Budapest is a city of two minds. One side is all gritty ruin bars and thermal steam, and the other is pure, unadulterated Habsburg-era grandeur. If you’re looking for a place to crash that bridges that gap, you’ve probably seen the Radisson Blu Budapest—specifically the Radisson Blu Béke Hotel—pop up on every search.
But honestly? Most people book it just thinking it’s another corporate chain hotel. They’re wrong.
This place isn't some glass-and-steel box built in the 90s. It’s a 1913 landmark that basically served as the living room for the city’s elite for over a century. It's tucked away on the Grand Boulevard (Nagykörút), and while the exterior screams "historic Pest," the inside has been gutted and reborn into something surprisingly slick.
The Radisson Blu Budapest Experience vs. Your Expectations
Let’s get real about the location first. You aren't staying on the river. If you want a view of the Parliament building while you brush your teeth, this isn't it. However, being near the Nyugati Railway Station is a tactical win. You’ve got the 4 and 6 trams—which run 24/7 and are basically the pulse of the city—literally steps away.
I've found that people often underestimate the "Béke" part of the name. In Hungarian, Béke means peace. It’s a bit ironic considering it sits on one of the busiest streets in the city, but once you cross that threshold, the sound of the trams just... vanishes.
The 2022 renovation was a game-changer. They didn’t just slap on a new coat of paint. They leaned into this "Blu Print" design concept. It's minimalist but warm. Think deep blues, gray velvet, and lighting that actually makes you look good in the mirror.
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What the rooms are actually like
Staying in one of the 247 rooms is a bit of a mixed bag if you don't know what to ask for. The standard rooms are cozy. "Cozy" is often code for "small," and yeah, some of the entry-level rooms are tight if you’re traveling with three suitcases and a stroller.
But the beds? They use this "Sleeping Quality" concept. It sounds like marketing fluff, but it’s basically a high-spec mattress and bedding combo that actually works. If you’re sensitive to noise, always request a room facing the inner courtyard. The street-side rooms have great views of the boulevard's chaos, but the courtyard rooms are where the "Béke" actually happens.
- The Standard Room: Best for solo business travelers or couples who spend 90% of their time exploring.
- The Suites: There are only eight of these. They feel like a high-end Pest apartment. If you can swing the upgrade, do it.
- Amenities: You get the Nespresso machine (essential), a proper iron, and fast Wi-Fi that doesn't drop out when you move to the bathroom.
Why the Zsolnay Café is a Big Deal
You cannot talk about the Radisson Blu Budapest without talking about the Zsolnay Café. Even if you don't stay at the hotel, you'll see locals sitting here. Why? Because of the history.
In the middle of the 20th century, this was the spot for writers, actors, and the "intellectual" crowd. The walls are still adorned with frescoes and stained glass by Jenő Haranghy. It feels like a time capsule.
But the food isn't stuck in 1913. They do this "breaking-the-boundaries" breakfast that is frankly ridiculous. Most hotel breakfasts are a sad pile of scrambled eggs and soggy bacon. Here, they take it seriously. They also have a massive selection of sugar-free cakes that actually taste like real dessert, which is a rare find in a city that loves its heavy Dobos torte.
The "Other" Radisson: BudaPart
Now, here is where it gets confusing. If you search for Radisson in Budapest, you’ll also find the Radisson Hotel Budapest BudaPart.
Don’t mix them up.
The BudaPart location is brand new (built in 2023) and is located way down in District XI, near the Kopaszi Dam. It’s ultra-modern, has a rooftop bar with insane views, and is right by the city’s only natural river beach (Sho Beach).
If you want the historic, central, "classic Budapest" vibe, stay at the Radisson Blu Béke on the Grand Boulevard. If you’re a digital nomad who wants to be near the water and a newer business district, go to BudaPart.
Is the Service Actually Good?
Look, no hotel is perfect. If you look at reviews from late 2025 and early 2026, the feedback is generally glowing, but the common gripe is usually about the check-in speed during peak conference season. This is a major business hub.
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If there’s a massive tech conference in town, the lobby can feel like Grand Central Station. However, the staff—shoutout to the front office team like Csuka Imre who seems to respond to every single guest personally—really tries to keep it human.
One thing most people miss is the basement. There’s a high-end sauna down there. It’s not a full-blown thermal bath like Széchenyi, but after walking 20,000 steps on Budapest’s cobblestones, it’s a lifesaver.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you’ve decided to book the Radisson Blu Budapest, don't just show up and hope for the best.
- Join the Rewards Program: Even if you hate loyalty cards, Radisson’s "Member Only Rate" usually knocks 10-15% off immediately. It also puts you in the "Priority Line" for check-in, which, as I mentioned, is a godsend when a tour bus arrives.
- The Tram Hack: Buy a BudapestGO travel pass on your phone. The tram stop is right outside. You can get to the Jewish Quarter (nightlife) or the Parliament in under 10 minutes.
- Dining: Skip the "Globe" restaurant for dinner and go to the Zsolnay Café instead. The vibe is much cooler. Or, walk five minutes to the Westend shopping mall if you just need a quick bite.
- Airport Strategy: The hotel is about 23km from Liszt Ferenc International (BUD). Don’t take a random taxi. Use the Bolt app or the official Főtaxi booth outside the terminal. It’ll save you a lot of Hungarian Forints.
Budapest is a city that demands your energy. Staying somewhere like the Radisson Blu Béke gives you a way to recharge without feeling like you've left the city's soul behind. It’s comfortable, it’s historic, and most importantly, it’s actually quiet when you need it to be.
To make the most of your trip, download the BudapestGO app before you arrive to handle all your tram and metro tickets digitally, and make a reservation for the Zsolnay Café’s afternoon tea at least a day in advance if you're visiting on a weekend.