it opened up to enchant her
Mystery Hotel Budapest
Our eclectic building was constructed in 1896 by the Symbolic Grand Lodge of Hungarian Freemasons. Just as the lives of Freemasons were steeped in mystery, so too is our hotel’s theme shrouded in legends and secrets.
Luxury Magic Experience Luxury
The elevator is concealed behind large, heavy velvet curtains that part as if by magic, and one of our private rooms can only be accessed with a secret key. As you stroll beneath the arches, the flickering light of the candlesticks seems to hold all the secrets of centuries past.
style
As soon as you step into the hotel, you can feel that you’ve entered a unique world. The theme was inspired not only by the life and work of Freemasons, but also by various books and films with mystical themes.
Interior designer Zoltán Varró enhanced the hotel’s design with optical illusions. The building’s grand staircase is illuminated by candles that evoke an ancient atmosphere, and above the reception desk, it seems as though Aladdin’s magic carpet is floating above us. At times, we feel as though we are in an ancient castle; at others, in a luxurious palace.
The elevator is concealed behind large, heavy velvet curtains that part as if by magic, and one of our private rooms can only be accessed with a secret key. As you stroll beneath the arches, the flickering light of the candlesticks seems to hold all the secrets of centuries past.
The building
In 1886, two different Masonic groups (the Order of St. John and the Scottish Rite Grand Orient) merged, thus establishing the first permanent headquarters of the Grand Symbolic Lodge of Hungary. The period from then until 1919 is considered the golden age of Hungarian Freemasonry: during this time, there were nearly a hundred lodges
There were approximately 11,000 Freemasons, including figures such as Endre Ady, József Balassa, György Bölöni, Ignotus, Károly Kernstok, András Mechwart, Sándor Wekerle, Dezső Kosztolányi, István Türr, Ferenc Pulszky, Elek Benedek, Géza Kresz, Jenő Heltai, and Ottó Titusz Bláthy.
In 1890, the Symbolic Grand Lodge of Hungarian Freemasons proposed the construction of a permanent lodge building. Out of 12 design submissions, the plans by Vilmos Ruppert were accepted; he was himself a Freemason and a member of the lodge known as the “Old Faithful.” The building was finally inaugurated with a ceremony in 1896.
Sanctuary
The large Great Hall on the fourth floor (also known as the Temple or Workshop; different orders and lodges refer to it by various names) was the building’s most important room; consequently, it was also the most elaborately designed and decorated space in the building, and it was restored during the hotel’s renovation. The Great Hall restaurant is currently located here.
after the heyday of Hungarian Freemasonry...
During World War I, the building was operated as a military hospital by the Nagypáholy Lodge, and in May 1920, the Hungarian National Defense Association took over the lodge building, as first the Soviet Republic and then Mihály Dömötör, the People’s Party minister of the interior, had formally banned lodge activities.
After World War II, the building was once again used by the Freemasons for a short time, until 1947. At that point, the Ministry of the Interior took over the lodge building and used it until the fall of communism. The building’s current, final state was completed in 2018.
Source: From Zoltán Sumonyi’s book *Freemasons and Rotarians*. Gabo Publishing,2008ㅤGalilei Lodge
Location & Map
Mystery Hotel Budapest is located in the 6th district, in the heart of the capital. Nyugati Railway Station and Teréz Boulevard are just 300 meters away, so Budapest’s major attractions—such as the Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square, Andrássy Avenue, and the Basilica—are also within a short walk. Mystery Hotel is ideally situated for exploring Budapest, as two different metro lines are nearby and other public transportation options provide guests with easy access. Westend City Center, one of Budapest’s largest shopping malls, is just a short walk from the hotel. The distance from the airport is 22 km.
Parking & Shuttle Service
Our hotel offers valet parking for an additional fee. For guests arriving by car, our valet will park your vehicle in our secure underground garage. Upon departure, we will return your car at the time you specify. We are happy to provide transfers from the airport, train station, or even the ferry terminal upon arrival and departure. We offer Mercedes and Tesla cars in various categories, as well as Mercedes buses for smaller groups.
airport hotel
hotel-airport
Eastern Pu. Hotel
Hotel Keleti
cruise terminal hotel
hotel and ferry terminal
e-class
70 euros
70 euros
40 euros
40 euros
70 euros
70 euros
S-Class
110 euros
110 euros
110 euros
110 euros
110 euros
110 euros
V-Class, Vito (up to 7 passengers)
90 euros
90 euros
60 euros
60 euros
90 euros
90 euros
bus (18 or more passengers)
upon request
upon request
upon request
upon request
upon request
upon request
airport hotel
hotel-airport
Eastern Pu. Hotel
e-class
70 euros
70 euros
40 euros
S-Class
110 euros
110 euros
110 euros
V-Class, Vito (up to 7 passengers)
90 euros
90 euros
60 euros
bus (18 or more passengers)
upon request
upon request
upon request
Hotel Keleti
ship-station-hotel
hotel-boat-station
e-class
40 euros
70 euros
70 euros
S-Class
110 euros
110 euros
110 euros
V-Class, Vito (up to 7 passengers)
60 euros
90 euros
90 euros
bus (18 or more passengers)
upon request
upon request
upon request
Our awards
World Luxury Hotel Awards 2024
 Mystery Hotel Budapest was honored with three awards at the 18th World Luxury Hotel Awards gala held in Galgorm, Northern Ireland. The World Luxury Awards are more than just an award in the world of luxury hotels. The World Luxury Hotel Awards, which set the standard worldwide, allow premium hotels to compete in more than 100 categories, and winners are selected annually based on the votes of hundreds of thousands of guests and industry professionals during the international competition.
 The official website for the award can be found here: www.theworldluxuryawards.com
 The hotel earned three prestigious industry awards for its unique interior design and services, including:
Best Luxury Rooftop View Hotel – Global Winner
Best Luxury Design Boutique Hotel in Hungary
Best Luxury Historical Hotel in Eastern Europe
Our other awards
Trip.com – Trip.Best 2024 – Premium Hotel
Historic Hotels Worldwide – Historic Hotels Worldwide Awards of Excellence – Best Historic Hotel in the City Center
Nők Lapja Travel Awards 2024 – Rooftop Bar and Sky Bar of the Year – Sky Garden Rooftop Terrace
Dining City National Restaurant Week Fall 2024 – Best Exclusive Restaurant – The Great Hall Restaurant
Tripadvisor – Travelers’ Choice Awards 2024
British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award 2024 – Mystery Hotel Budapest’s overall score: 4.8/5 – based on unbiased guest reviews