The posh lobby lounge is the place to hang in this hotel. While the building is rather nondescript, once through the doors the the swank reception desk makes a good first impression. It's fronted with plushy, bronze panels and nail head trim, and there are giant, mirrored copper globe pendants hanging above. Behind, the wall splashed in robin egg blue backs the bar on the opposite side. Sleek furnishings throughout have curated touches, like shelves holding hardcover books and ceramics, and a vintage steamer trunk set below a colorful, crafty clock. The seating area in the center is a focal point, defined by a patchwork hand-knotted rug and an indigo velvet couch tufted in a fetching Hollywood Regency diamond pattern. The open floor plan includes the restaurant, with Eames-inspired Eiffel chairs neatly pulled up to tables and to a streamline white banquette. Guests tend to be tourist couples and singles who favor proximity to sights but also rank reasonably priced, trendy digs at the top of their must-have list. 

ROOMbach Hotel Budapest is in the city's Jewish Quarter, a central neighborhood filled with restaurants and shops that's within walking distance of many top sights -- such as St. Stephens Basilica, Danube Promenade, and Chain Bridge. It generally quiets down at night except for a few blocks with noisy bars. The hotel is also close to public transit, with three metro stations (Deak Ferenc ter; Astoria; and Bajcsy-Zsilinszky ut) six minutes or less on foot. Budapest Airport is an easy drive that takes about 30 minutes.

• Six-minute walk or less to three metro stations
• Nine-minute walk to Budapest Opera House
• Nine-minute walk to St. Stephen's Basilica
• 12-minute walk to Danube Promenade
• 17-minute walk to Chain Bridge
• 13 minutes via public transit to Fisherman's Bastion/Matthias Church
• 16 minutes via public transit to Castle Hill/Buda Castle
• 17 minutes via public transit to Heroes' Square
• 18 minutes via public transit to Szechenyi thermal bath
• 21 minutes via public transit to City Park
• 29 minutes via public transit to Hungarian National Gallery
• 30-minute drive to Budapest Airport

The boutique hotel's chic little urban rooms are best for those willing to sacrifice square footage for smart design. Rooms are small, but carefully polished and feel more comfortable than cramped. Decor is Mid-century modern, with details such as walnut headboards and textured linen bed coverings in silver gray. Low-pile wall-to-wall carpeting and accents in muted shades like papaya or mustard create a cozy atmosphere. Metallic gumdrop sconces and pendants jazz up the overall effect. Junior Suites are sexier, with mod armless couches in separate seating areas, ceramic bedside lamps with bold stripes, fabric-covered headboards, and high-end wallpaper.

There's free Wi-Fi, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, safes, air-conditioning, desks, and views of the garden or street. Open shelving and clothing racks take the place of wardrobes. What's missing are coffeemakers or kettles with coffee provisions, and mini-fridges or minibars -- and there's no room service, so best to grab what you need before retiring for the evening. Small items needing refrigeration can be kept at reception. 

Spiffy marble bathrooms have large basin sinks with extra counter space, walk-in showers with removable showerheads, and bath products. 

ROOMbach Hotel Budapest offers amenities that are in line with a typical three-pearl property -- and what's here is finessed for a pleasant stay. A free buffet breakfast is plentiful and includes hot items -- it's served in the lobby's dining area. The eatery shares space with a 24-hour bar and lounge that sets out bowls of free salty snacks at happy hour. 

There's free Wi-Fi throughout and no charge to use the lobby's public computer or to get documents printed or photocopied at reception. Free daily and weekly papers are available. The hotel also has a concierge staff, laundry service, and elevators. 

Private parking in the hotel's gated back lot has a nominal daily rate attached, and the hotel offers a free one-way airport transfer for guests with three-night minimum direct bookings.