Discussion
Im hopefully heading to budapest in february, thinking of staying at either the ineter continental or the sofitel which are both on the banks of the danube overlooking there parlimentary buildings.
has anyone been? whats its like, general tips etc? stayed in either of these hotels? cheers.
has anyone been? whats its like, general tips etc? stayed in either of these hotels? cheers.
I was there for a few days at the start of the month - the Terror Museum (ex Nazi and KGB headquarters) was very interesting if you're interested in the war.
I spent almost 5 hours in the Széchenyi Baths - well worth a visit.
Dinner in the restaurant Paprika was delicious (I had some kind of minced meat pancakes to start, followed by wild boar).
The caving tour looked amazing, but I didn't have time to fit it in.
The large indoor market was a bit of a disappointment - the fresh meat and veg looked wonderful, but the rest of the stuff was tourist tat.
I spent almost 5 hours in the Széchenyi Baths - well worth a visit.
Dinner in the restaurant Paprika was delicious (I had some kind of minced meat pancakes to start, followed by wild boar).
The caving tour looked amazing, but I didn't have time to fit it in.
The large indoor market was a bit of a disappointment - the fresh meat and veg looked wonderful, but the rest of the stuff was tourist tat.
As far as I remember, the Sofitel and Intercontinental are on the same side of the river (Pest) as the parliament building but further south. In other words, you can't see the parliament building from those hotels. However they are by the chain bridge and you will be able to see the castle, if your room is facing the river.
My memory is a bit hazy due to the alcohol intake when I was there, but I do remember some places definitely worth mentioning - Goa Café at no. 8 Andrássy út for good fusion cuisine. For nightlife Buddha Beach and Retro Beach are 2 relaxed bar/clubs next to each other (and related) on the river near the town centre. If they still exist, that is, and if they do they may be summer only. Or there's an island with around 7 clubs on called "ship factory island" or Hajógyári Sziget if you fancy trying to pronounce that. They're quite upmarket so dress accordingly, the ladies have to be seen to be believed though.
Otherwise the castle (Buda) is certainly worth a visit (it's worth the uphill trek) and there are often events up there, there was a wine festival when we were there. And on the other side of the river, St Stephen's Basilica is also worth seeing (aka Szent István Bazilika), there's a stunning view from the top as well.
Oh yes, and Hungary makes the world's best dessert wines, from Tokaji (pronounced 'tok eye' I think). I highly recommend picking up some Royal Tokaji 5 puttonyos. Anyway there are a number of cellars around the castle that will allow you to wander around tasting wines (normal as well as dessert wines) at your leisure for a single entrance fee, although they charge extra to try the super special stuff.
My memory is a bit hazy due to the alcohol intake when I was there, but I do remember some places definitely worth mentioning - Goa Café at no. 8 Andrássy út for good fusion cuisine. For nightlife Buddha Beach and Retro Beach are 2 relaxed bar/clubs next to each other (and related) on the river near the town centre. If they still exist, that is, and if they do they may be summer only. Or there's an island with around 7 clubs on called "ship factory island" or Hajógyári Sziget if you fancy trying to pronounce that. They're quite upmarket so dress accordingly, the ladies have to be seen to be believed though.
Otherwise the castle (Buda) is certainly worth a visit (it's worth the uphill trek) and there are often events up there, there was a wine festival when we were there. And on the other side of the river, St Stephen's Basilica is also worth seeing (aka Szent István Bazilika), there's a stunning view from the top as well.
Oh yes, and Hungary makes the world's best dessert wines, from Tokaji (pronounced 'tok eye' I think). I highly recommend picking up some Royal Tokaji 5 puttonyos. Anyway there are a number of cellars around the castle that will allow you to wander around tasting wines (normal as well as dessert wines) at your leisure for a single entrance fee, although they charge extra to try the super special stuff.
I can recommend http://www.artotel.hu/ - it's quite stylish, has big rooms, and is handy for the castle and the chain bridge. If you get tired of the local food then http://www.iguana.hu/ is a nice Mexican restaurant 
Most importantly take plenty of warm clothing! I went in December a few years ago and I've never experienced cold like it...
Most importantly take plenty of warm clothing! I went in December a few years ago and I've never experienced cold like it...
Hopefully this link works....
http://www.booking.com/hotel/hu/gellert.html?label...
If not, have a look at the Gellert on booking.com. I took my mum for her 60th last year, and it was a decent option for reasonably priced single rooms.
(Didn't fancy shacking up with the old dear).
The single rooms haven't been hit by the refurb yet so are a wee bit on the tired side, but the rest of the hotel has been updated and it's very grand and just oozes class.
IMO better than a chain hotel, as you get a bit more local character.
The epic buffet breakfast will keep you fuelled up for stamping over the Buda hills to the Palace. Massive city, and way too much to see/do in just 4 days.
My mum liked it so much she's away back with her sister for her birthday next year.
http://www.booking.com/hotel/hu/gellert.html?label...
If not, have a look at the Gellert on booking.com. I took my mum for her 60th last year, and it was a decent option for reasonably priced single rooms.
(Didn't fancy shacking up with the old dear).
The single rooms haven't been hit by the refurb yet so are a wee bit on the tired side, but the rest of the hotel has been updated and it's very grand and just oozes class.
IMO better than a chain hotel, as you get a bit more local character.
The epic buffet breakfast will keep you fuelled up for stamping over the Buda hills to the Palace. Massive city, and way too much to see/do in just 4 days.
My mum liked it so much she's away back with her sister for her birthday next year.
I went last year and stayed at the K+K Hotel Opera, which as its name suggests is next door to the Opera House. Doesnt look much from the outside, but good rooms and excellent service.
Can also give a shout for the Gellert - havent stayed there but have eaten in their own cake shop. Cracking location and is probably where I would stay if I visted Budapest again, which I probably will as found it a great city. Although when the Hungarian bank holidays are, as I was there when there was one and everything shuts. (Also there is a tendancy for a riot to kick off on bank holidays apparently - you can get a good view of said riot from the top of the hill though
)
ETA linky about Budapest restaurants from a while ago http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Can also give a shout for the Gellert - havent stayed there but have eaten in their own cake shop. Cracking location and is probably where I would stay if I visted Budapest again, which I probably will as found it a great city. Although when the Hungarian bank holidays are, as I was there when there was one and everything shuts. (Also there is a tendancy for a riot to kick off on bank holidays apparently - you can get a good view of said riot from the top of the hill though
)ETA linky about Budapest restaurants from a while ago http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Edited by Markytop on Tuesday 27th October 13:16
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