Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels in Budapest

The 19th-century fin de siècle architecture and elegant streets of Budapest epitomize the grandness of this Hungarian capital. Despite lying behind the Iron Curtain, this eastern European city has looked westward for a while. In fact, Budapest has a long history of culture and liberalism and boasts more than 100 galleries and museums. What’s more, the city is very gay-friendly and boasts a pulsating nightlife scene that’s one of the continent’s finest. There are many gay hotels in Budapest, Hungary, where LGBTQ travelers are given more than a warm and friendly welcome. Furthermore, the city is home to a fantastic gayborhood with gay bars, clubs, and saunas. This is a pleasant surprise, especially since the city is home to a conservative Catholic community.

Even then, Budapest’s LGBTQ community is open and socially accepted. In fact, an annual Pride celebration has been around since 1993, and civil unions were legalized way back in 2007. Today, it’s one of the former Eastern Bloc’s most tolerant countries. And even though the gay scene is smaller than that in other European cities, it’s varied, quite young, and scattered all around town. Besides the gay scene, there’s a lot to do in the city. For instance, it’s home to Buda Castle, one of the world’s largest castles. What’s more, the Hungarian Parliament is one of the world’s most impressive parliament buildings. In fact, its dome is considered one of the most famous domes in the world. Clearly, there’s a lot to do in this vibrant and enchanting European city. To that end, here are the top 11 gay-friendly hotels in Budapest, Hungary.

Casati Budapest Hotel Superior

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Best adults-only. Are you looking for adults-only gay hotels in Budapest, Hungary? Then look no further than Casati Budapest Hotel Superior, an adults-only hideaway in the historic Terézváros District. In fact, it’s right in the middle of the city’s gay scene and is within walking distance of many of its great gay bars and clubs. Choose from heavenly, natural, cool, and classic rooms, each of which is as spacious as the next. The overarching theme is white, with pops of colors such as yellows and blues on the walls, in the form of furnishings and drapes. All-glass doors lead to the bathrooms, with most of them being see-through and sexy as hell. Huge mirrors might be a design add-on, but they’re excellent for a risque-addled night indoors. If you’re here for a sexy vacation, go for the all-black room with mood lights that make staying in all the more fun.

The rest of the hotel, which lies in an 18th-century structure, is equally impressive. The hotel won the Hungarian Hotel of the Year Award in the 3-star category in 2019. It features a landscaped courtyard and interiors decorated with original works of art.

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Hotel Collect

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Best value for money. Luxury and boutique nature come beautifully together at Hotel Collect, a gay-friendly hotel in Budapest. The place combines vintage and modern art with a classic French look. All rooms here are generous in space, and most boast views of the tranquil central courtyard. Think Moroccan tiles and furniture that’s reminiscent of an eastern coffee house. Moreover, all rooms come with mod-cons, such as smart TVs with Netflix, coffeemakers, and more. However, the all-black bathrooms stand out here, which are made all the sexier with huge walk-in showers for two with rainfall showerheads. All-glass walls facing the bed in the bedroom make for an amorous addition, making this hotel perfect for a staycation in Budapest.

Discerning gay travelers will love the rest of this classic hotel, which offers a la carte breakfast options from four superb restaurants nearby. What’s more, the 24-hour reception serves pastries, tea, and coffee 24 hours a day. Plus, the staff and concierge accommodate travel tips and snippets if you want to explore the city.

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Mystery Hotel

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Best heritage. Mystery Hotel is yet another of the excellent gay hotels in Budapest, Hungary. The hotel is a favorite with design-loving gay travelers as the decor plays on the structure’s history as a 19th-century freemasons’ hall! 82 rooms are divided across three modern design schemes – Corinthian, Ionian, and Doric. Moreover, the columns at the entrance to every room tell you which room you’re in! Since the room is open-plan, there are showers and even freestanding baths right in the room itself – it can’t get any sexier than that. Even cupboards and shower rooms have curtains and drapes instead of doors. What’s more, every room comes with Nespresso machines and ‘tranquillity menus’ for choosing eye masks, earplugs, and pillow types.

The hotel’s magic-and-mystery-themed decor gives it a very romantic vibe. For instance, video screens in picture frames give off an illusion of movement. The Great Hall, with a barrel-vaulted ceiling, is the hotel’s beating heart, home to the lounge and restaurant. Dig into Hungarian delicacies and a sumptuous buffet breakfast of eggs, cold meats, pancakes, sausages, and bacon. Indulge in pampering at The Secret Garden Day Spa, a verdant haven with two treatment rooms, a gushing fountain, and the main pool. The piece de resistance is the Sky Garden roof terrace bar, which is the perfect place to unwind in summer. The kicker? It even has an alfresco whirlpool tub!

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Hotel Parlament

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Yet another gorgeous gay-friendly hotel in Budapest is Hotel Parlament. One of the best boutique hotels in the city, the hotel boasts airy and vibrant decor. Every last one of the 65 rooms is impressive and boasts a distinct Art Deco feel. Think chocolate-brown signature walls, orange chairs and bedspreads, and wooden flooring. A frosted glass door leads to the bathrooms with rainfall showerheads or bathtubs. The best rooms have double vanities and a vast deep-soaking bathtub perfect for a bubble bath for two people. Moreover, all rooms have comforts such as coffeemakers, minibars, and huge plush beds.

The rest of the hotel is equally impressive, especially the lovely wellness area with a sauna, a green-tiled relaxation room, and a whirlpool tub. What’s more, you even have access to free mineral water, coffee, and tea at the bar until 5 pm daily. Dig into an excellent breakfast spread in the imaginative atrium breakfast area. Before heading out to explore the city’s gay scene, head to the glass-roofed Sky Bar, which is an excellent spot for a cocktail or beer.

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Iberostar Grand Budapest

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One of the most stylish gay hotels in Budapest, Hungary, is the five-star Iberostar Grand Budapest. This modern stay lies just a stroll away from the stunning Hungarian parliament building on the Danube River. What’s more, it’s a stone’s throw from some of the top things to do in Budapest. The hotel exudes the spirit of Budapest’s golden age, especially in the stylish and spacious rooms. Rich-red fabric furniture, cream walls, and dark wood floors add to the sensual vibe, as do the glass-walled bathrooms. Furthermore, the mosaic-tiled floors and the freestanding baths make it all the more romantic. With views of the atrium, the side street, and Szabadság tér, all rooms feature decadent conveniences such as minibars and Lavazza coffee machines.

Despite being a modern hotel, the place offers a slew of traditional, comfortable amenities, such as a 24-hour fitness room. What’s more, you’ll even find a spa that offers a Turkish bath, a sauna, a hot tub, and a steamy range of massages – go for the couple’s massage. Dig into Hungarian and Mediterranean delights at the fantastic restaurant with signature bright red seats and enjoy a nightcap at the low-lit Lobby Bar. Don’t miss the breakfast buffet spread to start your day on a high note.

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Hotel Zenit Budapest Palace

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Stay right on the banks of the Danube River at Hotel Zenit Budapest Palace, an excellent gay-friendly hotel in Budapest. This gay-favorite hotel lies a hop, skip, and jump from gay clubs such as AlterEGO, making it a cincher for LGBTQ travelers to the city. The whole place, right from the comfy and spacious rooms to the skylit lobby, features gorgeous minimalist decor. The rooms especially boast lots of natural light, relaxing neutral hues, and modern furnishings. Think minibars, satellite TVs, and swish bathrooms with rainfall showerheads or deep-soaking bathtubs.

You’ll also love the rest of the hotel, especially the lovely cafe and cocktail bar with a huge glass roof that lets the warm sunlight streaming in on colder days. Don’t miss the optional show-cooking buffet breakfast, where you can gorge on freshly prepared omelets. Besides an excellent buffet breakfast, the hotel also has a swanky gym and a sauna.

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Connection Guesthouse

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Best gay-owned guesthouse. Are you looking for a gay-owned or operated gay hotel in Budapest, Hungary? Then the well-known Connection Guesthouse should be your destination. Located right in the middle of Budapest’s gay scene, this hotel is a favorite with gay make travelers to the city. However, even couples love this place, especially travelers who’re on a budget. The rooms might be basic, but the atmosphere is charming. Moreover, they boast incredible views over the Danube River and have wooden floors, excellent mod-cons, and plush furnishings such as sofas and cloud-like beds. Even the small bathrooms are immaculate and modern, with separate glass-walled walk-in shower areas.

Aside from a friendly and helpful staff, the guesthouse has a full bar and a 24/7 reception. So, you can waltz in late at night after an evening of revelry at Budapest’s gay bars, and it still won’t be an issue. While it’s not included, the paid breakfast spread is an excellent value.

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Corinthia Hotel Budapest

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A gorgeous gay-friendly hotel in Budapest is Corinthia Hotel Budapest, which lies at the cusp of districts 6 and 7. So, it’s a great base to enjoy the city’s nightlife. The hotel’s origins go back to the 19th century when it was the Grand Hotel Royal. In fact, it’s said to be the inspiration for Wes Anderson’s famed movie “The Grand Budapest Hotel.” Choose from a host of rooms and suites, all of which are as traditional and elegant as they’re modern and spacious. Gay travelers who want to splurge can go for the Executive category rooms or one of the striking suites, which come with Nespresso coffeemakers and free access to the Royal Spa and Club Executive lounge.

That said, the amenities at this gay-friendly hotel are the real ticket. Four restaurants, a high-end Maltese one, a Hungarian-Spanish bistro, a pan-Asian one, and a traditional Brasserie, make up the culinary offerings. A lobby bar is an excellent place for a nightcap, and you can even access the swanky swing and jazz Orfeum club. However, the gorgeous 1886-built indoor pool is the highlight here and is perhaps the classiest place you’ll ever swim in your life. It’s the centerpiece of the huge and decadent Royal Spa, a gym, treatment rooms, steam rooms, and saunas.

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Anantara New York Palace Budapest

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Most luxurious. One of the grandest gay hotels in Budapest, Hungary, is Anantara New York Palace Budapest. It’s also one of the best hotels in Budapest, for good measure. This stately hotel is located right in District 7 and perfectly exemplifies Hungarian opulence. The hotel drips with 19th-century luxury, right from the intricate gilded decor to the striking exterior. Despite that, you can see touches of modernity everywhere, such as the airy and bright central courtyard. The wonderful contrast extends to the rooms, which all feature this striking blend of new and old. Think marble bathrooms with deep-soaking bathtubs, cloud-liked beds, and antique-style furniture such as chandeliers.

One of the highlights of the amenities at this hotel is the decadent Belle-Epoque New York Cafe, which is famously called the “world’s most beautiful cafe.” The grand surroundings are the perfect place to dig into an equally decadent breakfast spread, among other meals. The subterranean indoor pool is sure to get anyone into the mood with its low-lit ambiance. Add to that a sauna, and it’s the perfect place to build up all kinds of appetites before heading to the room.

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Sofitel Budapest Chain Bridge

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Sofitel Budapest Chain Bridge is a gay-friendly hotel that brings all the reliability and style of the Sofitel brand to the banks of the Danube River. Right from the time you step into the breathtaking atrium, the hotel impresses you at every turn. Think cutting-edge French decors such as a suspended airplane model, scintillating chandeliers, and whatnot. The design across the hotel might be contemporary and playful, but the rooms themselves are more traditional. For one, all rooms feature huge bay windows that allow in lashings of sunlight. Besides Sofitel’s signature ultra-comfy beds, you’ll also find marble bathrooms with bathtubs for the ultimate luxury. Go for a Luxury Room for unparalleled views of the Danube.

Begin your day with an exceptional breakfast at the terrace restaurant every morning and enjoy high-end Hungarian and Parisian dining at the other one. Spend some time unwinding at the spa, which has an indoor pool and a sauna. You can spy sweeping views of Buda Castle, Budapest’s Chain Bridge, and the Danube from just about anywhere on the property, which is what makes this place so unique.

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Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest

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Occupying the top spot on the list of gay hotels in Budapest, Hungary, is Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest. Located within a 10-minute walk from the gay scene of Budapest, this elegant and gay-friendly five-star hotel overlooks the historical streets of Pest or the verdant Erzsébet Park. Alex Kravetz-designed rooms are spacious, with comfortable beds and soothing and classic pastel hues. While some boast the Budapest big wheel views, others overlook the city’s rooftops and Erzsébet Park. The real ticket here is the gleaming marble bathrooms, the best of which have huge deep-soaking bathtubs next to bay windows with excellent views.

Besides the rooms, the hotel boasts some of the most exceptional amenities on-site. Firstly, one of the two on-site restaurants is the first Central Europe branch of the legendary Nobu. Spend some time at the casual brasserie that serves modern Viennese and Hungarian fare. Enjoy high-class cocktails as sundowners and nightcaps at the two bars and indulge in a relaxing massage at the luxurious spa. The standout is the hotel’s private art gallery!

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Our Verdict!

Travelers have different notions about the best hotels for them. That’s why we’ve also come up with a specialized list of the best gay hotels in Budapest according to their best attributes and features.

• Best value for money: Hotel Collect
• Best adults-only: Casati Budapest Hotel Superior
• Best heritage: Mystery Hotel
• Best gay-owned guesthouse: Connection Guesthouse
• Most luxurious: Anantara New York Palace Budapest 

Best Gay Neighborhoods in Budapest

Gay Budapest might not have its own designated gayborhood, but you can find most of the great LGBTQ life on the Pest side of the Danube River. These include the districts within the city’s ring road, such as the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 9th ones.

That said, Hungarians are very, very conservative when it comes to LGBTQ culture and public displays of affection in general. So, even though outright homophobia is unheard of, gay travelers in Budapest should take care of, especially when they’re out in public. In fact, many older Hungarians will not admit to being gay despite their outwardly making out on the dance floor in gay clubs. Thus, gay travelers are advised to restrict canoodling to gay hotels, bars, and bathhouses.

One of the places you must visit in Budapest’s “gay center” of the Magdolna Quartier is the Addicted store. This gay-popular men’s clothing store sits right next to Magnum Sauna and specializes in athletic wear, underwear, and swimwear for all sizes and shapes. In fact, you can even find some great merchandise from the brand AD Fetish here.

Don’t forget to keep checking out the page for OMOH, an underground gay event for techno music lovers held every two weeks across various venues. Finally, there’s also the fun HELLO @ Toldi Mozi, which is Budapest’s ultimate gay pop party. Whether you’re queer, aliens, barbie dolls, or their friends, this queer takeover of the expansive Toldi Mozi theater makes for one epic night.

Best Gay Bars / Clubs in Budapest

• AlterEgo: This is Budapest’s biggest gay club with nightly drink specials, four bars, and two epic dance floors. It’s open only on Friday and Saturday nights. This club is famous for a fabulous drag show that Lady Dömper hosts. What’s more, you’ll find different music, parties, and themes almost every night.
• Garçons: Budapest’s hottest monthly gay party attracts only the most beautiful of men. We’re talking models, celebrities, and Insta-famous guys who want to show off. If you’re in the city only for one night, then this ultra-glamorous place is where you should be!
• Why Not Bar: Tucked on the edge of the Danube, this gay-popular hangout is open well into the night. During the day, it’s a cozy place to hang out, especially for a date.
• Habrolo Bar: This small and cozy bar is the oldest gay bar in the city. It’s a fantastic place to meet, hang out with locals, and bond over disco and karaoke nights.
• Coxx: This men-only gay bar/club is cruising central for the local and international LGBTQ set. It has multiple bars, dark rooms, cages, and much more.

Best Gay Saunas in Budapest

• Magnum Sauna: This is Budapest’s original gay sauna and is spread across two levels. A huge jacuzzi aside, the place also has a rain shower, plunge pool, and four saunas. In the mood for more? There are also glory holes, a bar, semi-private and private cabins, XXX porn rooms, a maze, and a steam bath. Are you after a gay massage in Budapest? This is a great option.
• Rudas Thermal Bath: How would you like to spend time in a sauna that’s over 400 years old? Then head to this beautiful and historic spa that welcomes only men on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. This is a great place to meet some eye candy and head back to your hotel for a little romp. Finally, the bath also has a swimming pool and six therapy pools.

Gay Events/Shows/Tours in Budapest

• Budapest Pride: This is the largest LGBTQ event that’s been held annually in July in the city since 1997! It might not be as glorious as other Pride parades in Europe, such as Zurich and Helsinki, but it’s one of Eastern Europe’s biggest. Not only is the parade about celebrating queerness and diversity, but also it’s about achieving full social equality. This one has everything from a fun street parade to vibrant club parties!