Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest

Matild Palace doesn’t just give five-star service—it makes you feel like you accidentally became royalty overnight. The building is so stunning I half expected a film crew to be shooting a period drama in the lobby. The rooms? Plush, glamorous, and the kind of beds that whisper, “cancel your plans.” The staff are so charming they could probably talk you into adopting a chandelier.

We were fortunate to stay at the Matild Palace for one night utilizing Marriott points. What a wonderful treat. The hotel is beautiful. Definitely lives up to a Luxury hotel classification from design to service and helpful staff. We enjoyed eating at Spago. We took some time to relax in the spa. I highly recommend spending time there. The room was large enough for a mother/daughter traveling together. Beds comfortable with quality linens. Espresso and water provided. Robes and slippers. Our bathroom was a beautiful design with a tub and shower and well lit. The hotel is convenient to walk to most sites you want to visit. We loved our stay and wished we could have stayed longer.

As someone who has proudly held Ambassador Elite status for over five years and been a loyal Marriott Bonvoy Elite member for more than fifteen, I never imagined I would find myself writing a review of this nature. Yet, my recent experience at Matild Palace compels me to speak out—not only for myself but for all travelers who value dignity, safety, and professional hospitality. After a grueling 16-hour international flight, I arrived at the property expecting the standard of excellence associated with the Marriott brand. Instead, I walked into chaos. The hotel lobby was overrun with police officers and unidentified security personnel—no explanations, no signage, no courtesy notices to inform arriving guests of any event or disturbance. There was no special provision, no effort to manage check-in smoothly despite the situation, and certainly no hospitality. The staff appeared anxious, disorganized, and unwelcoming. While attempting to pay my taxi fare at a nearby ATM, I was publicly harassed and humiliated by an officer who treated me as though I were trespassing rather than a valued guest. Not only was the interaction deeply embarrassing, but it was also wholly inappropriate and unbecoming of any property operating under the Marriott flag. To my dismay, members of hotel management observed the incident from inside the lobby—visible through the mirror—and did nothing. No intervention, no apology, no effort to de-escalate or offer support. It was a shocking abandonment of duty. Having stayed at over 50 Marriott properties around the globe, I can confidently say this was one of the worst hospitality experiences of my life. Matild Palace is, quite frankly, a stain on the Marriott brand—poorly managed, unprofessional, and devoid of the warmth or dignity that seasoned travelers expect. Unless significant changes are made, starting with a full overhaul of the on-site leadership team, I will never return—and I urge fellow travelers, regardless of status, to proceed with extreme caution.

Great location. Still feels new- helpful concierge. Room was fine- great bathroom - very nice gym - Good service - restaurant was good - not busy. Awesome rooftop bar - service outstanding there. Will look forward to opening of sister property - St Regis across the street in coming months?

Wonderful location. Perfection as far as staff, rooms, service and food. Great gym also. You can walk to most important sites in Budapest. Trams are located nearby. The restaurant Spago is outstanding and served the best goulash dish we had on the city. The roasted chicken was delicious and I recommend it