About Us
Leon Hotel & Lounge sits quietly by the Danube, in the heart of Buda. With roots tracing back to the Roman era and the Hungarian nobility, while its present shaped by digital art and cultural diversity, it’s a space where past and present live side by side—open to anyone who values history, art, and pleasure of connecting.
Our Location
Discover the Timeless Charm of Lánchíd Street – Where History Meets the Danube
Nestled at the foot of the majestic Buda Castle and just steps away from the iconic Chain Bridge, Lánchíd street is one of Budapest’s most enchanting and elegant addresses, with rich history. This picturesque street, winding along the Danube’s edge, captures the essence of old-world charm with a modern twist.
Imagine strolling past beautifully restored historic buildings, and the Castle Garden Bazaar (Várkert Bazár), this unique jewelery box where art and nature complement each other, all framed by the breathtaking views of the river and the cityscape of Pest. Whether you're sipping coffee under leafy trees or exploring the cobbled lanes leading up to the Castle District, Lánchíd street offers a peaceful yet vibrant lifestyle in the heart of the city.
With its unbeatable location, rich cultural heritage, and serene riverside atmosphere, Lánchíd Street is more than just a street—it’s a destination. Perfect for those who appreciate beauty, history, and the pulse of Budapest at their doorstep.
Enjoying this magical neighborhood with stunning view, Leon Hotel & Lounge offers a unique Budapest - experience.
Fortepan / Deutsche Fotothek / Brück und Sohn
Our History
The History of the Béla Széchenyi Palace and his Stable
The former row of palaces on the Buda side of the Danube is now only a memory, but the history of the Béla Széchenyi Palace at 8–10 Lánchíd Street and the stables at 19 Lánchíd Street evoke the heyday of the Hungarian aristocracy.
Count Béla Széchenyi, the son of the "greatest Hungarian", István Széchenyi had his palace built at 8–10 Lánchíd Street between 1871 and 1873. The construction was supervised by the renowned architect Miklós Ybl. The three-story, French late Renaissance-style palace contained a row of salons on the Danube side, while the side facing Lánchíd Street contained suites and service rooms. The palace was demolished for ideological reasons after World War II, and a park was established in its place.
Opposite the palace, at 19 Lánchíd Street, the Count's stable was built, which was the only building in the palace row to survive World War II. The U-shaped, eclectic-style building housed horse stables and a carriage garage on the ground floor, as well as the coachmen's and grooms' quarters, located on the upper floor. The U-shaped upper floor corridor of the inner courtyard was supported by wrought iron columns. The building's low cornice height and circular ground-floor windows made the cityscape unique. This building survived despite war damage, and in the early 2000s a hotel was built on its site, which in 2025 was transformed into Leon Hotel & Lounge.
Although the palace and the stable no longer stand, their history is an important part of the Hungarian architectural and aristocratic heritage. The site still reminds us of its past glory, and this section of the Danube bank still offers one of the most beautiful panoramas of Budapest.
Count Béla Széchenyi, the son of the "greatest Hungarian", István Széchenyi had his palace built at 8–10 Lánchíd Street between 1871 and 1873. The construction was supervised by the renowned architect Miklós Ybl. The three-story, French late Renaissance-style palace contained a row of salons on the Danube side, while the side facing Lánchíd Street contained suites and service rooms. The palace was demolished for ideological reasons after World War II, and a park was established in its place.
Opposite the palace, at 19 Lánchíd Street, the Count's stable was built, which was the only building in the palace row to survive World War II. The U-shaped, eclectic-style building housed horse stables and a carriage garage on the ground floor, as well as the coachmen's and grooms' quarters, located on the upper floor. The U-shaped upper floor corridor of the inner courtyard was supported by wrought iron columns. The building's low cornice height and circular ground-floor windows made the cityscape unique. This building survived despite war damage, and in the early 2000s a hotel was built on its site, which in 2025 was transformed into Leon Hotel & Lounge.
Although the palace and the stable no longer stand, their history is an important part of the Hungarian architectural and aristocratic heritage. The site still reminds us of its past glory, and this section of the Danube bank still offers one of the most beautiful panoramas of Budapest.
Our History
On the Ruins of a Roman Mill
During the construction of the original building of Leon Hotel & Lounge in the early 2000s, nestled on a quiet hillside overlooking the river, workers made an extraordinary discovery: the ruins of an ancient Roman-era mill. Hidden beneath centuries of soil and stone, the remarkably well-preserved remains offered a glimpse into daily life during the Roman occupation of the region. Archaeologists were called in immediately, and construction was paused for several months to allow for excavation and preservation. Today Leon Hotel & Lounge proudly incorporates the ancient site into its design — with a glass viewing floor in the lobby — allowing guests to experience a unique blend of modern comfort and ancient history. Descending just a few steps from the lobby, you enter Leon's Club — an exclusive retreat that evokes the captivating aura of long-lost history and the enigmatic secrets of ancient Roman civilization.
The Leon-lifestyle
A New Chapter Begins in Buda
In 2025, a new story began at the foot of the historic Buda Castle. Rising from the walls of a once-popular hotel built in the early 2000s — and closed in the wake of the pandemic — Leon Hotel & Lounge breathes new life into a landmark building in the heart of Buda.
Meticulously refurbished and reimagined, Leon blends heritage with contemporary design and digital art, offering more than just a stay — it offers an experience. With interiors inspired by Budapest’s timeless charm and vibrant creative energy, the hotel is a sanctuary for travelers, locals, and dreamers alike.
At its core, Leon Hotel & Lounge is a community hub, built around a shared love for art, culture, and gastronomy, the hotel invites guests to connect in meaningful ways — beyond borders and beyond check-ins.
Whether you're a global nomad, a curious explorer, or a local looking for a new favorite corner, Leon Hotel & Lounge is where conversations begin, friendships form, and the world feels a little smaller.
Our Mission is to create a welcoming space where people from around the world gather, inspired by creativity, shared culture, and the joy of discovery.
Our Vision is to be a home for global citizens — a boutique hotel that champions artistic expression, celebrates culinary craft, and fosters authentic human connection.
Our Mission is to create a welcoming space where people from around the world gather, inspired by creativity, shared culture, and the joy of discovery.
Our Vision is to be a home for global citizens — a boutique hotel that champions artistic expression, celebrates culinary craft, and fosters authentic human connection.