Hotel Nemzeti Budapest – MGallery by Sofitel

Occupying a stately and ornate 19th-century building, this historic upscale hotel has ties to the old National Theater that once neighbored the property (legends swirl about underground tunnels linking the two). Interiors mix this historic ambience with a more contemporary feel, melding a modern aesthetic, courtesy of sleek and stylish furniture, with impressive architectural details like elegant columns, arches, vaulted ceilings, and intricate decorative molding. A grand Carrara marble staircase is lined in plush red carpet and illuminated by atmospheric wrought-iron lamps. The breakfast room features a colorful glass ceiling. The clientele here is mainly composed of leisure travelers on a city break, but it's a fine choice for business travelers as well. 

The hotel is situated on a busy street on the city's Pest side. There are lots of dining options, bars, and shops nearby, as well as several public transportation options right outside of the hotel, including trams, buses, and a metro station directly across the street. Some of the city's top attractions like the Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes' Square, the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, St. Stephen's Basilica, the Great Market Hall, and Chain Bridge are around 10 to 20 minutes away by public transportation. Top attractions on the Buda side include Buda Castle, which can be reached in around 25 minutes via public transportation (or a 12-minute drive), and the Fisherman's Bastion with its scenic views, which can be reached in about 20 minutes via public transit (12-minute drive). Keleti station, the main train station, is a 15-minute walk away or five minutes by metro. Budapest Airport is around a 25-minute drive from the hotel or about an hour by public transit.

Rooms feature contemporary decor in two different color palettes: some are cloaked in dark grays accented by vivid red and crimson touches courtesy of carpets, pillows, and bed runners topping crisp white bedding. Other rooms are lighter in color, with soft hues like creams and whites. Sleek furniture includes desks as well as nightstands built into headboards. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, electric kettles, electronic safes, and free Wi-Fi. Junior Suites add sofas, while Suites have separate living rooms; both types of rooms also add Nespresso machines.

Bathrooms are small, but they're sleek and modern, with white tiling, bathtubs or walk-in showers, and sinks sitting atop wooden vanities -- though there's not much storage space. Bathrooms feature magnifying mirrors and wall-mounted hairdryers. Lanvin toiletries and plush robes and slippers are provided.

The hotel offers only a handful of features. Nevertheless, the few amenities provided add value to a stay here. The hotel has a cafe that serves traditional Hungarian fare for lunch and dinner, as well as a buffet breakfast in the mornings that's included in rates and gets good reviews from guests. There's also a lobby bar that serves coffee, drinks, and light bites. Room service is available. The hotel has a small, but lovely, wellness area with a sauna and steam room. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi throughout the property and two meeting/event spaces that are available for booking.