The exterior of the Hotel Charles is stark and hasn't been changed since the '70s, which is why management has plans to renovate the exterior and interior hallways in 2017. But the lobby is cozy with wood floors and patterned maroon rugs, a few cream loveseats, and a wood reception desk. Umbrellas are available next to the front door, and there's a shelf of free brochures. Janos Restaurant is accessible through the lobby, and it has a slightly elegant vibe if one looks past the dated wooden chairs with off-red padding and focuses on the wood floors, exposed brick walls, and hanging lamps. The charming outdoor terrace has wooden tables and woven chairs, plus plaid blankets for patrons to use in chilly weather. Guests are mostly couples attracted to the spacious studio rooms and budget-friendly price. Kids under the age of 8 stay and eat breakfast for free. 

Hotel Charles is set next to a train line in a neighborhood that’s a mix of residential homes and businesses. There are not many restaurants on surrounding streets and most attractions take 25 minutes or more to reach on foot. For instance, Charles Bridge is a 25-minute walk and Buda Castle takes 30 minutes. The Citadella is a 22-minute walk away. For travelers who prefer public transport, there’s a bus stop right outside the hotel. MOM Park shopping center is just a 10-minute walk away. It’s a 27-minute drive to Budapest Airport. Parking is available at the hotel for a fee. 

All rooms here are studio-style, with free Wi-Fi and kitchenettes outfitted with sinks, minibars, kettles, and two-burner stove tops; Suites have ovens as well. Rooms have a homey (some are verging on dated) vibe with a color palette of browns and tans. They're decorated with cream walls, brown carpet, wooden furniture, and patterned bedspreads. Wood paneling covers the bottom half of the walls of some rooms, and Suites have wood floors partially covered by large maroon area rugs. Though the Standard Studios were refurbished in 2013, there’s still some dated aspects such as old tube-style TVs and worn furniture.

Deluxe Studios have air-conditioning, however, not all Standard Studios come with it, and those that do require a fee to use. Light gray tiled bathrooms are simple and include toiletries, hairdryers, and shower/tub combos or showers. Note that the showers are small and there’s little counter space around the sinks. Towels are replaced on request during daily housekeeping rounds, but bed linens are only changed every four days. Street-facing rooms are noisier than rooms located on the back side of the building. Smoking rooms are available. 

Hotel Charles is sparse in terms of amenities. Still, it’s well established on the dining front with an on-site Hungarian restaurant, Janos, which has a seasonal menu and an outdoor patio with seating. It serves a breakfast buffet in the morning that’s included in some room rates. There’s a bike rental (for a fee) and a luggage room for guests with late departures or who arrive earlier than check-in. There are few business amenities beyond free Wi-Fi (which is reportedly spotty); printing, faxing, or copying services by the front desk incurs fees. It also costs extra to bring pets or to park your car on-site.