The four-pearl Carat Boutique Hotel is a small, upscale property that ticks all the boxes for tourists looking for somewhere central, clean, and pleasant to stay in Budapest. The 50 rooms -- which are being updated throughout 2015 -- are decorated with clean-lined modern decor and photographic wall murals; some have small private balconies. There's no full restaurant, but ongoing renovations have improved the little things throughout the hotel, adding amenities to the breakfast room (with its free buffet) and rainfall showers to the small fitness room. Located down the street from Deák Ferenc Square, the city's largest transit hub, the Carat is convenient to public transportation and close to many tourist attractions, including the historic Jewish district. But street-facing rooms can suffer from the area's heavy traffic noise. For a quieter location, check the rates at the Boutique Hotel Victoria Budapest, located across the Danube.

The 48-room Lanchid 19 Hotel is a design-conscious upscale property at the base of Buda Castle, a three-minute walk from the Chain Bridge. High-end amenities include a bar with a seasonal terrace, concierge service, and restaurant with room service, but the hotel lacks upscale facilities such as a gym, pool, or spa. Rooms are clean and modern, with minibars and flat-screen TVs, though Standard Rooms can feel sparse. Many rooms have exceptional views of Buda Castle or the river. Suites are particularly stylish with whirlpool tubs and Nespresso coffeemakers. Travelers may want to compare rates with the Sofitel Budapest Chain Bridge Hotel just across the river, which has more dated decor, but an indoor pool, a spa, and two restaurants.

The Promenade City Hotel is a small, lower-middle-range property right on the famous Vaci Street -- a pedestrianized shopping thoroughfare in central Budapest. Its 45 guest rooms are modern and clean, with decent free Wi-Fi and well-stocked minibars, though many don't get much natural light. A free continental buffet breakfast is certainly a bonus, but the dining room can get crowded during busier times. Overall, it's a straightforward, no-frills hotel offering good rates for such a central location. For a budget option with a dose of history, travelers may prefer the Maverick Hostel Budapest, which is housed in a mansion from the Hapsburg Dynasty.

The 38-room, mid-range Hotel Castle Garden is located on the historic Buda side of the city with stunning views of Buda Castle and Pest. This property attracts mostly leisure travelers with simple features including a heated indoor pool and a small wellness area with a whirlpool and sauna. Guests can expect contemporary, slightly minimalist and warm decor, a quiet vibe, and comfortable rooms with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and tub/shower combos. Also on-site are a garden courtyard, fitness center, and free tea and coffee in the lobby. Guests receive a discount at the attached Italian and Hungarian restaurant, but there's a fee for parking. Travelers looking for a bit more style may prefer the hip Baltazar Budapest, which is located within the walls of the castle.

The 77-room Petnehazy Club Hotel is set in the lush outskirts of Buda, the western side of Budapest behind a backdrop of mountains. The mid-range hotel offers 32 Studios with kitchenettes and balconies as well as 45 Cottages that offer kitchens, saunas, and patios. Numerous amenities include horseback riding and hiking in the area, multiple saunas and pools, a restaurant, and lots of kid-friendly amenities, including a playground. Despite its seemingly quiet location, the hotel is a popular wedding destination and festivities can be loud. The Danubius Health Spa Resort Margitsziget, on Margaret Island, offers a quieter vacation in green surrounds, and it's right in the center of the city.

The 29-room Central Hotel 21 is a lower-middle-range property in a residential area on the Pest side of the city, about a 15-minute walk to the Belvaros and well-linked via public transportation. Rooms range from Standard Doubles to an Apartment with a full kitchen that sleeps up to six. While rooms are tastefully decorated and outfitted with such amenities as flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and minibars, they can be tiny, and entry-level rooms lack air-conditioning. A basic breakfast is available for a fee, and there's a 24-hour lobby bar, and a courtyard with seating. Travelers seeking a location closer to Belvaros might want to try the Three Corners Hotel Art, which has a small gym and sauna.

The Benczur Hotel is a mid-range property set in the quiet, leafy Embassy District in the Pest half of the city, near the metro and City Park, with such attractions as Vajahunyad Castle, a boating lake, and the zoo. The hotel's 160 rooms are still undergoing renovation, and while most are modern with flat-screen TVs and minibars, some in the Economy Wing show age and wear. The restaurant highlights seasonal Hungarian cooking, and offers alfresco dining on the terrace -- however the food garners mixed reviews. The lobby is bright and spacious, but, overall, the seven-story hotel -- built in 1969 -- evokes the blockiness of Soviet-era style. Travelers could also consider the nearby Mirage Fashion Hotel, which is housed in an attractive 19th-century building, but rates will be slightly higher.

The Hotel Palazzo Zichy is a stylish, upscale hotel with 80 modern rooms in downtown Budapest. There’s a breakfast buffet including a variety of cold items served in a posh space, but no full on-site restaurant. The hotel has a small fitness center with a sauna and an impressive Internet room with six computers. Guest rooms are sleek and serene, with grey decor and neutral wood floors -- plus, stunning bathrooms with ornate wall coverings and rain showerheads. Guests may also want to check out the downtown Bohem Art Hotel, which has stylish rooms with vibrant artwork.

The luxurious Kempinski is a modern oasis of food, art and design. It's home to the country's only Nobu restaurant, plus an upscale bar, restaurant, and lounge. Local artwork is displayed throughout, and features include a pool, spa, gym, business center, and parking lot with electric car charging stations. The 349 rooms and suites are large and elegant, though some decor looks dated rather than deliberately old-fashioned. Set the heart of the city across from Erzsebet park and a 10-minute walk from the Chain Bridge and Danube, the hotel is a convenient home base for travelers looking to explore the city on foot or metro. Those who prefer a grand, historic feel should consider the similarly priced Boscolo Budapest.

Less than a 10-minute walk from the MOM shopping center, Hotel Charles is a mid-range hotel with a homey and inviting atmosphere. The 70 studio-like rooms decked out with kitchenettes with minibars are the main attraction here, though some rooms have dated furniture, like tube-style TVs. There’s a good Hungarian restaurant on-site with outdoor seating and a breakfast buffet that can be included in room rates. Though rates are low, expect extra fees for parking, bike rentals, and bringing pets. Travelers might also want to check out Best Western Hotel Hungaria, which offers an on-site spa with a hot tub, multiple dining options, and proximity to a train station for similar rates.