InterContinental Budapest

The whole of the ground floor of the Intercontinental has beautiful views of the Danube, Castle Hill, and riverside walk. The lobby area is elegant and classically decorated with velvet button-backed sofas, Biedermeier-style cherrywood furniture, and bowls of flowers. Off to one side is a bar and a white baby grand piano, where a professional pianist plays in the evenings. The artwork around the lobby includes abstract paintings in gold, rust, and black as well as carved wooden friezes by the elevator. The hotel attracts business travelers and tourists alike, and couples and families will feel at home here. 

The InterContinental is located right in the center of Pest, a 10-minute walk from St. Stephen's Basilica and a three-minute walk south of the famous Chain Bridge. On the opposite side of the bridge is Castle Hill, accessible by foot or funicular. At the top are many of the palace's old buildings which today house galleries and museums. Here you can also find Saint Mathius Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion, known for fantastic views across to the Hungarian Parliament Building. 

The Szechenyi Thermal Baths, the largest medicinal baths in Europe, are an 18-minute metro ride away from the hotel. The tram connects the hotel to the Hungarian Parliament Building in about six minutes; alternatively, the sight can be reached in about 15 minutes by foot. From here, guests can take Margaret Bridge to a park-covered island with outdoor swimming pools. Other nearby attractions include Andrassy Ut, a long boulevard lined with designer brand shops, as well as the House of Terror, a fascinating, but locally controversial, museum that explains the darker side of Hungary's 20th-century history under the Nazi and Communist regimes. 

The rooms are classic and elegant, with light-wood headboards and furniture, beige bedspreads bordered with red trim, and patterned carpets in soft shades of mauve. Each room comes with a desk, flat-screen TV, minibar, safe, and ironing board. Wi-Fi is available for a fee, but is free for IHG Rewards members -- signing up for the loyalty program is free and instant membership can easily be obtained online before a stay. Modern prints of the Budapest Castle district, which pick up on the deep-red color scheme, hang on the walls. Rooms are lit entirely by the side and floor lights, with no ceiling lights, which can make them feel a little dark in the evening, although there are desk lamps to brighten up workspaces if need be. The bathrooms are compact but chic, with wooden vanity units and black marble sinks, creamy marble wall tiles, and Agraria toiletries. Standard Rooms have walk-in showers but Superior Rooms and Suites have shower/tub combos.

River-facing rooms have stunning views across the Danube with the dome of the Royal Palace rising from Castle Hill in the background. After sunset, lights twinkle on Castle Hill and the Chain Bridge, reflecting on the water to create a beautiful, magical scene. Note that no rooms have balconies and windows only open a few inches.

The Corso Restaurant and bar has brilliant views of the Danube and the food gets great reviews from guests. The Corso Bar and Terrace's seasonal outdoor terrace has Buda Hill views and is one of the hotel’s definite plus points. The hotel's Club Lounge, free for Intercontinental Priority Club and Ambassador members of the chain's loyalty program and available for a fee for everyone else, is a relaxing spot, with velvet armchairs, glossy coffee-table books about Hungary, and views out towards the Danube and the Chain Bridge. The lounge also has computer terminals, free Wi-Fi, and international newspapers, with free drinks and snacks served throughout the day. There is also the option to eat breakfast in the lounge as a quieter alternative to the main dining room.  

There are two private treatment rooms at Intercontinental Budapest, and the spa uses Hungarian Kaviczky products which incorporate natural, organic agents, including the waters and mud of the thermal lake at Heviz. The spa often runs seasonal promotions such as couples' massage with Champagne for Valentine’s day and Mother’s Day packages. There is also a medium-sized gym with modern equipment, but the pool disappoints with its lack of natural light and modest size.