Aria Budapest consistently receives high praises from its guests and is ranked one of the top properties in Budapest — and with good reason: this hotel treats its guests like royalty. Providing a host of complimentary amenities, including wine and cheese in the afternoon, breakfast, a relaxing swimming pool and hot tub, a rooftop lounge with fantastic views of the city, and rooms themed around music with music and movies available on demand, the little things add up to a big experience. But not only do guests receive so many little touches, they will find smiles amongst all the staff who greet guests by name before enjoying beautifully decorated and colorful rooms.

Although most of the rooms are set up for two guests, the hotel is separated into four distinct areas, with the ability to close off wings so families can book adjoining rooms and have a private wing; one- and two-bedroom offerings are available. The hotel converted the property from apartments, where an open courtyard in the center was kept open and enclosed by a glass roof, and rooms feature balconies overlooking this courtyard. (Some top-floor suites also feature outdoor balconies overlooking the street with views of Budapest Castle.) Select your rooms by music genre and discover each design is different. Rooms are luxurious and bold in color and if your family is anything like mine, you will find this is one of your favorite European hotels.

As a hip music-themed hotel, the rooms at Aria Budapest feature whimsical works of art by artist Josef Slecha. Bold, vivid colors like lime green, regal purple and Caribbean Sea-colored turquoise are paired with mirrors and fixtures in gold, bronze and silver. Four wings showcase distinctive music themes, such as classical and rock. For families, however, choosing a room is based less on style and more on comfort, and luckily, the hotel offers suites that sleep families.

For standard room options for four, the Grand Luxury Room features two full beds in a traditional hotel room configuration. For more space, the Two-Bedroom Family Duet provides two separate bedrooms and two bathrooms in a connected room configuration. In the Opera wing, a suite with a king bed and a sofa bed may work for families of three -- just be sure to ask for the Romeo & Julie Suite and enjoy a massive city view balcony and dining area. One- and two-bedroom suites can also be created in the La Traviata wing, also providing terraces.

The hotel's basement swimming pool could have had the same tired, dingy look as other hotels with tight spaces and windowless pools. Instead, the designers created a warm and colorful grotto environment. Cabanas, a massive hot tub, and the swimming pool are all perfect places to relax after a day exploring the city. The only negative? The hotel's division into four areas means if you are not staying in the same wing where the pool is, you will have to walk through the lobby wet and in a bathrobe. You won't be the only people to do this, though!

Music Garden Courtyard
A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily in the hotel's Music Garden Courtyard, with an additional a la carte menu featuring seasonal specialties. The same space provides an evening wine and cheese reception that is kid-friendly.

Stradivari Restaurant
This intimate ground-floor restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. The menu is a farm-to-table Hungarian focus with traditional and chef specialties combined for an upscale experience.

High Note Skybar
Do not let the name fool you -- kids are welcome in this rooftop space that provides gorgeous views of the city and the neighboring basilica. During summer days, the lounge becomes a hangout for sun worshippers, and in the late nights, the space does become a lively bar, but the terraces also provide lunch and dinner light bites with a children's menu so the entire family can take in the 360-degree panoramic views.

All About the Extras
Complimentary at the Aria are Wi-Fi, breakfast, and wine and cheese between 5 and 7 p.m.

The Art of Smart Timing
The hotel is centrally located in Budapest, a city that experiences year-round tourism. There really isn't a bad time to go!

Getting There
The hotel is located blocks away from the Danube, which is about 30 minutes via car from the airport or train station. Taxis are plentiful, but the hotel can also arrange for car service, should you request it. (Additional fee.)

Getting Around
The hotel is centrally located on the Pest side of the Danube, and within steps of bridges crossing into Buda. Walking is an easy way to maneuver through the sites, although for longer trips, taxis are readily available and the hotel also has a car service.

For Mom and Dad
When the kids are sound asleep, sneak upstairs to the Skybar for a romantic evening under the stars with drinks. (Don't worry! The hotel is small and the staff so kind, the kids will be safe!)