Hotel Review: Hilton Budapest – Executive Room Stay in the UNESCO World Heritage Buda Castle District with Stunning Views of the Danube River
It has been 24 years since I first visited Hungary during my solo backpacking trip around Europe as a student. This time, I had the opportunity to return on a work trip—and found myself back in Budapest after all these years.
After spending the first part of my stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Budapest City Centre, I moved over to Hilton Budapest. This was one of the Hilton properties I had long hoped to experience, so finally being able to stay here was truly a highlight for me.
If you’re considering a stay at Hilton Budapest, I’m certain you’ll be able to appreciate what makes it such a special place.
Contents
Why Hilton Budapest Is So Popular
Access
Location and Room
Executive Lounge
Breakfast
Fitness and Wellness Facilities
Rooftop Bar
Useful Informtaion
Why Hilton Budapest Is So Popular
– An Exceptional Location
Hilton Budapest enjoys a truly enviable position within the historic Castle District—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel is situated right next to Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom) and the Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya), offering guests breathtaking views over the Danube River and the Pest side of the city, including landmarks such as the Parliament Building and Chain Bridge, all visible from guest rooms and the Executive Lounge.
– A Unique Blend of History and Architecture
What makes Hilton Budapest particularly special is its historical setting. The hotel was built on the site of a 13th-century Dominican monastery, and remnants of this ancient structure have been carefully preserved and integrated into some of the rooms and public spaces. It’s rare to find a luxury hotel that incorporates authentic medieval ruins within its premises.
– A Refined and Luxurious Experience
As one of Hilton’s more prestigious properties, Hilton Budapest is known for its elegant yet understated interiors, modern amenities, and exceptional views from the Executive Lounge. Hilton Honors Gold and Diamond members can also enjoy exclusive perks such as complimentary breakfast and lounge access, adding extra value to their stay.
– Perfect for Sightseeing
Located right in the heart of the Castle District, the hotel is surrounded by major attractions within easy walking distance. This makes it an ideal base for exploring Budapest’s rich history and culture on foot.
Access
Many travellers from Japan may find it convenient to visit Budapest via Vienna. Below, I’ll explain how to reach Hilton Budapest from both Vienna by land and from Budapest Airport by air.
– From Budapest Keleti Railway Station
Direct trains from Vienna to Budapest run frequently and are very convenient. The journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, and if you book in advance, you can often find tickets for under €50.
These trains arrive at Budapest Keleti station. If you’re travelling with large luggage, the easiest option is to take a taxi from the station directly to the hotel.
It’s also possible to transfer to Metro Line M2 and get off at Széll Kálmán tér station, then take bus No. 16. However, please note that this is a small shuttle-type bus without designated space for large suitcases. While you could technically walk from the station to the hotel—climbing uphill or taking a long staircase—it’s not ideal if you’re carrying luggage.
– From Budapest Airport
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is served by direct flights from many European cities, including London, making it a convenient entry point for international travellers.
The 100E airport shuttle bus takes you to Deák Ferenc tér in the city centre in about 40 minutes and costs 2,200 HUF. While you could take a taxi from Deák Ferenc tér to the hotel, when factoring in the wait time for the bus and the need to transfer again, taking a taxi directly from the airport is ultimately the simplest and fastest option.
For more details on taxis and ride-hailing apps, please refer to the Useful Information section below.
Location and Room
Hilton Budapest enjoys a commanding position on the hills of the Castle District, offering a rare combination of historical surroundings and panoramic views over the Danube River. Many of Budapest’s key landmarks are within easy walking distance—most notably, Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church are just steps away. Staying here felt almost like being part of a living museum, right in the heart of these UNESCO-listed treasures. The convenience of returning to the hotel between sightseeing made the whole experience even more enjoyable.
The rooms are modern and calming in design, and those facing the river offer stunning night views over the Pest side of the city.
I had originally booked a King Superior Room, but as a Hilton Honors Diamond member, I was kindly upgraded to a King Executive Room with Danube River View—a delightful surprise.
Given that the hotel is located within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Castle District, I imagine most rooms offer some kind of scenic view. However, if you specifically want to admire the majestic Hungarian Parliament building rising across the river, I’d definitely recommend booking a Danube River View room to make the most of your stay.
The bathroom had not only a shower but also a bathtub. At this time of year, walking around the city all day can leave you feeling chilled to the bone. There’s nothing quite like a hot bath to loosen up your body and warm you from the inside out.
Executive Lounge
The Executive Lounge at Hilton Budapest is located on the third floor (fourth floor by Japanese floor numbering), conveniently on the same level as the room I was staying in.
This lounge is undoubtedly one of the hotel’s highlights, offering breathtaking panoramic views over the city of Budapest. From here, you can gaze out over the gently flowing Danube River and admire the grandeur of the Parliament building along the riverbank—it’s a truly moving sight. In the early evening, I enjoyed watching the sun set over the river with a glass of wine or cocktail in hand—an experience not to be missed.
As with many other Hilton properties, the lounge offers a complimentary breakfast and evening refreshments during cocktail hour. The evening selection included soup, bread, cheese, and light snacks—more than enough to serve as a light dinner if desired.
The atmosphere is quiet and refined, making it a pleasant space for reading, working, or simply relaxing.
One corner of the lounge appears to incorporate the remnants of the former Dominican monastery, which once stood on this site. With the soft light filtering through stained glass windows, the space had an almost chapel-like ambience—serene and quite unforgettable.
Breakfast
Breakfast is served in the restaurant on the ground floor, where a generous buffet spread is laid out each morning. Hot dishes such as eggs are prepared to order, so you can enjoy them freshly cooked.
Hungarian cuisine is known for its emphasis on meat, and while I don’t usually eat much in the morning, I found myself quite grateful for the selection of fresh vegetables after several days of hearty, meat-heavy meals. To my surprise, there was even miso soup available—something I hadn’t expected to see.
If you’re lucky enough to get a window-side table, you’ll be treated to beautiful views of Budapest as you dine. The breakfast room is popular, so I recommend arriving a bit early to enjoy a more relaxed start to the day. It’s a lovely way to ease into the morning.
If the main breakfast room happens to be full, guests staying in Executive Rooms or Hilton Honors Diamond members have the option of enjoying breakfast in the Executive Lounge instead. While the selection there is more limited than in the main restaurant—as is typical at Hilton properties—the calm and peaceful atmosphere makes it a wonderful alternative.
I still vividly remember how the soft morning light reflected off the river, with the Parliament building mirrored perfectly in the water—it was a truly serene and memorable start to the day.
Fitness and Wellness Facilities
Hilton Budapest offers a 24-hour fitness centre equipped with the latest training machines—an ideal setting for refreshing yourself between business meetings or sightseeing.
What truly amazed me was the view: I never expected to be working out with a direct view of the Hungarian Parliament Building right outside the window. It made even a short gym session feel quite special.
The hotel also features a sauna, perfect for unwinding and soothing tired muscles after a long journey. As Budapest is famously known for its thermal baths, I also recommend taking the opportunity to visit one of the city’s iconic spas—such as the Széchenyi Thermal Bath—for a more local and memorable wellness experience.
Rooftop Bar
Hilton Budapest is also home to the White Raven Skybar & Lounge, a rooftop bar that offers panoramic views over the city. As it operates seasonally, the bar is closed during the winter months—but if you’re visiting between spring and autumn, it’s definitely worth checking out. It looks like the perfect spot to enjoy a drink while taking in the stunning Budapest skyline.
Useful Information
One of the most helpful tips I can share from my stay in Budapest is to download the Bolt ride-hailing app before your trip. I found it incredibly convenient and reliable for getting around the city.
On one occasion, I asked the hotel to arrange a taxi for me. While I was told that card payment would be accepted, the driver later insisted on cash only. When I mentioned I didn’t have any Hungarian forints, he said euros would be fine. Caught off guard, I paid in euros without fully knowing the conversion rate—and likely paid more than I should have.
With Bolt, you can avoid these kinds of complications altogether. Prices are clear, you can pay by card in the app, and there’s no need to carry local currency or negotiate with the driver.
Download the app here:
Thank you for reading this far. If you liked this article, please give a ♡ at the bottom left.
(3 votes, average: 1.00 out of 1)Check out Hilton Budapest on booking sites>>
>>If you like what you see, why not go ahead and book your stay?
