Budapest’s Luxury Hotels Shine on Forbes Travel Guide’s Global List

In a testament to Budapest’s growing reputation as a luxury travel destination, six of the city’s hotels have been recognized in the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) for 2025. This acknowledgment not only highlights the Hungarian capital’s world-class hospitality but also cements its position among the globe’s top luxury destinations.

The Honored Establishments

The following Budapest hotels have earned a place in this year’s FTG travel recommendations:

• Anantara New York Palace
• Corinthia Budapest
• Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace
• InterContinental Budapest
• Kempinski Hotel Corvinus
• W Budapest

Understanding the Forbes Travel Guide

The FTG, now in its 67th year, is renowned for its comprehensive lists of the world’s finest tourism facilities. This year’s edition features 2,187 service providers across 90 countries, making it the most geographically diverse list in the guide’s history.

As the only independent international rating system that thoroughly evaluates luxury hotels, restaurants, and spas, the FTG employs professional inspectors who visit establishments incognito. These experts assess each property based on hundreds of objective criteria, ensuring a fair and thorough evaluation.

The Rating System

The FTG awards ratings in three categories:

• Five-star
• Four-star
• Recommended

Of the six Budapest hotels featured, four received the “Recommended” status, while the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus earned four stars, and the Four Seasons Gresham Palace achieved the coveted five-star rating.

Spotlight on Kempinski Hotel Corvinus

The Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest has achieved a remarkable feat by appearing on the FTG evaluation list for the ninth consecutive year. Stephan Interthal, General Manager of Kempinski Corvinus, expressed his pride in this recognition:

“It’s a great honor to be recognized among the world’s best hotels for the ninth time in a row. This award reflects our commitment to consistently providing the highest level of service to our guests, even amid changing economic conditions.”

Interthal also highlighted the hotel’s recent renovations, including the refurbishment of all 350 rooms and suites, the event level, Business Center, and Kempinski The Spa. He dedicated the award to the hotel’s 300 staff members, acknowledging their dedication and daily efforts as the true recipients of this recognition.

The Importance of FTG Recognition

The Forbes Travel Guide’s ratings are more than just accolades; they serve as a beacon for discerning travelers seeking exceptional experiences. The guide emphasizes that true luxury is not measured in material metrics alone but in moments of genuine connection and outstanding service.

FTG’s rigorous evaluation process, which weighs service at 70% and facility quality at 30%, ensures that only the most deserving establishments receive recognition. This process also considers intangible factors that contribute to an unforgettable stay, such as a property’s ability to provide a strong sense of place and enhance guests’ well-being.

Budapest’s Rising Star in Luxury Tourism

The inclusion of six Budapest hotels in this prestigious guide underscores the city’s ascent as a prime luxury destination. It reflects not only the quality of the city’s hospitality offerings but also its ability to compete on a global stage with established luxury capitals.

As Budapest continues to evolve and enhance its luxury tourism sector, recognitions such as these from the Forbes Travel Guide play a crucial role in attracting high-end travelers and solidifying the city’s reputation for exceptional hospitality.

The success of these Budapest hotels in the 2025 Forbes Travel Guide is a clear indication that the Hungarian capital is not just keeping pace with global luxury standards but is helping to set them. As the city’s hospitality sector continues to innovate and excel, we can expect to see Budapest’s star rise even further in the world of luxury travel.

Image source: Corinthia Budapest