Continental Hotel Budapest

Guests are greeted by a beautiful entrance of glass patterns and raised copper designs. The lobby, with a stained glass barrel-vaulted rotunda and marble columns, pays homage to the hotel's previous incarnation as a bathhouse. Large pieces of artwork decorate the walls, and leather club chairs dot the floor. The seating is plentiful, so guests can relax and -- on some nights -- listen to live music played on the grand piano. Low lighting and soft neutral tones throughout makes the mood warm and inviting, while the rooftop spa, open terraces, and large windowed elevator banks provide grand views of central Budapest.

The Continental is located near the Danube in a historic part of Budapest, surrounded by old houses full of character as well as shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Parliament Building and Saint Stephen’s Basilica are 20 minutes away on foot. The hotel is a 15-minute walk from Vati Utca, the northern section of which offers shopping, while the the southern part is mainly for exploring local history. If guests want to venture further out, the nearest bus stop and the Blaha Lujza ter underground station are each a five-minute walk away. At the Chain Bridge, guests can venture over the Danube River, and find themselves at Buda Castle or the famous Gellert Baths. The Budapest Airport is 30 minutes away by car; alternatively, travelers can reach the airport on the metro in about an hour via the Deak Ferenc ter station, which is a 15-minute walk from the hotel.

The hotel offers six different room options; all share a similar style of contemporary decor characterized by a mix of wood and leather furniture, lamps with chrome accents, and a chocolate brown palette. Amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and in-room safes. The bathrooms offer free toiletries and hair dryers.

The standard is the smallest room type, and many guests traveling on business suggest upgrading to a suite, since each includes a separate living area. Guests overall often opt for a room with a tub because showers in some rooms run small. The Continental Suite has separate living and sleeping areas as well as an impressive spa-like bathroom with a big round tub and a two-person shower with seats.

The hotel offers a wide variety of conveniences. There is a 24-hour concierge to arrange itineraries, a business center, and five conference rooms, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. The computer and printer in the main lobby are free for guest use. Underground parking is also available for a fee. The rooftop wellness center has one tiny indoor pool and a seasonal outdoor pool. There's also a fitness center with treadmills, exercise bikes, and free weights.

Araz, the on-site restaurant, serves local, seasonal cuisine. Each morning, the restaurant offers a buffet-style breakfast (for a fee) with eggs, bacon, pancakes, fresh fruit, juices, tea, and coffee. For lunch and dinner, Araz offers an a la carte selection of international dishes. For a quick break, guests can head up to the Gallery cafe overlooking the grand rotunda.