Standing on the Pest side of the Danube, just outside the Grand Boulevard, Kozmo is an exciting new addition to Budapest’s hotel scene. Opened in late 2021, the imposing bourgeois building, a former telecoms centre dating back to the early 1900s, has now been transformed into a design lover’s paradise.
Its original features have been lovingly restored, and mixed with swoon-worthy contemporary touches. In the 84 rooms and suites, you'll find chic wood panelling, parquet floors and classic, steel Crittall-style doors. Then glide down the spectacular central staircase, and raise your extravagance game in the bar, where the champagne flows. Or head to the spa for a superlative treatment, sauna, or some gentle lengths in the calming subterranean pool. At dinner, either stay in – the cuisine is much talked about (and breakfast too) – or head out on foot to discover the best of this buzzing city. If you’re looking to add some bucket list-level luxury to your Budapest trip, this is the place to come.
Highs
- Beautifully cool, elegant interiors at every turn, from the chic minimalist bedrooms to the opulent bistro
- We loved the extra in-room touches, such as macaroons, Nespresso machine and a souvenir book of Budapest photos by Carlos Canovas
- A small but welcome spa – to which i-escape guests get free entry
- Staff are super-friendly, and go above and beyond
- The food – be it caviar or a humble charcuterie platter – generally gets rave reviews
Lows
- With 84 rooms and suites, it's larger than most of our handpicked hotels – but so special we made an exception
- You're quite a way from Buda and the castle (15 mins by cab, 45 by tram or metro)
- Not the cheapest option for a city break
- When we visited (in covid times), the menu was quite limited, especially for vegetarians
Best time to go
The climate in Budapest is pleasant all year, if a little hot for some in the summer. For crowd-dodging and the best temperatures for exploring, go during shoulder seasons (March to May and September to November).
Our top tips
One of the easiest, most scenic ways of exploring the city is aboard Tram #2. Watch the Danube River and beyond from your window, as you tick off must-sees like the epic Buda Castle and the National Theatre.
Some rooms include the price of spa access, but there's no need to pay more for them - as an i-escape guest you'll get free entry no matter what room you choose.
Some rooms include the price of spa access, but there's no need to pay more for them - as an i-escape guest you'll get free entry no matter what room you choose.
- Boutique Hotel
- 84 rooms
- Restaurants (open daily)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Indoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Concierge Service
Rooms
The 84 rooms range from compact standard doubles to suites of up to 90 sq.m. All are smartly decorated in elegant muted tones, oozing calm and cool. The clean design includes uber-chic white wood panelling, parquet floors and trendy steel framed doors. Kingsize beds (you can request them to be set up as twins in all categories) are supremely comfortable and crisply dressed. Bathrooms are no less glorious, with divine Penhaligon bath products, and a bathtub as well as a drench shower.
Entry level Standards and Superiors are surprisingly spacious (35 sq.m.), with the same high ceilings, so you won't feel cramped or short-changed. Deluxe Rooms get an additional living area and dressing room. Some Junior Suites have terraces; the Suites a separate living room. For families, book two Standard rooms together to make a two-bedroom Family Suite. For peak luxury, the Grand Deluxe Suite with an outdoor terrace and open plan lounge won’t disappoint.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- Minibar
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
The fantastic buffet breakfast has already garnered rave reviews for its wide array of freshly-baked local delicacies, gourmet cheeses, cold cuts, and excellent hot à la carte dishes too.
You have a choice of two restaurants at Kozmo: enjoy an unpretentious lunch at the relaxed Restaurant Bistro, which doubles as the hotel's bar, and then fine dine at Restaurant Kozmo. Devour veal cheek stew, Norwegian salmon, lobster bisque or baked gnocchi. For dessert perhaps vegan rice pudding or white chocolate soufflé. At either, you can expect an extensive wine list, and some more of that sleek interior design, with just the right amount of bling (the golden bar in the Bistro is a thing of beauty).
Beyond the hotel, the area brims with top notch eateries. For a taste of proper Hungarian fare, try rustic Rosenstein, 20 mins' walk from Kozmo. Or trendies flock to Mazel Tov in the vibrant Jewish quarter: delicious Israeli-Mediterranean food in an upscale, glass-roofed courtyard setting.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
Activities
- Architecture buffs and food lovers alike should head to the impressive neo-Gothic, 19th-century Central Market Hall (10 mins by Metro): three storeys of fresh produce, excellent wine and high-end strudels
- Explore Falk Miksa Utca (20 mins by Metro) for its gorgeous antique shops and galleries. Don’t miss the statue of Columbo and his dog on the way (long story)
- Walk “The Grand Boulevard” – a leafy thoroughfare through the city that runs just a few streets from the hotel
- Party at a 'ruin bar': unused spaces in the city that have been turned into trendy hangouts by locals. Szimpla Kert, the first ever one, with live music and reportedly delicious, no-fuss food, is a great place to start
- A short leafy stroll from the hotel is the spectacular Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest in Europe
- Take a dip in one of the city’s stunning 16th-century thermal baths. Gellert and Szechenyi are the most popular. Just be sure to hit them early to avoid the crowds
- Or indulge in the hotel spa; its gentle lighting and slender 16m pool make a super-relaxing space, and the Valmont-based treatments are top notch. There’s a Jacuzzi and fabulous sauna for post-treatment indulgence as well
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Private guided tours
- Shopping / markets
- Well being
Kids
All children are welcome; we’d say it’s better for babies and over 12s, but not so great for younger kids. Baby cots (complimentary) and extra beds (a nightly charge) are available on request.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
Family rooms are perfect for those with two (older) children: you get two interconnecting standard rooms with a bathroom each. If you're coming with one child, an extra bed can be added to Deluxe Rooms, Junior Suites and Suites. Those with a baby can opt for any room and request a complimentary cot.
Families Should Know:
Note that children can access the indoor swimming pool in the spa between 1200 and 1600 only.
Distances:
- Airport: 30 minutes
- Hospital: 20 minutes
- Shops: 2 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Kozmo Hotel is the quiet Magdolina quarter of Pest, just outside the Grand Boulevard (or Nagykörút), in Budapest. It's a 3-5 minute walk to the nearest tram stop, where you can catch a tram into the city centre 24/7.
By Air:
Fly into Ferenc Liszt Airport (20km). From there, hail a cab to take you on the 20 minute journey to the hotel. Or take advantage of the hotel shuttle service.
By Train:
Keleti train station is just a 7-minute taxi ride from the hotel. Check out the brilliant Seat 61 if you’re planning a railway adventure.
By Car:
We don't recommend hiring a car in Budapest. The city's metro, tram (and bus) network is more convenient.
Detailed directions will be provided when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport 20.0 km BUD
Other:
- Beach 0.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape