Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection

The music-themed Aria Hotel is a true five-pearl spot situated in a 19th-century building refurbished to its original glory. Built in 2015, the posh property has an elegant neoclassical facade and four wings, each with a private elevator and inspired by a different musical style (Classical, Jazz, Opera, and Contemporary). Decor throughout the hotel is whimsical yet sophisticated with thoughtful details at every turn. One highlight is the glass-roofed Music Garden Courtyard that doubles as a lobby space with beautiful piano-key floor tiling, which curves through the courtyard and extends down a hall. Green velvet button-tufted couches are organized in seating areas near a chic, modern grand piano. Satchmo's Bar & Library offers luxurious pop-art flair with walls covered in mirrors and velvety turquoise upholstery. A cozy connected room features a fireplace and pairs rich wood floors and walls with purple upholstered armchairs, pink curtains, and vintage canopy chairs. Another favorite spot among guests is the rooftop terrace and bar, offering exceptional views of Budapest and St. Stephen’s Basilica, which is only a minute's walk from the hotel. Guests are mainly tourist couples on vacation, although there's also a good number of families drawn to the spacious, playfully styled rooms. 

The hotel is conveniently located on a pedestrian street situated between St. Stephen's Basilica (one-minute walk) and Deák Ferenc Square (three-minute walk). The area attracts tourists with its nightlife, eateries, and easy access to city sights. The hotel is in walking distance to Vigadó Concert Hall (seven-minute walk), the State Opera (eight-minute walk), and the Parliament Building (15-minute walk). It's a 10-minute walk to the Chain Bridge, which crosses the Danube and leads to Buda Castle and the Castle District in under a half-hour on foot. For sights farther out, the nearest metro line is a four-minute walk from the hotel (Deák Ferenc Square, lines M1, M2, and M3). Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is about 30 minutes away by car, without traffic, or an hour via public transport. The hotel can arrange for airport or train station transport. Valet parking is available, but it costs an extra fee.

The Aria Hotel Budapest has four wings with rooms inspired by a different musical style: Classical, Jazz, Opera, and Contemporary. Each of the 49 rooms, and the five suites, is decorated to reflect a music legend associated with that wing's genre, and each wing has its own private elevator. The Classical and Opera Wings offer stylish baroque decor with a modern edge: think glass chandeliers, luxurious chaise lounges, coffered ceilings, toile wallpaper, and rich, velvet button-tufted upholstery in purple or turquoise. The Jazz Wing pairs wood floors with exposed-brick accent walls, while green velvet upholstery and black-and-white chaise lounges add swanky style. The Contemporary Wing maintains classic appeal but offers pop-art-inspired accents like black-and-white chevron wallpaper and bright pops of color. Each room features a caricature of its associated music legend.

Bathrooms tend to be spacious with beige marble tiling, bidets, heated towel racks, and separate bathtubs and showers (in most, although some have showers only). They are stocked with Molton Brown toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, makeup mirrors, and ionic hair dryers. Upgraded bathrooms may feature beautiful black onyx tile and marble vanities. 

Rooms offer a minimum of 325 square feet of space, and most have private balconies facing the interior courtyard (or the city). Pillow- and foam-toppers are available for mattresses, and all rooms include small marble tables with chairs as well as writing desks. Tech is top of the line, including high-quality speaker systems, 55-inch flat-screen TVs, iPads, laptop safes, smartphone docking stations, Blu-ray players, and touch-screen temperature control. Guests also have access to a digital music library as well as a comprehensive CD and DVD collection. Nespresso coffeemakers and mini-fridges stocked with free bottled water are in all rooms. Nightly turndown service is finished with chocolate on the pillow, and room service is available 24 hours. Wi-Fi is free. 

The Aria Hotel has the service, amenities, and thoughtful extras one would expect from a five-pearl property. The hotel has a stylish bistro-style restaurant, Stradivari, that serves international cuisine. The two on-site bars include the glitzy Satchmo's Bar and Library and the rooftop High Note SkyBar, which offers a full menu and exceptional views of the city and St. Stephen’s Basilica. The hotel offers a free breakfast buffet and a free, nightly wine and cheese reception in the Music Garden Courtyard. Breakfast includes hot and cold items like smoked salmon, eggs, fresh fruit, homemade bread, and cereal. The wine and cheese reception is host to live music on select nights. Coffee and tea are available throughout the day in the music library. Room service is available 24 hours.

The hotel has a DVD and music library, and guests can select items to take back to their rooms. Off the enclosed courtyard, the Teatro Aria offers nightly video screenings of musical and dance performances, organized by the hotel's Music Director. 

The property's Harmony Spa includes a sauna, steam room, and hammam in addition to three elegant treatment rooms. The hotel also has a 35-foot heated, indoor swimming pool and a hot tub. Aquatic exercise bikes, loungers, and canopy beds are available. There's also a gym with modern cardio machines and free weights. Guests can take advantage of free aqua fitness classes. Rooftop yoga and personal training sessions are available for extra fees. 

Guests consistently find the hotel staff professional, knowledgeable, and detail-oriented. The hotel has a dedicated concierge and staff can help with tickets, book a town car, or arrange for airport or train station transfers. Valet parking is available for an extra fee. For guests traveling with kids, the hotel can arrange for in-room childcare. Cribs are free. Pets are allowed, but cost an extra fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.