8 of Budapest’s luxury hotels earn global recognition in Forbes’ ranking

Budapest’s luxury hospitality sector has once again gained international recognition, with eight hotels in the Hungarian capital featured in the Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) Star Awards 2026.

Budapest has 8 luxury hotels in one of the most renowned rating systems

The prestigious annual list, now in its 68th year, highlights outstanding hotels, restaurants and spas across more than 95 countries, and the capital’s strong presence underscores the city’s growing reputation as a high-end travel destination.

The Forbes Travel Guide is widely regarded as the world’s only independent global rating system dedicated to luxury hospitality. Its inspectors assess properties anonymously, staying at least two nights and evaluating them against more than 900 objective standards. Service quality carries the greatest weight in the final score, accounting for around 70 per cent of the rating, while facilities make up the remaining 30 per cent.

Amanda Frasier, President of Standards and Ratings at FTG, said this year’s winners reflect how the concept of luxury continues to evolve. According to her, the honoured properties stand out not only for their facilities but also for their ability to deliver authentic guest experiences and consistently exceptional service, reports Turizmus.com.

Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace is the highest ranking in the capital

Among the Budapest winners, the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace achieved the highest distinction with a coveted Five-Star rating, reserved for iconic properties known for flawless, personalised service at the very highest level. Three hotels received Four-Star recognition: Al Habtoor Palace Budapest, Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, and W Budapest.

For the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus, the 2026 award carries special significance. The hotel has now secured the FTG Four-Star rating for ten consecutive years. Regional Director Stephan Interthal described the milestone as a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the hotel’s approximately 300 staff members, emphasising that the recognition strengthens their commitment to maintaining exceptional service standards.

New locations received awards as well

The W Budapest, located in the historic Drechsler Palace on Andrássy Avenue, also marked an important achievement. Opened in 2023, the hotel earned its first FTG Four-Star rating this year. Its management highlighted the honour as confirmation of their efforts to combine world-class hospitality with a strong sense of local identity.

Four additional capital properties were included in the “Recommended” category, which recognises consistently high-quality service and facilities. These are the Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel, Corinthia Budapest, InterContinental Budapest, and Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel.