Sofitel Budapest Hotel

The river view from our top-floor room was incredible, and the space met all our needs. The hotel's location was exceptional too. The staff were attentive and quick to respond whenever we needed something. Breakfast was a real pleasure each morning. We could have used the private area on the top floor, but chose to eat on the club level because the food, staff, and service there were impeccable.

I loved the architecture and interior design most of all. It was breathtaking, and this is the best hotel I've visited so far, despite seeing quite a few. The staff were great, everything worked smoothly, and breakfast was amazing. The pool and sauna were really nice too. The rooms themselves are fairly standard for a hotel of this star rating, but the bathroom has a little device that looks like a switch and plays a few different kinds of music. That was fun. I simply loved staying here.

My wife and I spent four nights at the Sofitel. The outside, lobby, and Paris Budapest restaurant all looked clean and modern, and the location was ideal for seeing Budapest's sights. Still, there are other nearby hotels that cost a little less. I was disappointed with our room's location too. We faced the back road instead of the river, and after four nights I would have preferred a river view. If we return to Budapest and stay at the Sofitel, I'll book directly so I can get the points and try for a view. At check-in, I was told I couldn't earn Club AccorHotels points because I'd booked through an agent, which seemed odd since I paid for the room. The room was a good size, but badly in need of an update. The carpet was worn and old, and the room smelled of mothballs. Apart from a small desk and chair, there was nowhere to sit except the bed. I had to ask twice for more coffee, and there were no wine glasses. On the plus side, the bed was very comfortable, and the shower had plenty of hot water and great pressure. The restaurant food was very good and reasonably priced for Budapest. Service there was quick, and the staff were friendly and efficient. Breakfast was included with plenty of choices, but table service was poor. We were lucky if a waiter came by more than once. My omelette took over 10 minutes, and my wife never received hers. The buffet alone was filling, but coffee came slowly, and we never saw anyone offer a refill. It wasn't a bad stay, but I wasn't very impressed, especially compared with our one-night stay at the Sheridan Hotel in Bratislava, Slovakia, a week earlier. We've stayed at several Sofitel hotels in the US and China over the years. The Budapest Sofitel Chain Bridge needs to up its game.

The Executive Lounge was handy, with good food and reasonably priced wine. A small choice of spirits and mixers would have made it even better, like at many other lounges. Kata there was especially helpful, and the staff we dealt with were professional and caring. She went well beyond what was needed, always trying to give us the best she could. Our room was spacious and nicely furnished, with a spectacular view and a huge, firm, comfortable bed. The shower pressure was a little weak, though that wasn't something the hotel controls. It was warm for sleeping because air conditioning wasn't available. Even when it's cool outside, sun through the windows can heat the room, and opening them lets in too much street noise. I'd recommend making air conditioning available. All things considered, my wife and I had a wonderful stay in your beautiful city.