Like other posters, I was persuaded to try this out recently based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback and the beautiful architecture on display in the restoration. Am pleased to say it did not disappoint - you really feel like you are setting foot inside a palace when you arrive, which is in immaculate condition, and equally enchanting is stepping out the front door and looking at the majestic Hungarian State Opera across the road. I was fortunate to have been upgraded to a Studio Suite. All in all a great stay at circa 40k points a night.

Special shout out to Miklos the concierge who provided great advice on places to go sightseeing in Budapest, and for his tip to try an afternoon trip to Szentendre. That was a lovely afternoon on the boat going northwards up the Danube.

The breakfast menu could benefit from slightly greater variety, but what they did have was good quality and a la carte service is always appreciated.

One tip - the pool is more of a relaxation / wading pool and you can't do laps in it, but pleasant all the same. If he happens to be reading the thread, I believe Dessie from The Matild came across and enjoyed the spa treatment.

At check-in the concierge was friendly and playful, and did her best to persuade me to return at Christmas time. I am definitely tempted! They also took care of posting my postcard and didn't bother to charge me since I had already checked out and had no cash on me.

Recently stayed here, upgraded to a Studio Suite as a Titanium.
Have to say that this is a Top5 worldwide Marriott City property for me.
Extremely beautiful architecture. Great location. Staff was superb.

After a disappointing return stay at Matild Palace, I conducted a return stay to the W Budapest. Overall, I was happy with most elements of my stay and would return here over Matild Palace certainly. However, there were a few moments that made me sad. Here are my impressions and photos:

Pros:

• NUA cleared to W Suite (highest NUA choice available and expiring NUA at end of year) - more on this later
• Bed is fantastic - very plush mattress, very plush covers, very plush pillows, smooth linens - really a great bed
• Shower pressure is good (I used the rainfall)
• Breakfast à la carte selection is very good - yummy eggs royale with truffle hollandaise and great French toast - good barista coffee - buffet options were less amazing as hashbrown could have been kept more fresh
• EUR-HUF exchange rate quoted at check out was fair - take that, Matild Palace
• Good Toto washlet

Neutral:

• Had to ask, but able to get requested 3 PM checkout - message appeared on my TV later at night saying they would give me 5000 points if I took noon checkout - a bit cheeky - I declined
• The room design is a bit dark for my liking

Cons:

• No in-room Ambassador welcome gift or note (very sad)
• This room is not a suite - it just has an overly large entrance way and bathroom
• Couch isn’t very comfortable

Photos (please expand the Spoiler tag):


I love the new W concept - the new, elevated look & feel is so much nicer than the old neon tacky nightclub vibe. This is the third W I try now with the new concept, after W Prague and W Rome, and I must say the one in Budapest was also lovely. The building is gorgeous and I stayed in a Superior Suite that was very charming. Overall found the hotel to be great, particularly at the price point, with great and friendly service. The F&B is perhaps the weak point, I thought everything I tasted at Le Petit Beefier was either over-or-underseasoned. Breakfast was only OK, small buffet section and a-la-carte menu but little inventiveness in the menu overall. Will update the review with some photos once my stay is complete.

Not to get too far off topic but you aren't the only one who thought that of the W Prague. I just left and while both breakfast and Le Petite are good compared to US standards, I felt both were just meh for international standards.