If you ever find yourself strolling down Budapest’s Grand Boulevard, it’s hard to miss the jaw-dropping facade of the Corinthia Hotel. Opened back in 1896 as the Grand Hotel Royal to welcome guests for the city’s Millennium Exhibition, this place was the peak of French Renaissance luxury. It was so ahead of its time that it featured “rising rooms” (elevators) powered by steam engines and telephones in every room.
The hotel quickly became a massive cultural hub where the iconic Lumière brothers hosted the very first motion-picture screening in Budapest. Legendary composer Béla Bartók regularly conducted concerts in the gorgeous Grand Ballroom. Later, when ballroom dancing took a backseat, that exact space was converted into the city’s first proper movie theater.
The building’s crown jewel might actually be the Royal Spa, which was designed by architect Vilmos Freund and actually pre-dates the hotel itself. It almost got demolished in the 1980s to build a parking lot, but thank goodness it was saved. Today, it’s a stunning Art Deco oasis featuring a 15-meter swimming pool underneath a beautiful stained-glass ceiling.
If the architecture gives you a heavy dose of cinematic nostalgia, there is a good reason for it. Director Wes Anderson and his team spent time at the Corinthia researching archives before filming *The Grand Budapest Hotel*. Between its rich history and symmetrical, tiered staircases, it’s pretty easy to see where that movie magic came from.
Expert reviews
“The Corinthia first opened as the luxurious Grand Royal Hotel in time for the Magyar Millennium in 1896, and, despite being destroyed during Hungary’s 1956 revolution, it’s just as luxurious today.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Budapest.
“Set on the Grand Boulevard at the pulsing heart of the Hungarian capital, Corinthia Budapest blends the old and the new flawlessly. The original Neoclassical façade left over the historic 19th-century hotel merges nicely with the renovated rooms, suites and halls.”
“When the Corinthia first opened on busy Erzsébet boulevard in 1896 it was the city’s most luxurious hotel, favored by celebrities and royalty. It has been beautifully restored, and its 414 rooms (with marble bathrooms) are a welcome refuge after a day of exploring.”
“The impeccable Corinthia embodies true Old World opulence. There are inner courtyards with natural light streaming in from glass and wrought-iron ceilings, creating an impression of infinite space.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Budapest.
“The Corinthia carries itself with an effortless grace that no other five-star in Budapest quite matches. Its wide spaces, light marble colouring and glass-covered atriums give a lovely airy feel to the public spaces, and there’s nothing frilly or overly fussy in the design.”
What guests liked
- Friendly staff
- Breakfast buffet
- Comfortable beds
- Beautiful hotel
- Boutique style
Location
Recent guest reviews
12 June 2026
Stunning hotel and spa
Beautiful place and rooms were gorgeous
The jacuzzi wasn’t warm but apart from that the spa was gorgeous
11 June 2026
Fantastic venue, great rooms, great price!
Awesome venue
10 June 2026
This was our 2nd stay at the Corinthia, enjoyed it very much. Easy to get to location.
Beautiful hotel, comfortable beds and good size rooms. Breakfast was included with our room booking, which was very good a wide selection of food available, both hot and cold. We enjoyed the Royal Spa steam room and sauna as wel as the pool.
8 June 2026
Grand hotel that is definitely 5 stars.
Beautiful lobby, lovely spa area and the rooms were very nice.
7 June 2026
Would stay in a higher room away from the atrium center. Lovely hotel!
Beautiful and elegant in a very comfortable manner.
When people were loud in the atrium below our room, it woke me up from a much needed sleep and recovery from traveling. At 7:30 am they were talking loudly and laughing in a group. Sound travels up.
5 June 2026
Amazing hotel! Excellent location!
Beautiful hotel
You have to pay extra to use the spa
31 May 2026
We enjoyed our stay
Very stylish. A proper grand hotel. Excellent breakfast.
Rooms were a little small for the price. I had a superior and it wasn’t a lot bigger than a premier inn superior. The shower was not what I’d expect from such a hotel
30 May 2026
Fantastic Hotel with Beautiful Food and Lounge Access
Beautiful Hotel in a fantastic location - the breakfast is amazing and the lounge is outstanding
N/A
24 May 2026
Would definitely stay here again
The beauty of the building
The staff are so helpful & extremely polite
24 May 2026
Wonderful hotel in a great location
A beautiful building with wonderful interiors. The location was super central. The spa was very relaxing and the ambience was amazing. We really enjoyed our stay.
Nothing
24 May 2026
Make sure to book a renovated room with spa access
Very well located, helpful staff and good breakfast
The rooms that are unrenovated are outdated and a bit shabby. It is also not apparent the only certain room types include pool/spa access
23 May 2026
Staff was very accommodating. They even packed a breakfast bag to go for our early morning flight.
Beautiful, historic building. Centrally located, walking distance to restaurants, attractions and shops
20 May 2026
Welcoming staff, a beautiful building, and maintenance that could be improved.
We found the Corinthia Budapest to be a large, elegant building that has undergone full restoration. Spacious and comfortable room, high-quality spa, and rich breakfast. Convenient location, close to the M1 and the tram. Above all, the staff were welcoming, patient, and courteous.
The bathroom was somewhat dark. Housekeeping was not systematic or thorough: at one point the bath mat was missing, the glasses were not washed, the towels were not replaced, and behind the luggage bench we found two pairs of socks left by a previous guest.
We checked in late, close to midnight, and were very disappointed to discover that the sink was clogged. Because of the late hour, we had to use the bathtub faucet instead. The next day, after we reported it, the problem was handled without delay. Another issue was the toilet flush tank, which was not functioning properly.
18 May 2026
comfort in a historic hotel
Great location comfortable room adequate breakfast, spa looked great
maids could have done a better job. Short towels sometimes
17 May 2026
great loction, great breakfast , location needs adaption
Breakfast was excellent, the location and architecture meets "classic" and was restored appropriate. Till here definitly our support. The room we used was quiet, abroad.
Price tag on booking.com statef at 833 €, we ended up at 1050€ wll, we added a 2 our spa visit. Costing 30€, there has not been tarifs in between.. Why?, an schedule based (on hours) would be convenient.
Carpets need renovation... sorry for 300€ a day this is i the rooms essential
15 May 2026
Excellent, highly recommended
Location
Great hotel 5 star
All was good
14 May 2026
An elegant and superb stay — our go-to place in Budapest from now on.
Our stay at Corinthia Budapest was absolutely exceptional. The hotel is stunning, elegant, and luxurious in every detail. The staff were incredibly professional, warm, and attentive, making us feel welcome from the very first moment.🙏 A thousand thanks to Ana from the spa for her professionalism, care, and wonderful positive energy — it was an incredibly relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Special thanks as well to Mr. Mihăiță from the Executive Club Lounge for his kindness, attention to detail, and impeccable service.
Thanks to these amazing people, our stay became truly memorable.♥️✨
12 May 2026
Would certainly return
Spacious, clean and very specially breakfast. Abundance spread out.
Rooms slightly outdated decor
11 May 2026
Had a lovely stay in a beautiful city
Breakfast was poor
Rooms were very comfortable and spacious
Lovely bathroom
The spa
Beds in the relaxing area were not maintained
There did not appear to be any staff overseeing the area
11 May 2026
The hotel's location is good, the breakfast is excellent, the rooms are clean, but I have described my disadvantages
Very good location of the hotel in the city center with convenient parking
Unfortunately, the staff does not know many of their rules. For example, one girl at the reception said that children under 12 should also pay for breakfast. However, later another receptionist guy said that children under 12 years old do not have to pay for breakfast. The same thing happened with parking. One employee said that you can pay at the parking lot itself, another said that you need to pay at the reception. Such ignorance does not add to the solidity of the hotel. I understand perfectly well that this is not a family hotel. But it's unfair to let the kids go to the spa only until 3 p.m. One room is called superior, and the other deluxe, but in fact they are two identical rooms.
11 May 2026
Hands down one of the best hotels I’ve stayed in.
I loved everything about this hotel, exceptional staff, customer service, the facilities, cleanliness, the interior decor. Chef’s kiss🫰🏼
Nothing, I would have extended my stay if I could!
11 May 2026
Excellent accommodation for the money
All the meals were amazing. And the location was central.
There was nothing I would change
9 May 2026
Great location and it’s worth upgrading to the Executive lounge😊
Great location and we opted for the Executive lounge which was excellent. Staff were friendly and accommodating.
Nothing really.
9 May 2026
Staff very friendly and helpful overall an enjoyable stay
Beautiful interior and Spa area
Breakfast very good
Overall food at hotel very good and wine also good.
Staff very accommodating and professional. Good service!
The bedrooms were not as clean as they should have been.
8 May 2026
Booking.com advised of tours and trips - recommend the Pest & Parl tour and the Ruin Bars
Room was very good with very comfortable bed, bathroom layout and faculties
Everything was just right
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Snack bar
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Kids' meals (additional charge)
- - Kid-friendly buffet
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits (additional charge)
- - Coffee house on site
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Soundproof rooms
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
- - Airport shuttle (additional charge)
- - Pet bowls
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre (additional charge)
- - Fax/photocopying
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Sauna
- - Fitness centre
- - Spa & wellness centre (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Hot tub/Jacuzzi (additional charge)
- - Indoor pool (additional charge)
- - Indoor pool (all year) (additional charge)
- - Evening entertainment
- - Public bath (additional charge)
- - Spa facilities
- - Steam room
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Fitness
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
- - Happy hour (additional charge)
- - Live music/performance
- - Bicycle rental (additional charge)
Outdoors
- - Garden
Entertainment & family services
- - Babysitting/child services (additional charge)
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Parking garage
- - Electric vehicle charging station
- - Accessible parking
Transport
- - Public transport tickets (additional charge)
- - Airport pick up (additional charge)
- - Airport drop off (additional charge)
Pool and wellness
- - Swimming pool
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key access
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers

More photos

15 June 2026
Stay was alright