The Continental Hotel Budapest is a fascinating piece of history hidden right in the city’s vibrant Jewish Quarter. Before it was a luxury hotel, the site began as the Gamperl Iron Bath in 1827, which was later destroyed by a massive flood. Reborn in 1910 as the legendary Hungária Bath, the stunning building was designed by architect Emil Ágoston, who gave it a magnificent, flowing Viennese Art Nouveau look.
What makes the property truly unique is how it reflects different eras. While the hotel fell into complete ruin and neglect during the late 20th century, it was saved by heritage protection laws and masterfully restored. Today, the design seamlessly blends Ágoston’s original Art Nouveau architecture with sleek, geometric Art Deco interiors, giving guests a sense of stepping back into the glamour of the 1920s.
Perhaps the most unexpected feature is its clever transformation of space. The hotel’s lush, green inner courtyard serves as a quiet sanctuary right in the middle of a bustling downtown district. Furthermore, the dining room and the striking, glossy domed roof of the Gallery Café pay direct homage to the building’s watery past, channeling the grand aesthetic of Budapest’s golden age of coffee houses and thermal spas.
Expert reviews
“Located in the Jewish Quarter, in its previous life the Zara was an elegant bathhouse. The 272-room hotel has art deco touches throughout, and offers great amenities for business travelers as well as for tourists.”
“With 272 large and beautifully furnished rooms and a huge atrium lobby retaining some of the original 19th-century building’s features, the major draw here is the wellness centre on the top floor and the panoramic garden with swimming pool.”
What guests liked
- Friendly staff
- Swimming pool
- Great breakfast
- Comfortable beds
- Excellent Wifi
- Top location
Location
Recent guest reviews
3 May 2026
Perfect for a weekend away
Friendly and helpful staff, lovely rooftop spa and spacious clean rooms. Was in good distance of everything
3 May 2026
Very nice hotel conveniently located & reasonably priced
Very convenient location close to the Metro & sights. Nice art deco lobby and large comfortable rooms. Breakfast was good & concierge helpful & friendly. Would recommend.
Nothing
28 April 2026
Very good
The hotel is in a great location.
In the hotel’s wellness area, guests were allowed to drink in the pool and talk loudly, and even dance in the saunas during all the days of our stay. The staff didn’t say a single word to them. In short, there was no peace and quiet there.
28 April 2026
Would recommend
Everything was good, especially breakfast. No complaints.
25 April 2026
Fabulous
The air condition didnt seem to work properly in the room. 19 degrees was the lowest it went.
24 April 2026
Brilliant stay, would highly recommend!
Great breakfast, and facilities. Staff were friendly and helpful.
Aircon in the room wasn’t the best and the room felt hot at night.
23 April 2026
Quiet luxury
Perfect location and very nice and professional staff
23 April 2026
Good but rooms were quite expensive
The location is great.
Felt it was quite expensive.
22 April 2026
Great breakfast. Great Rooms. Everything was as advertised.
Great location and the breakfast was terrific. Not as many options as some other places but it was definitely quality over quantity.
20 April 2026
Very good
Wellness and bed
Juice for breakfast, and they was not a bathrope in our room
20 April 2026
Great hotel with excellent service and good location.
Location, clean room & friendly staff.
Bed was a little to soft.
19 April 2026
Nice place
Great location, very friendly staff and nice place.
The breakfast should be more variety, and the mattress needs to be replaced.
15 April 2026
High quality hotel in historic Budapest
Very clean facility and professional, helpful staff. The breakfast buffet was excellent and is recommended, I would definitely eat there again. Nice balcony view. I would certainly return here at a future visit.
The LED TV had burned out pixels, and the bed was very soft. Neither of these were deal-breakers as I was staying just one night, and it was not a problem at all. If I had planned a multiple night stay, I would have requested possibly a different room with a firmer bed and a better TV. I still give the hotel high marks regardless of these small inconveniences.
14 April 2026
Fabulous
Lobby, restaurant
12 April 2026
Everything was great, if you don’t mind to use tram, the location is also ok.
Food and also staff service
10 April 2026
Lovely hotel but ineffective A/C resulted in an uncomfortable stay.
Positives: The hotel was immaculately clean. The indoor pool and sauna were lovely. Breakfast was good - lovely range of choices. Staff were all friendly and helpful. We felt very welcome here. Mattress was very comfy. Plenty of hot water. Good central location, great transport links. Easy to get to and from the airport. We liked having the robes for the pool. 12 pm check out was a positive.
The temperature in our room was set at a constant 25°C and we were unable to effectively change this. It was uncomfortably hot affecting our sleep and ths means I would not stay here again. We had a street facing room and there was a lot of noise. Drunks at 2am one night, building work opposite the hotel started at 5am one morning. It meant we couldn't even open the window to regulate the room temp. We were disappointed the outdoor pool was unavailable.
8 April 2026
Beautiful hotel in an historical building in the center of Budapest (Jewish quarter). 10-20min walking distance from the
Great location, beautiful historical building, good breakfast and great sauna
The mattress of the bed was too soft for my liking but my friend found it very comfortable.
6 April 2026
Exceptional
Just about everything, such a beautiful hotel and great staff
Room a little hot
6 April 2026
Exceptional
Everything
Nothing
5 April 2026
Enjoyable stay, good breakfast and polite staff
The hotel was in quite a good location and very clean. The breakfast was very good.
5 April 2026
Ideal for a Budapest city break
Location was great Staff lovely Comfy beds
Nothing it was great
4 April 2026
Everything was good
Very clean
Bad smell coming from the toilet
31 March 2026
Great place to stay in Budapest.
Fantastic staff..so helpful in all areas. Beautiful room. Really enjoyed our stay.
It was perfect
30 March 2026
Dohany is great location
I liked the Dohany location and the old atmosphere at the hotel
The breakfast good be more special. The gym also not open 24/7 which takes my freedom to go when I want away
29 March 2026
Exceptional
Everything - nothing at all negative
28 March 2026
A fantastic hotel and good value. Fully recommended.
Everything. A very comfortable hotel with helpful and charming staff. The breakfast is excellent.
There is nothing we didn’t like.
28 March 2026
Would recommend to friends.
Great location, staff were really friendly and helpful. Rooms were a decent size. Delicious breakfast with lots of choice. Gym and spa area was also a lot better than expected.
Nothing, just would have liked to use the gym before 9.
28 March 2026
Excellent hotel with great staff and very clean & comfortable accommodation.
We were upgraded on arrival which was very welcomed after long haul flights from Australia. The room was spacious, very clean and comfortable. Staff were excellent and extremely helpful. Breakfast was busy but food good quality. Lovely historic building in good central location. Special mention to Lethel? in the bar for his friendly service. Great value for money as well.
Nothing.
28 March 2026
Fabulous
Location was good - close to centre. Staff were friendly and efficient. Wide selection of food available for breakfast
No complaints
24 March 2026
Excellent hotel in great location
Perfect location, friendly staff and really lovely hotel. Really good selection of food at breakfast. The signature Continental cocktail was great
23 March 2026
Great stay, lovely hotel, welcoming staff, good breakfast
The property was really lovely, with an interesting history. Very clean, nice feel. The staff made you feel very welcome. The breakfast was fantastic! It catered for so many different tastes and cultures. All in all we were very happy!
I didn’t find anything I didn’t like
22 March 2026
Exceptional
It was just amazing, people were nice reception people, baggage clerk person everyone! Pool and sauna are clean and modern Small hickup by noisy neighbor we asked for a change and it was smooth and just taken care by nice people Breakfast was really good too!!! Live piano at the bar was really nice too
Nothing
20 March 2026
Fabulous
Very nice quality accomodation in the center of Budapest.
Somewhat expensive.
18 March 2026
Would most definitely recommend this hotel. Will be back. Decor is beautiful also. Love the front
Hotel is beautiful. Staff very helpful. Location is ideal. Breakfast was really lovely with great selection
Maybe leaflet with directions to attractions. Not a fault but just a helpful thing
18 March 2026
Exceptional
The hotel is exceptionally clean and well-maintained. It has a pleasant fragrance throughout the entire space, which creates a very welcoming atmosphere. There is a designated smoking area inside the hotel, located in a small garden filled with greenery. The breakfast was delicious and varied, and I believe it’s definitely worth including with your stay. The hotel also features a lovely gallery where you can enjoy a drink. Considering the chaotic day we had, we felt very comfortable and were able to rest well. On the rooftop, there are both indoor and outdoor pools. There is also a salt room and a sauna, all well-equipped with everything you might need. We didn’t use the gym or massage services. We would definitely love to come back. Highly recommended hotel.
9 March 2026
Fabulous
Location and space of the rooms and shower / toilet.
No air con during winter which meant had to have windows open and hear street noise. Wasn’t too bad but a weird one.
8 March 2026
Lovely day
It’s was great stay as always
Management
7 March 2026
Good service, good atmosphere, gorgeous hotel.
I really couldn't fault this hotel on anything. The breakfast was fantastic, and the staff were unbelievably helpful and friendly without ever being intrusive. It was clear that they enjoyed working there, which says a lot. The door to the entrance lobby was also pretty stunning if you like Secession architecture! I'd go back again tomorrow.
I'm sure I could find something, to say, but I think I'd be nit-picking
5 March 2026
Overall a good hotel and location, building temperature system needs modernisation
Immaculate clean, comfortable bed, good spa facilities, staff friendly and attentive.
Room temperature was too hot, the building was on heat and not air conditioning, resulting in the room being uncomfortably warm.
5 March 2026
Very good
centrally located, friendly staff
nothing
3 March 2026
Fabulous
The attentive staff and the comfort of the hotel gives me reason to return.
Our temperature control simply didn't function, so it was quite warm. Otherwise, everything was great.
1 March 2026
A Wonderful Stay
I had a wonderful stay at this hotel. The rooms were clean, spacious, and very comfortable. The staff were friendly, welcoming, and always ready to help with anything I needed. The location was perfect — close to shops and attractions but still quiet and relaxing. I especially enjoyed the delicious breakfast and the beautiful atmosphere throughout the hotel. Overall, it was a great experience, and I would definitely stay here again.
1 March 2026
I could recommend this hotel to anyone
Its location was excellent and the breakfast was first class.
Room was very warm
1 March 2026
Exceptional
Very polite and pleasant personnel. Good vibes in the hotel. Rooms are clean , food is good, the hall is a place to chill (listening to live piano in the evening) + sauna / pool are also welcome after day of walking in the city. + for my birthday they offered me a glass of wine in the bar and put some macarons in the room 👍🎉
1 March 2026
Amazing value for money. A must stay.
The staff especially one partially porter didn’t get his name but he’s 60 in May (we were celebrating my husbands 60th so they got chatting) and all of front of house were very friendly, polite and beyond helpful. Would recommend this hotel the location was amazing, the rooms were very comfortable and clean and the breakfast was delicious and such a good choice for everyone’s taste. Would definitely go back.
28 February 2026
Exceptional
Staff lovely and helpful
Beds a bit too soft
26 February 2026
Excellent experience
Luxurious and comfortable, excellent breakfast and great location right in the Jewish quarter
/
26 February 2026
Fabulous hotel ,everything there is perfect,and the staff are nice ,the location also is close to everything
Everything
Nothing
25 February 2026
Fabulous
Small room, noisy location, but room clean and breakfast good, very happy
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - 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)
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out (additional charge)
- - Tour desk
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
- - Private check-in/check-out
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Sauna
- - Fitness centre
- - Spa and wellness centre
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Indoor pool
- - Indoor pool (all year)
- - Open-air bath
- - Spa facilities
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Fitness
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
- - Themed dinner nights (additional charge)
- - Happy hour (additional charge)
- - Live music/performance
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor pool
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor pool (seasonal)
- - Outdoor furniture
Entertainment & family services
- - Babysitting/child services (additional charge)
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Electric vehicle charging station
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
- - Toilet with grab rails
- - Raised toilet
Pool and wellness
- - Rooftop pool
- - Heated pool
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Swimming pool
- - Swimming pool
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Thermometers for guests provided by property

More photos

3 May 2026
Fabulous