Smoking in Budapest

We just returned from Budapest a week ago, and I can tell you that a much larger percentage of their population smokes than in North America. We noticed so many people out on the streets smoking, but none inside any building.
We stayed in an apartment, but it's doubtful they allow smoking inside hotels.

What a coincidence--I just returned a week ago, too! Wish I were still there...I stayed at the Residence Baron (second time, perfect hotel for me) and just checked their website and they state they are non-smoking. I booked off Expedia and any hotel I've ever checked always notes their smoking policy--must say I've yet to see any that still allow it. If you find a place that sounds perfect but are still concerned you could email for confirmation of their policy.

We returned last night!

Smoking is pretty heavily restricted in Budapest. I always want to be factual so I did a little research and the best I could come up with is this from Wiki:

Smoking has been restricted for several years on public transport, in
hospitals and airports and in public and national buildings, including
the Parliament. From 2010, smoke-free has been in effect in
playgrounds and underpasses. Several cities, including Budapest, have
prohibited smoking in public transport stops. Following a decade of
resistance by the tobacco lobby, a comprehensive nationwide smoke-free
law covering all inside public spaces (including workplaces, clubs,
pubs, restaurants) is in effect from January 2012. Since July 2013 the
sale of tobacco is limited to state-controlled (but privately owned)
tobacco shops called Nemzeti Dohánybolt (National Tobacco Shop),
number of stores where people can buy tobacco reduced from
40,000–42,000 to 5,300

This is consistent with my observations but does not explicitly say hotel rooms. I cant imagine any good hotel will allow smoking in their rooms, but given your concern I would call or write in advance of booking.

Okay, this wrecks my theory: https://www.tripadvisor.com/HotelsList-Budapest-Hotels-With-Smoking-Rooms-zfp43658.html

just request a non-smoking room when booking

Thank you all very much for the information. This is a health issue for us, so it's very important. We were thinking of booking the K+K and that does seem to be a hotel that has both smoking and non-smoking rooms. So now we know that we have to specifically ask for a non-smoking room. I appreciate all the feedback.

In your shoes, my first choice would be a hotel that is explicitly smoke-free throughout. As you may have experienced in the US, people do sometimes smoke in non-smoking rooms, but I assume that happens less often when the entire property is smoke-free.

I've stayed in the K&K on a handful of trips over the years. The place has always been spotless, service excellent, breakfast amazing; but most important is that the location is perfect for seeing the city. After years of visiting Budapest we choose the same general area for our more permanent accommodations. Can't ever remember smelling smoke in the place, but when you make your reservation send them a note about your health issue, they ( like most people in the world ) have proven over the years to be good folks.

That's very encouraging. It really sounds like the K+K is a great place, and we have now made a reservation with them requesting a non-smoking room. We have been to Europe several times, including some former Soviet countries, although not to these particular places. We have always found people to be extremely accommodating and helpful. Thanks again!

I could fill the forum with accounts of acts of kindness I have witnessed and benefited from while in Hungary.

Have a wonderful trip.