Budapest Guidebook
Best and worst accommodations:
Best: K+K Hotel Opera
Why: Location is truly excellent. This isn't one of those places where you hear it's 5 minutes from the Metro but arrive and discover it's 25 minutes unless you're a world-class sprinter -- it really is 5 minutes or even less. Very short walk to St. Istvan's Basilica. Room was clean, breakfast was fine, and our request for a non-smoking room far from the road was granted.
Amy in Chicago, IL USA 12/04/2011
Best: Ibis Budapest Centrum
Why: Great location near lots of restaurants, Kalvin ter metro station, and tram stops.
Madeleine in Redlands, CA USA 11/27/2011
Best: K&K Hotel Opera
Why: great location, good service, excellent buffet breakfast
Philip Braverman in New York, NY USA 09/05/2011
Worst: budapesting.com
Why: "Bait and Switch". I have exchanged many emails with the host and found him to be less than trust worthy. He switched my room and place without notice and when caught he stated that the original confirmed room and property would not be available. My attempts to get detailed information re: the new property has been ignored. He never answered my questions. Finally he stated that he does not want to switch now.
This guy cannot be trusted. He got caught and will try it again later. But not with me. I will not attempt to stay with this jerk. I am an experienced traveler to Eastern Europe that can find a trust worthy host.
Good News: Airbnb.com agreed that budapesting.com tried a "Bait and Switch" and quickly refunded all of my deposit including their fees
Lloyd in Toronto, ON Canada 07/28/2011
Best: Nova/ Locust Tree Apartments
Why: Convenient, clean, inexpensive. $65/ night for 2 couples, full kitchen and washing machine. Supermarket down the street. Just a short walk from Astoria and Octogon Squares. Book online!
Perry in Sweet Briar, VA USA 01/16/2011
Best: Golden Stars Apartments
Why: This accommodation is not listed in the book, but should be! Check out the reviews for it on Tripadvisor and you'll see why. We just came back from staying there and are recommending it to family and friends.
Gabrielle Donnald in Sykesville, MD USA 11/29/2010
Best: Danube Guest House, Budapest
Why: We were not thrilled with the choices in close-in, reasonably priced accomodations, so took a gamble based upon TripAdvisor.com recommendations. Danube Guest House is a new 7-room guesthouse in an old and unattractive building in a great location. It is a block from the Astoria subway station, and on the same street as the great synagogue. Do not be put off by the entryway. This reminded us of some beautiful Rome hotels tucked away in unattractive buildings. This guesthouse is lovingly run by Zoltan and Bob, and they can't do enough to make you feel welcome. Highly recommended.
Ron in DeWitt, MI USA 10/13/2010
Best: Hotel Gerlóczy
Why: Hotel Gerlóczy is excellent, (together with its cafe) with a great central location that has easy access to the metro. There’s also a small convenience store just down the street that sells beer, wine, meats / cheeses, etc. at very reasonable prices (i.e., easy to pick-up a good bottle of wine for only around 5,000 forint / $5 US to take to the hotel room).
Gary & Kathy Hughes in Marion, IA USA 09/28/2010
Best: Marriott on the River
Why: I was able to use my rewards points and then I upgraded to 10th floor room so I had a perfect view of the Buda hill side.
Dick Simpson in Cincinnati, OH USA 09/26/2010
Best: Le Meidian
Why: Le Meridian is absolutely 5 star and the location can't be beat, especially for transit access. #16 bus to the castle, the metro and trams everywhere else. Look for specials. We got a great double room for 87 euro, only a little more expensive than much lesser places but well worth it
David in Jacksonville, FL USA 09/21/2010
Best: Bellevue Bed & Breakfast
Why: Not only is this an excellent accommodation (very quite neighborhood), but Judit and Lajos make the visit to Budapest all the more enjoyable and easy. They are a wealth of information, help with all your questions, give excellent advice and tips ... and are just fun to visit with over a morning cup of coffee or tea!
Gary M in Puyallup, WA USA 08/14/2010
Best: Hotel Central Basilica Budapest
Why: Very clean and servicable room- great rods and shower for using Rick Steve's braided rubber with velcro closure clothesline! The breakfast was complete and good and the breakfast room was filled with quiet adult travelers and conference attendees. The location across from St. Istabans cathedral was quiet and central. Although Liszt Ferenc Ter and the Oktogan may be trendier, St. Istabans square is quiet and well situated. I was able to pre-book $79 a night on the internet for two with breakfast included!
Amy M. in Boulder, CO USA 07/07/2010
Best: Bullevue B&B
Why: It is a nice place and a great location, but Judit and Lajos are the best. They speak excellent english and are funny, helpful and delightful hosts.
Michael Sherwood in Prescott Valley, AZ USA 06/30/2010
Best: 'Otel Arte
Why: Located on the Buda side right on the river, great price, boutique, good mattresses, walking distance to everything includin the Metro
cathy in victoria, BC canada 11/04/2009
Best: Leo Panzio
Why: The staff was very friendly and helpful explaining how to get around. One day it was planning on raining and they even offered us umbrellas to take with us. Our breakfast was good but served by a very friendly woman ensuring that we were well fed. The location was 20 feet outside of a major train station, so the location is perfect. The room we stayed in was clean and comfortable. Would stay here again if I come back to Budapest.
Trisha H. in San Francisco, CA USA 07/19/2009
Best: Gerloczy Cafe & Rooms
Why: They were very easy to work with making reservations online and really friendly and efficient when we got there. Our rooms were beautiful and comfortable and the location was very convenient, just a couple of blocks from the Danube. I didn't enjoy the two flights of stairs, but could have had rooms just one floor up except for asking to be away from any noise, which I don't think would have been an issue. We enjoyed their breakfasts and had several other meals there too. I'm still craving their Hungarian "long coffee".
Jan Baker in Arlington , TX USA 05/29/2009
Best: Did not use a recommended hotel
Why: Had Marriott points, so used them to stay at the Marriott Budapest
Andrea Cole in Rockville, MD USA 05/26/2009