From the editors of Condé Nast Traveler:

Perched on the banks of the Danube adjacent to the Chain Bridge, the 48-room Lanchid 19 breaks new ground with its striking modern design. The facade of the hotel is covered with louvered glass windows that change color after dark with LED lighting, and the lobby has a transparent floor that offers a glimpse of the medieval ruins discovered during construction. A seven-story central atrium floods the hotel with natural light, and is crossed on each level by two glass-floored sky bridges. Rooms offer a great mix of Mitteleuropa-style comfort—beds are made up with duvets and have checkered wall-to-wall carpeting—and hip contemporary style, including built-ins and excellent lighting (a night-light behind a glass screen in the bath; two adjustable giant lightbulb-shaped lamps by the beds). Friendly young staff and the central location make this an ideal base from which to discover the city, especially for fans of contemporary design.

When to go: May and June are lilac time.

Which room to book: Splurge on one of the three penthouses, which have private terraces and stunning views of the Danube and either Pest or the Royal Castle, or go for a high-floor Danube-facing double, such as No. 51.