The Lánchíd 19 was one of the first design hotels in Budapest when it opened in 2007. It has a wonderful location, just below the Buda Castle District, with the center of Pest an easy walk across the Chain Bridge. Glass is used liberally throughout, and the facade has accordion-like panels that are animated by changing colors and scenes depicting the flora and fauna of the Danube, which is just across the street. A high atrium towers above the foyer, and glass bridges lead to guest rooms. An atmospheric private room in the basement is surrounded by the archeological remains of a medieval water tower and is visible from through the transparent floor in the lobby. There's a restaurant with a Danube view, a lobby bar with a terrace, and a backyard café that's directly attached to the Castle wall. The spacious rooms have open floor plans, and each have their own individually designed desk chair, made by local art students. Suites have huge terraces with panoramic views. All rooms and suites have views of either the Pest riverbank or Buda Royal Castle. (If a view's important to you, go with the river option, the higher the better.) There's no gym or similar facilities here, but some of the city's best thermal spas are nearby.