Budapest is full of hotels that try way too hard to be "imperial." You know the type—gold leaf everywhere, stiff staff in white gloves, and a vibe that makes you feel like you shouldn't touch the furniture. But then there’s the Continental Hotel Budapest. It sits on Dohány Street, right in the heart of the old Jewish Quarter, and it feels different. It’s built on the bones of the legendary Hungária Bath, and honestly, you can still feel that history in the walls.
It’s a weird mix of Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and "cool urban sanctuary."
Most people just book it because the photos of the rooftop pool look great. And they are. But there is a lot more going on here than just a nice view of the skyline. If you’re planning a trip to the Hungarian capital, you need to know what you’re actually getting into with this place.
The Story Behind the Facade
The site wasn't always a hotel. Back in the early 19th century, this was the Hungária Bath. It was a massive deal. People came from all over the city to soak in the mineral waters. Then, in the 1920s, part of it became the Continental Hotel.
The building almost didn't make it. During the Soviet era and the subsequent decades, it fell into massive disrepair. It was basically a ruin. I’m talking trees growing through the roof and crumbling masonry. It’s a miracle it was restored at all. When the ZeinaHotels group took it over and reopened it in 2010, they kept the original Art Nouveau facade. It’s stunning. You walk through these massive glass doors and immediately realize this isn't a cookie-cutter Hilton or Marriott.
What it’s Like to Actually Stay at Continental Hotel Budapest
The lobby is huge. It’s an atrium that stretches up several floors, letting in a ton of natural light. It feels airy. Some hotels in Budapest can feel a bit claustrophobic because the buildings are so old and the streets are narrow, but not here.
The rooms? They’re "standard luxury." Expect dark woods, warm tones, and Art Deco patterns.
One thing to keep in mind: the street noise. The Jewish Quarter is the nightlife hub of Budapest. It’s loud. If you get a room facing Dohány Street, you might hear the hum of the city. If you want peace, ask for a room facing the inner courtyard. It’s significantly quieter. The beds are famously comfortable—thick mattresses and high-quality linens. You’ll sleep well unless the person in the next room is slamming doors.
The Food Situation
The on-site restaurant is called ARAZ. It’s led by Chef Áron Barka.
Honestly, the menu is a bit of a gamble if you’re looking for "authentic" Hungarian street food. It’s more "elevated" Hungarian-French fusion. You can get a classic Goulash, sure, but it’s going to be the fanciest version you’ve ever seen. The breakfast buffet is massive. We’re talking honeycomb, local cheeses, sparkling wine, and an omelet station. It’s easy to spend two hours just eating breakfast and staring at the architecture.
That Rooftop Pool
Let’s talk about the wellness center. It’s on the top floor.
There is an indoor pool and an outdoor pool. The outdoor one is the star. It’s not huge—don’t expect to run laps—but sitting in that water while looking out over the rooftops of District VII is one of those "I’ve made it" moments. They also have a Finnish sauna, an infra-sauna, and a steam room.
It gets busy. If you go at 5:00 PM, you’ll be sharing the water with ten other people trying to take the same Instagram photo. Go early in the morning or right before it closes to actually relax.
The Neighborhood (District VII)
Location is everything. The Continental Hotel Budapest puts you right in the middle of the Seventh District.
This is the Jewish Quarter. It’s gritty, it’s historic, and it’s where all the ruin bars are. You are a five-minute walk from Szimpla Kert, the most famous ruin bar in the world. You’re also right near the Dohány Street Synagogue, which is the largest in Europe.
The contrast is wild. One minute you’re looking at a somber, beautiful religious monument, and the next you’re walking past a wall covered in street art and a line of people waiting for "street food" burgers. It’s the most vibrant part of the city. If you want to be where the action is, this is it. If you want a quiet, leafy residential neighborhood, you should probably stay in Buda instead.
Dealing with the "Green" Aspect
The hotel prides itself on being a "Green Hotel." This means they have some eco-friendly initiatives.
Sometimes this translates to things like sensors that turn off the AC when you open the window. It’s great for the planet, but it can be annoying if you just want the room at a steady 20°C and you’re popping in and out of the balcony. Just something to be aware of.
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Getting Around
Public transport in Budapest is incredible. You don't need a car.
- Metro: The M2 (Red line) is close by at Blaha Lujza tér.
- Trams: The 4 and 6 trams—the busiest in the city—run 24/7 and are just a short walk away.
- Walking: You can walk to Deák Ferenc tér (the city center) in about 10-15 minutes.
Is it Worth the Price Tag?
Budapest has become more expensive lately. The Continental isn't a budget hostel, but it’s also not the Four Seasons Gresham Palace. It sits in that "premium mid-range" sweet spot.
You’re paying for the history, the rooftop access, and the location. Is it perfect? No. Sometimes the elevators are slow. Sometimes the front desk gets swamped during check-in. But for a building that was once a ruin, it’s a spectacular success. It feels like a piece of the city's soul was saved.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you decide to book, do these three things to make the experience better.
First, email the hotel a few days before you arrive and request a room on a higher floor. The views are better and the street noise is muffled.
Second, don't just eat at the hotel. Walk two blocks into the side streets of the Jewish Quarter. Find a place like Mazel Tov for Mediterranean-Jewish fusion or get a lángos from a local stall. The hotel food is good, but the neighborhood food is legendary.
Third, use the spa on a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon. Most tourists are out sightseeing then, and you might actually get the sauna to yourself.
Finally, check out the courtyard. It’s easy to miss if you’re just rushing to the elevators, but it’s a beautifully designed space that feels worlds away from the chaotic traffic on the main road outside.
Budapest is a city that rewards those who look closely at the details. The Continental Hotel is exactly that—a collection of historical details wrapped in a modern luxury package. It’s not just a place to sleep; it’s a way to inhabit the history of the city for a few nights. Just don't forget your swimsuit for that rooftop.