Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Budapest

Though it's located on the outskirts of Budapest, this mid-range hotel is the best bet for families with little ones. 32 Studios include kitchenettes with double-burner stovetops, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and microwaves. There are also 45 cottages with full kitchens and saunas. For fun, families can make use of the indoor and outdoor (seasonal) swimming pools and a playground. Free breakfast is served in the restaurant, which also has a kids' play area with a chalkboard easel and toys, plus a full bar for parents.

Though the word "spa" in the hotel's name may lead families to believe they won't be welcome, the Danubius Health Spa Resort is actually quite popular with families. The mid-range complex, located in Budapest's 13th district near the Danube River shore, has a full spa with a variety of thermal baths and a salt room. Meals are served buffet style or a la carte, which is convenient for hungry kids who don't want to wait to eat. Rooms are on the dated side, but Apartments have separate bedrooms and living spaces, plus bathtubs and balconies.

For well-heeled families (with older kids) the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace is a solid choice. The ambience is luxurious but friendly, and there are beautiful rooms with twin beds for kids to share. Kids under five eat for free, but the lap pool is more for exercise than splashing. The hotel is in a great location for reaching the key tourist hot spots on both sides of the Danube, it's a seven-minute walk to St. Stephen’s Basilica. Babysitting services are available for an extra fee.

The three-and-a-half pearl InterContinental Budapest includes a Deluxe Family Suite set with two beds and a living room area with a flat-screen TV. The family-friendly bathroom features a bathtub and separate stall shower. There's an indoor pool, though it's a bit small and lacks natural light. 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, which is super convenient. On-site Corso Restaurant serves decadent dishes for adults like potato curry, while mashed potatoes and chocolate souffle will make kids happy.

Free breakfast in the morning and free hot chocolate in the evenings almost guarantees a happy start and end to most kids' days. There's an apartment-style room with a double bed and two twin beds, along with a kitchenette complete with a microwave, two burners, mini-fridge, coffeemaker, and cooking gear. Parents won't have to worry about traffic, as the hotel is located on a pedestrian-only street lined with restaurants and bars, about a five-minute walk from the Opera House. Though there is a spa and whirlpool, the facilities are geared towards adults, not little ones, bumping this upper-middle-range hotel down on our list.

Fraser Residence Budapest is small but charming, and caters to families. Large, upscale apartment-style rooms come with fully equipped kitchens, washer and dryers, and balconies. The hotel has an outdoor patio, a garden, and a rooftop terrace, as well as a bright breakfast room where a continental breakfast buffet is served for a fee. Corvin Plaza, an indoor mall, is about a three-minute walk from the hotel. There isn't a pool or facilities for kids, but the ambience is welcoming and kids won't feel out of place.