Sofitel Budapest Chain Bridge

Built in 1982, the Sofitel Budapest Chain Bridge Hotel is situated in an eight-story, rectangular building with protruding windows and a white-and-brown facade that smacks of the 1980s. The spacious lobby is the hotel's most impressive architectural feature, with a naturally-lit central atrium rising the height of the hotel, each story with an open-air hallway that surrounds and overlooks the lobby. A faux prop plane hangs from the ceiling, while slatted metal accents and planters on each floor create a welcoming display. On the ground floor, white and rich-brown wood is accented by red carpets that highlight individual seating areas. Fresh and modern, this open space bustles with guests checking in or taking a break. Wooden stairs rise to a second-story restaurant that also takes advantage of the open atrium. Decor here includes a faux waterfall made of hanging crystals, brown-wood floors, and modern pink-and-red velvety chairs. Impressive as it all is, the lobby still has the impersonal ambience of a chain-hotel. With its central location and host of leisure and business amenities, the hotel draws both tourists and business travelers.

The hotel is conveniently located on a busy road in the heart of Budapest, across from Roosevelt Square and a block from the Danube River. With its nightlife, restaurants, waterfront, and city sights in walking distance, the hotel attracts a large number of tourists headed to sights such as St. Stephen’s Basilica (eight-minute walk), Parliament (14-minute walk), and the State Opera House (12-minute walk). Right across the river, over the Chain Bridge, sits Buda Castle (18-minute walk) and the Castle District (20-minute walk). For sights farther out, the nearest tram line is a two-minute walk from the hotel, and the metro is five minutes away. Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is 25-minutes away by car, without traffic.

The Sofitel Budapest's 357 rooms, 54 of which are suites, are tastefully decorated, with wine-colored wall-to-wall carpeting, white walls, Deco-inspired furniture and deep-rose accents. Bathrooms are more luxurious, with beige marble floors and walls, granite-topped vanities, bathtubs and separate showers. They include magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and Hermes or Lanvin toiletries. Entry-level rooms, located on lower floors, measure 300 square feet and include one queen or two single beds. They include 40-inch LED TVs, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee service, and minibars. Suites add Nespresso machines and Bose sound systems. All rooms are air-conditioned with individual temperature control and include free mineral water, work desks, wardrobes, irons, and safes. Guests on lower floors have occasionally reported outside noise or vibrations from nearby nightlife, so light sleepers might want to request higher-floor rooms. Many rooms have spectacular views, and guests rave in particular about the river views from the higher floors, which include the Chain Bridge and Castle District. 

The Sofitel Budapest has a 40-foot heated indoor pool in a pleasant though windowless room, a chic spa offering massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures, and a sauna. A small but stylish fitness center offers a few weight machines, along with three treadmills and two ellipticals outfitted with individual screens. The hotel's two restaurants include the modern Paris Budapest Restaurant and Bar that serves French and Hungarian cuisine and has a large wine selection, and offers outdoor terrace seating in the summer. The lobby's Terrasse Restaurant serves a breakfast buffet with omelets cooked to order (though it's not included in the room rate) and Sunday brunch. Room service is available 24 hours a day.The hotel is also host to an attached casino, and has 17 meeting and event rooms, including a Board Dining Room and a Ballroom, with audio-visual equipment available. A small business center includes two computers for guests' use along with a printer/copier. Office services and faxing are also available. On-site valet parking is available, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.