness center has one tiny indoor pool and a seasonal outdoor pool. There's also a fitness center with treadmills, exercise bikes, and free weights.Araz, the on-site restaurant, serves local, seasonal cuisine. Each morning, the restaurant offers a buffet-style breakfast (for a fee) with eggs, bacon, pancakes, fresh fruit, juices, tea, and coffee. For lunch and dinner, Araz offers an a la carte selection of international dishes. For a quick break, guests can head up to the Gallery cafe overlooking the grand rotunda.
