LOCATION
The iconic St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest is one of the city’s most recognisable symbols and a major ecclesiastical centre. Within walking distance of the Budapest Parliament, Heroes Square, and the bustling Jewish Quarter, dotted with kosher restaurants, quirky bistros, and langos kiosks, this location is one of the city’s most illustrious. More impressive still is the range of gastronomic options, from the Michelin Bib Gourmand Goli Restaurant to more tourist-oriented takes on Hungarian classics; the area is rich in culture and history. Steps away from this Budapest icon, a designer five-star Radisson Collection Hotel opened in 2025. The neoclassical edifice opposite the cathedral, inaugurated in 1866 and used as an elementary school, has been given a new lease of life. The hotel’s revamp transformed the building inside and out.
With floor-to-ceiling windows, embellishments adorning the beige facade, and a high arched entrance, the exterior suits the stately surroundings. For a designer hotel, the location is ideal, within arm’s reach of all major landmarks.
The city centre location does have its drawbacks, though: the lack of parking means guests arriving by car must crisscross the surrounding streets in hopes of finding a vacant spot. Nevertheless, hearing the muffled sound of church bells in the morning, knowing you are in the heart of Budapest is priceless. Revitalisation par excellence.
ACCESSIBILITY
Budapest is undoubtedly one of Central Europe’s best-connected metropolises. With over 150 connections from 45 airlines, Ferenc Liszt International Airport is a key regional crossroads. For guests arriving from afar, Uber and Bolt taxis are a convenient option, costing between twenty and thirty EUR. Alternatively, a bus line runs from the centre to the airport. Guests arriving by car can reach Budapest from Vienna in three hours, from Ljubljana in four, or from Zagreb in three and a half. Hungarian motorways are well maintained and easy to navigate. Still, traffic in Budapest can be hectic, and the city’s old streets can be challenging to navigate. As we approached the hotel, we realised it lacks a parking garage or designated parking area. We were left to our devices and resourcefulness to find free parking nearby. For a five-star hotel, even a designer one in the city centre, this is a major shortcoming. Guests who prefer more sustainable transport can take trains that connect the city with major metropolises. Admiring the endless Panonian plains and catching glimpses of the Hungarian countryside through the train windows is an experience in itself.
Budapest is an incredibly well-connected web of bus, tram, and metro lines, and it’s also very walkable.
Once settled in, guests can take full advantage of the city’s excellent public transport. We particularly recommend hopping on the Millennium Underground Railway, Europe’s first metro line, which opened in 1896. Another tip: take in the sights while pedalling the electric MOL Bubi bikes, which can reach up to 25 km/h. Either way, Budapest is an incredibly well-connected web of bus, tram, and metro lines, and it’s also very walkable.
COLD STARTER - Architecture and aesthetics
Built between 1863 and 1866 in an early eclectic style by architect József Hild, the former rectory and school building was redesigned last year by the design firm Szécsi és Társa Építész Stúdió. The architects paid homage to the heritage-protected building across five floors and a rooftop now home to the ISSEI Skybar & Restaurant. Though understated in beige, the details speak volumes about the craftsmanship behind the renovation. While the exterior is restrained, the interior, crafted by Sonuvo Design, is a soulful journey through rich colours, textures, and combinations. As we crossed the threshold, a pleasant, flowery scent wafted through the air as we passed two lines of plants lining the lobby leading to the reception desk. The lobby and bar, which doubles as the breakfast area, is eclectic yet tastefully composed. Plush upholstery, designer lights and an imposing installation inscribed with “basilica” adorn the wall. Behind the reception desk, a black-and-white Latin inscription adds a touch of prestige, though the staff couldn’t say what it meant when we asked.
The architects revived the neoclassical building’s grandeur, with its typical high ceilings, arched entrances, and handcrafted details.
Stylish black-and-white photos of Budapest’s bridges and landmarks hang throughout the corridors. The hotel’s most striking architectural feature is the rooftop, which overlooks the imposing cupola of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In winter, it can be fully enclosed, while in summer it becomes one of the city centre’s most spectacular open-air venues. Think cosy loungers, abundant greenery that offers guests privacy, and a DJ booth to complete the setting. Another striking element is the mural on the wall, visible from the atrium, depicting the neighbouring basilica’s interior dome. The architects revived the neoclassical building’s grandeur, with its typical high ceilings, arched entrances, and handcrafted details.
WARM ENTRÉE - The staff and the culinary experience
In a design-oriented hotel with only 71 rooms, hospitality must be tailored to each guest. As we stepped into the hotel, Gergo greeted us professionally and, despite technical issues and problems with our room, presented us with Radisson Collection gifts wrapped in sustainable packaging. Gergo also recommended savouring a cocktail in the ISSEI Restaurant. There, the staff under the helm of Executive Chef Jánosi Árpád Zsolt operate like a well-oiled machine. They were exceptionally kind and attentive, living up to the expectations of a fine-dining outpost.
Plush decor and the finest views in town make ISSEI Restaurant the perfect setting for Nikkei cuisine, a refined blend of Japanese and Peruvian flavours.
Onto the cuisine: at the Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2026, the hotel’s ISSEI Skybar & Restaurant was recognised as Budapest’s best luxury Asian fusion cuisine. The rooftop was also voted Budapest’s best luxury rooftop. Expectations were thus high. Plush decor and the finest views in town make it the perfect setting for Nikkei cuisine, a refined blend of Japanese and Peruvian flavours. These two cultures share a love for fresh fish. When Sakura Maru travelled to Peru in 1899, he brought his love for Japanese cuisine and married it with local Peruvian ingredients. Et voila, this unique fusion food was born. For starters, we enjoyed the chef’s intriguing take on gyozas and a delicate miso soup with grilled pork belly. The grand finale was octopus tacos with spiced accents and uramaki sushi rolls with avocado and panko-coated shrimp. All the flavours were delicious and brought the best of the two cuisines together. The premium ingredients, hospitable service, and unmatched views justify the prices. Umami!
Breakfast combines a diverse buffet with à la carte options. We relished the chia pudding and granola, as well as the ciabatta bread, but we missed more Hungarian staples. Perhaps offering their own take on langoš, infusing dishes with paprika or organising show cooking could elevate the experience. We must commend the decor: lush plants and light streaming in from the atrium’s glass roof create an inviting breakfast setting. The restaurant atop the hotel is open not only to hotel guests but also to locals and tourists alike, connecting the hotel with the district. The gastronomy is certainly a reason to visit.
MAIN COURSE – The meetings offering at the hotel
Hotel rooms
Fishbone parquet and soaring ceilings, typical of fin-de-siècle Art Nouveau edifices, immediately caught our eye as we entered our room through the heavy door. A seemingly suspended, subtly illuminated ceiling adds to the overwhelming feeling of spaciousness. The room’s centrepiece is the premium bed, crowned by a dark brown, leather-clad headboard. Above it hangs tasteful artwork that suits the room’s artistic soul, depicting an in-situ photoshoot of an art installation featuring a pinkish elephant model. Inviting light bathes the room, oozing luxury. A leather lounge chair beside a reading table invites guests to thumb through Budapest Gem. This playful magazine takes guests on a journey across Budapest’s greatest architectural, cultural, and literary icons. From our room, we could admire the cathedral’s dome hidden behind the quality floor-to-ceiling curtains. Business guests will appreciate the spacious wooden writing desk with a black faux marble finish, plus a functional wardrobe, minibar, and Nespresso coffee machine.
From our room, we could admire the cathedral’s dome hidden behind the quality floor-to-ceiling curtains.
The bathroom has subtle lighting and features Radisson’s in-house cosmetics, but it felt a bit cramped. Compared to the incredibly spacious rest of the room, the bathroom could have been designed with more space in mind. The large faux white marble tiles with grey veins are a refined touch, though. Radisson paid special attention to the finest of details. The longer we stayed, the more we appreciated the refined lighting, the neatly lined-up minibar items, and the stunning views that make up for any parking drawback.
Meetings centre
Radisson Collection Hotel, Basilica Budapest features three meeting rooms, suited for intimate, boutique meetings for up to 16 guests. The hotel’s lobby bar is perhaps better suited for events and can be privatised. With an imposing mural peeking through the glass roof of the lobby bar set in the atrium, the setting seems perfect for events for up to 30 guests. Needless to say, the rooftop is one of Budapest’s most spectacular event venues. With mouthwatering cuisine and a DJ booth, it seems ideal for rooftop parties, evening dinners, or welcome receptions.
DESSERT – The extras
On the underground floor, a boutique gym equipped with Technogym machines awaits active guests. Spending time in the new fitness area to escape the city’s hustle and bustle is an excellent way to recharge. Though the gym is commendable, a spa would undoubtedly convince even more guests.
FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES
Requesting a deposit for a room already paid for seems unusual for a five-star hotel. Such outdated practices should have disappeared from hotels worldwide long ago. We hope management takes a closer look and ends this outdated practice.
TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES
The Arc Restaurant can be privatised for events. We find it ideal for breakfast brunches, intimate lunches or boutique workshops. In fact, the hotel’s entire ground floor can become a connected event space, linking the meeting rooms, lobby, and Arc Restaurant. Event attendees will undoubtedly cherish the unique designer pieces, quality cuisine and central location.
SUSTAINABLE ENDEAVOURS
The hotel has adopted several sustainable measures. One is recycling paper packaging for all products. Another is a wooden, tree-shaped symbol guests can place on the bed to request a linen change. Such small acts can empower guests to consider their footprint and act more responsibly. The cuisine also uses seasonal, local ingredients, though some premium ingredients needed for sushi must be imported. The hotel is verified under Radisson’s Hotel Sustainability Basics and strives to reduce its footprint, promote inclusion, and support local communities. However, to earn the Green Key or similar certificates, the hotel will need to go the extra mile by switching to entirely renewable energy, working with local providers, and implementing a sustainability plan.
CREATIVITY
Radisson Collection hotels’ hallmarks are designer pieces and attention to detail, unique to every Collection hotel. In Budapest, creativity is evident not only in the room design or the selection of the phenomenal Budapest Gem magazine, but also in the cuisine, artworks, and decor throughout the public corridors and spaces.
Artworks depicting scenes of Budapest denizens and their everyday activities connect the hotel to the city.
The gastronomy is equally creative, blending two seemingly disconnected cuisines into exquisite fusion. We recommend the hotel showcase its creative design through an in-house magazine or exhibition to engage with the local ecosystem and attract more local and international event planners.
FINAL IMPRESSION AND CREDIBILITY
Radisson Collection Hotel, Basilica Budapest stands out from the pack thanks to a design that we dare say will remain modern for the coming decade, fantastic Nikkei fusion cuisine and an unmatched location.
Steps from the chiming bells of St. Stephen Basilica, the Radisson Collection Hotel Budapest beckons guests with fusion cuisine and designer architecture. Part of Radisson’s roster of luxury lifestyle hotels in vibrant urban hubs, it turns heads with its stunning rooms, non-generic decor and attention to detail. For a five-star hotel, it is surprisingly affordable and can easily rival Budapest’s city competitors. We were most impressed by the spacious rooms, the rooftop with arguably the finest views of the Basilica, and its proximity to the city’s landmarks. The central location compensates for the parking drawback. Though the staff are kind and professional, we hope they will present the hotel’s offerings more holistically to future guests. Advertising the phenomenal ISSEI Skybar & Restaurant should be top of their list when greeting guests. For event organisers, this hotel is a true diamond in the rough. Its lobby, meeting rooms, and rooftop offer the perfect setting for intimate, boutique events away from prying eyes. Above all, Radisson Collection Hotel, Basilica Budapest stands out from the pack thanks to a design that we dare say will remain modern for the coming decade, fantastic Nikkei fusion cuisine and an unmatched location. After all, who wouldn’t want the muffled bells of St. Stephan to invite them to explore one of Central Europe’s most venerated cities?
FINAL GRADE: 4.91 THREE MEETING STARS⭐⭐⭐ Boutique Meeting Hotel
3 MEETING STARS⭐⭐⭐ final score from 4.81 to 5.00
2 MEETING STARS⭐⭐ final score from 4.61 to 4.80
1 MEETING STAR⭐ final score from 4.41 to 4.60
