This massive 421-room hotel has an impressive exterior: The two sections of this huge pink-and-green structure straddle a wide main street with an overhead glass bridge linking the two wings. But the rest of the hotel isn't nearly as striking. The lobby is equally large, but with few seating areas or decor, it feels bare and airport-like. Hallways are also forgettable, with white walls and gray wall-to-wall carpet. Overall, there's nothing offensive about the Mercure Budapest Korona Hotel's decor, but it shares a look with many other generic hotel chains. Its convenient central location and proximity to the Danube River and transport links attracts many package tourists as well as cruise ship travelers. Public spaces can get crowded as a result, especially at the breakfast buffet, where there are often long lines, and the elevators can be slow because of constant traffic. Crowds also means noise, and the exterior ambient street noise of police and ambulance sirens only adds to the raucous environment. The most pleasant spot in the hotel is perhaps the quiet inner courtyard because it offers a tranquil spot of greenery. 

Located in the city center on Kalvin Square next to Kalvin ter metro station and the Hungarian National Museum, Mercure Budapest Korona Hotel is ideally located close to tourist sights, shopping areas, cafes, and restaurants. The metro station is just across the street, a two-minute walk away, and bus line 14 and trams 47 and 49 also connect the square with other major points in the city. Many sights are reachable on foot: The Danube River is a seven-minute walk away, and it’s only a 12-minute walk to the famous Gellert Thermal Baths on the other side of the river. The popular pedestrian shopping street Vaci utca is a five-minute walk away, while Raday utca, another pedestrian street known for its many restaurants, bars, and cafes, is just two minutes away. Keleti Railway Terminal can be reached in 12 minutes on metro line 4, while Budapest Airport is a 40-minute drive.

Compared to the rest of the hotel, the decor of the guest rooms is more pleasing to the senses thanks to a tranquil white and beige color scheme, and the soft lighting of the elegant floor lamps. The decor also features a variety of interesting textures: the smooth wood of the headboard and white furniture, the corduroy cushions and runner on the bed, and the rough weave of the light brown sofa fabric and brown wall-to-wall carpeting. The bathrooms, however, are decked out in stark institutional whites and grays, making them look more functional than comfortable.

Standard Rooms can be small, and have the usual features like free Wi-Fi, electric kettles for tea and coffee, air-conditioning, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. Privilege Double Rooms are bigger and offer a few notable extras like breakfast in the private breakfast area of the MyBridge Lounge, Nespresso machines, bathrobes and slippers, and extra bathroom amenities. The Suites also include these extra amenities as well as a separate living area.

But travelers should note that some of the guest rooms are in need of an upgrade, and there are frequent guest complaints about uncomfortable beds, thin walls, malfunctioning power outlets, and worn-out towels.

The hotel's breakfast buffet is served each morning in the Villány Restaurant, or at the Bridge Lounge for those staying in Privilege Rooms. The restaurant and lounge are also open for lunch and dinner, while My Bar serves coffee and drinks throughout the day. The on-site swimming pool is a compact 30-foot (10-meter) pool with an attached sauna and changing rooms. A variety of useful services are available at the business center, including high-speed Internet, fax, copying and printing, and a typing service. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. There are also 15 meeting rooms available, seating a maximum of 100 persons. Parking is available for an extra charge in the hotel’s large indoor parking lot.