You’re standing on the Pest side of the Danube, looking at a building that looks, frankly, like most other modern blocks in this part of town. But inside, there is a weird, bright energy that feels more like a creative workshop than a budget hotel. Honestly, ibis Styles Budapest City is one of those places that people either dismiss as "just another chain" or fall in love with because it doesn’t try to be a museum.
Most travelers make a huge mistake when booking here. They assume "City" means it's right next to the Parliament building. It’s not. But if you know how the tram system works, you’ve basically hacked the city.
The Location "Problem" That Actually Isn't One
If you look at a map, ibis Styles Budapest City sits at Soroksári út 12. To a first-timer, this feels "out of the way." You aren't in the middle of the District VII ruin bars. You aren't stepping out onto Váci utca.
But here is the reality: the hotel is right at Boráros tér. This is a massive transit hub. You have the 4 and 6 trams—the veins of Budapest—running 24/7. You also have the No. 2 tram, which National Geographic once called one of the most beautiful tram rides in the world. It follows the river directly to the Parliament and the Chain Bridge.
Basically, you’re paying half the price of a riverside luxury hotel but getting the exact same view on your five-minute commute.
The hotel overlooks the Danube and Gellért Hill. If you get a room on the higher floors facing the street, the view is legit. Yes, the street is busy. Yes, there is traffic. But the double glazing is surprisingly beefy. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a courtyard room, but you’ll lose that sunset over the Buda side, which—kinda—is the whole point of staying by the river.
Inside the Design: Why There Are Bikes Everywhere
The "Styles" branding under the Accor umbrella means every hotel has a theme. This one? It’s all about cycling.
You’ll see bike gears on the walls, bright yellow accents, and weirdly cheerful furniture. It’s energetic. Some might call it "quirky" (the most overused word in travel), but it’s really just a way to make a 3-star hotel feel less like a hospital corridor.
The rooms are standard ibis size—compact. Don't expect a ballroom. You get the "Sweet Bed," which is genuinely one of the most comfortable mattresses in the budget sector. People talk about these beds in reviews like they’re some kind of secret magic.
- WiFi: Fast and free. No annoying "premium" tiers.
- The Bar: Open 24/7. Helpful if you’re arriving from the airport at 2 AM and need a Soproni beer.
- Coffee: There’s a free coffee and tea station in the lobby. Save your Forints; don't buy a latte at the airport.
The Breakfast Situation
Breakfast is included in the price. That’s the "Styles" promise.
It’s a buffet. You’ll find the usual suspects: scrambled eggs, those little sausages that everyone has an opinion on, cold cuts, and Hungarian peppers (which are hotter than you think). In early 2026, guests have noted it gets crowded around 8:30 AM.
If you want a peaceful meal, go at 7:00 AM. If you show up ten minutes before it closes at 10:00 AM (or 11:00 AM on weekends), don't be surprised if the staff is already clearing the plates. They’re efficient, sometimes a bit too efficient.
Is It Good for Business or Families?
It’s a hybrid. For business travelers, the proximity to the Millennium City Center and various office hubs in District IX is a win. There's a 66 m² meeting room if you need to actually do work.
For families, it’s a budget-friendly lifesaver. Kids under a certain age often stay for free in the parent's room using existing bedding. There's a small kids' corner in the lobby with some games, which keeps them busy while you’re trying to figure out the MÜPA (Palace of Arts) schedule.
The hotel is pet-friendly too. Expect to pay around 10 EUR (roughly 4,000 HUF) per night for your dog.
Real Talk: The Cons
Let's be intellectually honest—it’s not perfect.
- Parking: It’s a nightmare. They have an outdoor lot, but it’s small and costs about 10-15 EUR a day. If it's full, you're stuck with street parking, which is complicated in Budapest.
- The Carpets: A few recent reviews from early 2026 mentioned that the carpets in some rooms are starting to show their age. They’re clean, but "deep cleaning" isn't always the vibe. Bring slippers.
- The Neighborhood: It’s an "emerging" area. It’s safe, but it’s gritty. You’ll see abandoned Art Nouveau buildings next to shiny new glass offices. It’s the real Budapest, not the postcard version.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you’re heading to ibis Styles Budapest City, do these three things to make the trip better:
👉 See also: Room With a Jacuzzi: Why Most Hotel Upgrades Are Actually a Letdown
Download the BudapestGO app. Don't mess around with paper tickets at Boráros tér. Buy a 72-hour travel pass on your phone. You can use it for the tram, the bus, and even the suburban railway (HÉV) if you want to head out to Szentendre.
Walk to Ráday utca. Instead of eating at the hotel, walk ten minutes to Ráday Street. It’s a pedestrianized stretch full of restaurants. Avoid the ones with "tourist menus" on boards outside and look for where the locals are sitting with a glass of wine.
Ask for a "River View High Floor" at check-in. Even if you didn't pay for the upgrade, if the hotel isn't at 100% capacity, the staff is usually cool about moving you. The difference between looking at a gray wall and looking at the Danube is huge for your mood.
Check the current room rates on the Accor website or major booking platforms. Usually, you’re looking at anywhere from $65 to $110 depending on the season. If it's over $130, you might want to look at the ibis Styles Budapest Center instead, just to compare prices.
Budapest is a walking city, but it's also a "tram city." Use the location to your advantage. Get the view, save the money, and spend it on a high-end dinner at a place like Costes (which is also in the IX district).
To get the most out of your stay, book your transport from the airport in advance or use the 100E bus to Kálvin tér and then hop on the 47/49 tram to get close. Avoid the "freelance" taxis at the arrivals gate; stick to the official Főtaxi booth or use the Bolt app. This ensures you pay the regulated rate and don't start your trip with a headache. Once you drop your bags, head straight to the No. 2 tram stop—it's the best introduction to the city you can get for the price of a coffee.