Hotel Museum Budapest

Hotel Museum Budapest is housed in a five-story 1890 Art Nouveau building with an elegant facade. The curved corner building features two tones of bricks, elaborate window detailing, and intricate cornices. A 2015 renovation brought chic, modern sleekness to the interiors, but the property has maintained its historical architectural flourishes, such as the beautiful stone balustrade staircase. A candelabra chandelier hangs from the high ceiling of the classically elegant entryway, shining light on the checkered marble tiling. The lounge and bar areas, with wood floors, cup-shaped upholstered chairs, angular couches, geometric wallpaper accents, and mood lighting, are eclectic and modern but subdued. Staying true to its museum past, the hotel houses a small gallery, with a partial glass roof and elegant archways in a former courtyard, which holds seasonal exhibitions. Given its central location and historical pedigree, the Hotel Museum draws a wide range of guests, including couples, families, groups of friends, and business and solo travelers.

The Hotel Museum Budapest is situated on a pleasant, narrow side street in the heart of Jozsefvaros. This area, known as the Palace District (Palotanegyed), features grand, old buildings, art schools, and museums. There are a number of cafes and restaurants in the surrounding neighborhood, and the hotel is a three-minute walk to the National Museum and a six-minute walk to the historic Dohány Street Synagogue. Guests can walk to the Hungarian State Opera House (a 15-minute walk), St. Steven's Cathedral (a 17-minute walk), and Chain Bridge (a 22-minute walk). For sights farther out, Astoria Station (a four-minute walk) is a transportation hub with a metro line, tram lines, and bus lines. Via public transportation, the Hungarian Parliament Building is about a 12-minute ride from the hotel, and the Castle District can be reached in about a 20 minute trip. Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is about an hour away via public transportation, or a 30-minute drive; airport shuttle service is available through the hotel for an extra fee. 

Of the 104 rooms at the Hotel Museum Budapest, most are Standard Double or Twin Rooms (there are only 12 Superior Rooms). Renovated in 2015, rooms are tasteful and modern with a subdued color palette of gray and beige with peach accents. Wall-to-wall carpeting meets gray walls while floral accent walls highlight the beds. The furniture has peach damask slipcovers, while the laminate pieces have a nice wood-grain look. While small, the rooms, with their thin desks and wardrobes, make efficient use of space. Superior Rooms, which include studio-style sitting areas, pay tribute to modern art, with geometric wall-to-wall carpeting, abstract art over the beds, plain white walls as a backdrop, and faux-wicker seating.

All rooms have individually controlled air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, laptop-size safes, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Upgraded rooms have coffee- and tea-making facilities, bathrobes, and slippers. Guests occasionally complain about noise traveling within the hotel, although it's well insulated from street noise.

Bathrooms feature marble or beige tiling, square sinks, and standalone showers or shower/tub combos. They include individual toiletries and hairdryers. 

When it comes to features, the emphasis here seems to be on relaxation. The hotel has a lobby bar with a chic lounge area, and a pleasant breakfast room where a buffet of standard hot and cold items (eggs, bacon, pancakes, breads, cereal, cheese) is served for an extra fee. While there's no full restaurant, room service is available during limited hours.

A nice spa and wellness center includes a small, somewhat cramped gym (with a treadmill, elliptical machine, exercise bike, and free weights), a brightly tiled whirlpool surrounded by lounge chairs, a sauna, and a Turkish bath. Guests can use these services at no extra cost. A range of massage treatments, including "reflex zone massage," are available in the evening for an additional fee.

A Museum Gallery hosts new art exhibitions with every season. There are also five meeting rooms, the largest of which can hold up to 35 people. Computers and printers are available in the lobby for guests' use, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.

The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and a concierge, and staff can arrange for laundry/dry cleaning service, airport transfers, and luggage storage. Pets are allowed for an extra fee. Limited parking is available for an extra fee as well.