To convince my photographer, who is a Grinch, to embrace the magic of Christmas, we took a city break in Budapest. I picked Hotel Oktogon Haggenmacher, a stylish 4-star spot on the iconic Andrassy Avenue, as our base. We visited at the start of December, planning to explore Budapest’s Christmas markets and relax in the Széchenyi Thermal Bath. I wanted to be near the city’s main sights, but also have a quiet place to unwind after busy days.
When we arrived in the evening, the hotel’s exterior looked like a typical city building. But stepping inside, the beautiful interior surprised me. This pleasant surprise set the mood for the rest of our stay.
Booking Process
It is absolutely no surprise to anyone that I booked through Expedia, because I wanted to book flights and a hotel together. Even though I know there are many other booking websites, I always choose Expedia because of the simple and stress-free process.
What set this experience apart was the hotel’s proactive communication: shortly after booking, they reached out via email to offer online check-in—a first for me. Not only was the online check-in straightforward (even for a dinosaur), but I could also select my preferred room location, which added a thoughtful, personalised touch. The hotel went a step further by inquiring about any allergies or special requests before my arrival, making me feel welcomed and genuinely cared for.
Location
To make the journey from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport as stress-free as possible, I booked a shared return transfer through Get Your Guide—a convenient choice given the airport’s considerable distance from the city centre. The hotel’s prime position at the bustling Oktogon intersection made it easy to locate, even for a first-time visitor. I always look for hotels in central, well-lit areas along main roads to ensure both convenience and a sense of security, especially when returning after dark. Hotel Oktogon Haggenmacher ticked all those boxes, offering both accessibility and peace of mind.
Check-In Experience
Stepping off the bustling street, I was transported into a calm, palatial space. The reception, set at the heart of four interconnected buildings, felt open and inviting, with comfortable seating nooks and a magnificent Christmas tree as its focal point. The striking checkerboard floor added a playful touch; I couldn’t resist hopping from one square to the next, much to my photographer’s embarrassment.
Check-in was seamless, thanks to the online process I’d completed beforehand. The front desk staff greeted me with genuine warmth and efficiency, offering city maps and thoughtful recommendations for local dining. Their welcoming demeanour set a positive tone for my stay.
To my delight, I discovered a complimentary bottle of wine, a handwritten card, and some chocolates waiting in my room—a thoughtful gesture that made me feel truly valued as a guest.
Room Review
I stayed in a standard twin room that, while compact, was thoughtfully designed to maximise comfort and functionality. The space felt fresh and modern, with tasteful décor and spotless cleanliness that gave a welcoming first impression. Despite the hotel’s central location, the room was wonderfully peaceful—I barely heard a sound from the corridor or surrounding rooms during my entire stay.
The spacious open wardrobe area included convenient amenities such as a fridge, safe, and a Nespresso machine (which I still cannot work out how to use). One minor drawback was the lack of complimentary bottled water—each bottle came at a small charge (600HUF or £1.40). On the plus side, the high-speed Wi-Fi was reliable throughout the hotel, perfect for planning adventures or sharing travel photos on Instagram (shameless plug).
View
My room faced the hotel’s internal courtyard, offering a unique vantage point over the reception area below. I appreciated the privacy—no other rooms peered in—and the natural light that filtered through the glass ceiling added a bright, airy feel during the day. Having an internal room only came with one distinct downside. I had to go to the hotel’s front door to find out the weather. But there was no noise from traffic on the busy road outside the hotel, so I slept soundly every night.
Bathroom
The bathroom, though snug, was immaculately clean and featured all the essentials for a comfortable city break, including quality toiletries and a powerful shower. I liked the shower because it had the option to be either a rainfall shower or a smaller power shower.
Facilities
The hotel had a gym, sauna, and offered massages and beauty therapies. I, however, didn’t have time to try out any of these. A co-working space was also available, and a lounge room to escape the crowds. The hotel bar was hidden behind the reception, but it was closed during my stay.
Dining Experience
Breakfast at Hotel Oktogon Haggenmacher was served in a small area near the reception. The buffet offered an impressive variety of options—from flaky pastries and fresh fruit to hearty eggs, cheeses, and local Hungarian specialities. There were thoughtful touches, such as a gluten and lactose-free area. Another area was filled with healthy options, such as lemon-infused water and fresh fruit. The self-serve coffee station was a particular highlight, allowing me to enjoy a quality cup of coffee at my own pace. My favourite part of the breakfast buffet was the pancake-making machine. I waved at the machine, and it would make 2 small, flower-shaped pancakes without the mess or stress of making them yourself.
The hotel provided free self-serve coffee and tea between 2 and 5pm, and they also offered free mulled wine and Rétes (Hungarian strudel). I really enjoyed trying this cake, the poppy seed was my favourite.
Although the hotel didn’t have its own restaurant for lunch or dinner, the staff offered excellent recommendations for nearby dining, and the location meant there was no shortage of great eateries within walking distance. I discovered an incredible Hungarian Restaurant, Menza Étterem és Kávéház, a short walk from the hotel, and it had some amazing traditional vegan and vegetarian versions of Hungarian dishes.
Accessibility
The hotel is located in a flat and walkable area of Budapest. There are also metro, tram, and bus stops located near the hotel. Inside the hotel, there are elevators to each floor and the option to request rooms closer to these if walking a long distance to the guest rooms is difficult.
Final Thoughts on Hotel Oktogon Haggenmacher
My stay at Hotel Oktogon Haggenmacher exceeded expectations. Its prime location, inviting interior, and attentive staff created a memorable experience. Thoughtful touches, seamless check-in, and personalised welcome amenities distinguished this hotel from others I’ve visited in Europe.
This hotel excels in balancing access to Budapest’s attractions with a peaceful, stylish retreat. Whether visiting for festive markets, historical sights, or relaxation, Hotel Oktogon Haggenmacher provides an ideal base for any itinerary.
Would I stay here again? Absolutely. I would recommend this hotel to travellers seeking a stylish yet comfortable stay in the heart of Budapest. Don’t miss out on the breakfast buffet’s pancake machine and be sure to ask the staff for their local dining recommendations—they truly know the city!
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