The Benczur was built in 1969 as a trade union guest house, and the Communist-era ambience still lingers in the hotel's drab functional architecture. Flanked by thick, green bushes, a concrete access ramp and steps lead to the front desk via a curving portico. The lobby, last renovated in 2008 when the Superior Wing was added, is well-maintained with smart wood paneling, mirrored pillars, and the hotel's signature rust tones. A dated elegance persists in the bowed draperies, polished brass, and pieces of museum worthy-looking art and sculpture, though racks of tourist info, plastic plants, and faux-leather seating deflate the grandeur. With its central location and conference, the hotel draws a mix of vacationing couples and families with children, as well as business travelers. 

The hotel is located in the leafy and relatively quiet Embassy District, on the Pest side of the city (the eastern side of the Danube). It's a five- to 10-minute walk to Heroes Square and City Park, with is monuments, museums, art galleries, and the famous Szechenyi Thermal Baths, and Vajdahunyad Castle. While there are a few restaurants and cafes within walking distance of the hotel, the Bajza utca Metro station, a five-minute walk away, connects to the city center in less than 15 minutes. Budapest Airport is a 25- to 30-minute drive from the hotel, or about an hour away on public transportation.

The Benczur Hotel's 160 rooms are spread across seven floors, most of which fit into either Economy or Superior categories. Superior Rooms are housed in the renovated wing of the hotel -- they are well-maintained with smart wood veneer paneling, carpeted floors, and modern furniture. While many Economy Rooms have also undergone a revamp, those still awaiting renovation are dated and worn. Amenities can also vary -- some of the less-expensive rooms still have tube-style TVs -- although most have 32-inch flat-screens with some English-language channels; all include minibars but no coffeemakers, and free, fast Wi-Fi. Renovated bathrooms have walk-in showers, while others have small, shower/tub combos. Some rooms open to small unfurnished balconies, and about half have street and half garden views, though none of the views are particularly attractive.

A buffet breakfast of hot and cold items is served in the hotel's rather elegant restaurant, though reports are mixed and it's not always included in the room rate. The restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner, offering an a la carte menu of mainly traditional seasonal Hungarian cooking, and there's an outdoor terrace for alfresco dining. There are eight conference and meeting rooms, plus a large car park (for a daily fee), though there's no fitness center. Fast, reliable Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.