Danubius Hotel Gellert

The historic Danubius Hotel Gellert (or Hotel Gellert), housed in an ornate Secession-style, Art Nouveau building, first opened its doors in 1918, and has seen its share of famous visitors. It's connected to the iconic Gellert Thermal Baths and Spa, built during the same period. Some of its elegance is fading -- the last complete renovation was in the 1970s -- but the rooms and common areas are slowly being updated. 

Throughout the hotel, red rugs and upholstery pair with marble and wood accents. In the lobby, marble floors, walls, and columns are set against a wood reception desk and wood doorways, while wrought-iron railings are in classic Art Nouveau style. Square couches and armchairs rim a circular red rug, and a marble stairway leads to a four-panel stained glass window on the landing. Gellert Espresso, which serves coffee and pastries, features hanging chandelier lights and mosaic marble columns, while the refurbished Gellert Brasserie offers country style with a checkerboard tile floor, chalkboard wall menus, a mix of wood and marble tables, and funky upholstered seating. The hotel's central location and landmark status draws guests across the spectrum -- couples, families, groups of friends, solo and business travelers.

Connected to the historic Gellért Thermal Bath complex, the Danubius Hotel Gellert sits at the base of the Citadella on a busy road that runs parallel to the Danube. It's on the Buda side of the city, right at the end of Liberty Bridge leading to the Pest side. A short walk across the bridge leads to Central Market Hall. Several transportation links are right outside the hotel's front door, including the Szent Gellért subway stop and the tram stop. A host of restaurants are within walking distance along the main road leading to the hotel. Most of the city's major tourist attractions are bit of a hike, but they're generally reachable via public transportation in 20 minutes or less.

• One-minute walk to Szent Gellért subway stop and the tram stop
• Seven-minute walk to Central Market Hall.
• 10 minutes to Deak Ferenc Square via public transportation
• 12 minutes to Vigado Concert Hall via public transportation
• 13 minutes to Chain Bridge via public transportation
• 16 minutes to Castle District via public transportation
• 17 minutes to St. Stephen's Basilica via public transportation
• 17 minutes to Hungarian State Opera via public transportation
• 18 minutes to Parliament Building via public transportation
• 20 minutes to Buda Castle via public transportation
• One hour to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport via public transportation (30-minute drive)

The 221 rooms at the Danubius Hotel Gellert are dated, but renovations are in the works. As of late March 2016, 50 of the hotel's 221 rooms (which include 13 suites) had undergone renovation, with more updating scheduled. Standard Rooms can be particularly spare, dated, and small, with the Economy Singles measuring about 120 square feet and the Economy Doubles measuring about 250 square feet. These rooms can feature patterned wall-to-wall carpeting, beige walls, wood furniture, radiator heating, and patterned bedding that looks as if it belongs in an '80s motel. Patterned beige-tile bathrooms might include shower/tub combos. Upgraded rooms tend to have more stylish vintage furniture and more accents, such as chandelier lighting or fringed lampshades.

Not all rooms are air-conditioned, and those that are tend to have noisy portable units. All rooms include flat-screen TVs with pay-per-view channels, minibars (in most rooms), and free Wi-Fi. Note that rooms do not have coffee- and tea-making facilities. Bathrooms come with robes, hairdryers, and soap dispensers. Guests have complained about noise from the nearby tram, particularly those in street-facing rooms. Higher-floor rooms facing the river have the best views.

Aside from its charm and Old World atmosphere, the hotel's standout feature is its connection to the historic Gellert thermal baths. Guests get one free pass to the spa, along with a 50 percent discount for subsequent visits. The historic spa has a host of features, including indoor and outdoor pools, a whirlpool, thermal baths, a steam room, a sauna, and massage and beauty services. (Guests should note that swim caps are required in the thermal pools.)

The hotel has several dining options, including the Torley Bar in the lobby, which stays open late, the Gellert Espresso, a coffee shop with homemade cakes and pastries, and the Gellert Brasserie, a stylish casual restaurant serving lunch and dinner. Fine dining is available at the Panorama Restaurant, which serves Hungarian fare for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. The restaurant has great views, and guests tend to find the food tasty and a good value. Outdoor terrace seating is available. The hotel includes a daily breakfast buffet in the room rate, which offers a range of hot and cold items, including made-to-order omelets. 

The property also has a gift shop, ATM machine, and hair salon. Children are welcome, and the hotel offers high chairs and cribs, and childcare can be arranged. Pet are allowed for an extra fee. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and a concierge. Airport transfers are available for an extra fee and discounted off-site parking is available nearby. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.