renaft

I am planning a trip to Budapest and am thinking of renting an apartment, but am concerned about renting from strangers over the Internet? Has anyone had any experience with particular places that I should watch out for? Any tricks I should know about? Any recommendations of particularly good places? Thanks!

mian11224

Not in Budapest, but I rented apartments in several Eastern European countries. Like with everything else in the Web, it could be close or not to what is described/shown in the pcitures. Never encountered a fraud though.
Btw, I was going to rent an apartment during my last month trip (I prefer apartments to hotel room), but ended up staying at Starlight Suiten - the price was quite close to the nice apartments I found on the Web.

Cowboy1968

I rented an apartment in Budapest in summer 2006.
I did not encounter any problems, but I also cannot remember which agency I used.
Often it's not one person letting one apartment, but rather an agency with a dozen places.
I think I did not even have to pay something when reserving, but paid the full amount once we met the agency rep at the apartment.

I would say that fraud is not common, though you cannot expect the same degree of professionalism as from a Hilton hotel.
I found that most descriptions were quite accurate. Differences are somewhat minor: all places seem to have TV, but not all got satellite TV, so you will just get Hungarian channels in the first case. Some apartment houses do look a bit run down from the outside, but the apartments are nice and clean.

You should rather pay attention on location: some beautiful parts of the city are also hard to access with public transportation. I opted for an apartment in the inner city, with a grocery store, drug store, and streetcar stop, each just 50 meters away.

danon

we have not rented this place but i think the owners are from the US (?)

http://www.budapestlets.com/apartmen...pId=3#pictures

julia_t

I rented this apartment, and am recommending it - it's in a great location just on the outer boulevard. Tram stop just at the other side of the square, metro is a block away. It is also just one block from the New York Palace coffee house. There are some good restaurants within walking distance, see http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34983583

http://www.perfectplaces.com/vacation-rentals/9495.htm

also to be found here where you can read reviews

http://www.homelidays.com/budapest/a...lat63306en.htm

PS. although it says sleeps 1-6, several of the beds are the divan sofas in the sitting room, and not than comfortable. It is ideal for 2 people though.

Just watch out for an apartment called Golden something or other - it has been the source of much soliciting/advertising here.

bsomlo

I can wholeheartedly recommend the apartments at BVR (Budapest Vacation Rentals)

http://bvr.hu

I have stayed in 2 out of the 3 apartments in the past year (Apartment Belle and Apartment Sarah) and have booked the newest, Apartment Max, for the summer.

The owners go above and beyond the call of duty for their guests. The new Nespresso machines knocked my socks off. The fruit/pastry/wine etc. they have waiting for you is such a lovely gesture. Every conceivable item you may have left at home/forgotten is waiting for you from umbrellas to toothbrushes to a screwdriver for your eyeglasses!

When Alitalia lost my luggage, John was faxing and emailing on my behalf. When the internet wasn't working, he came over promptly to fix it. You really feel taken care of and protected when you are their guest. They can answer any question, promptly, whether they are in the US or in Hungary.

Additionally, the free phone to the US (and elsewhere) is invaluable and kept me connected to my family in the US. We spoke more often than when I am at home! Also, they give you free cell phones to use during your stay.

The location of all three apartments is in the heart of the heart of Budapest. It doesn't get any better than that.

Even if you don't intend to rent the apartments, you can get wonderful advice from their associated website: http://everythingbudapest.com

I am sure you will be delighted if you book any of the apartments. It was totally unlike the previous apartment rental experience I had. Although the price was lower, and the people friendly enough, the apartment was sparsely decorated and the kitchen and bathrooms downright unpleasant (especially the bathroom with clogged shower, mold, etc.)

These three apartments ooze charm and Apartment Max is gorgeous.

bttpiano

Any recent news on http:// bvr.hu? This gives no response as of 1/13/2009. I'm looking for an apartment rental in Budapest for June 27-July 1.

peppermintpatti

bkmg Thanks!

PAYE

I have been renting apartments in Europe and the united states since 1999 when the internet sites were not as sophisticated as they are today and I have NEVER had a problem. In Europe, I have rented apts in Paris, Barcelona, London, Rome, and Amsterdam and have been thrilled with what I have received, It is the only way to go. We will be renting apts in Prague and Budapest in Sept 2009 and have no worries at all.

The most problems I have had is with hotels. Go for apartments every time.

gregeva1

I stayed in the below property and loved the location and the amenities:

http://www.vrbo.com/67871

It was easy to get to the subway/metro and then everywhere else.

Hope you have a great time.

orangetravel

My friends stayed at the Golden Stars Budapest Apartments - the one near Vaci utca. It was fantastic! Huge, nicely decorated, and with a great host. You can find details on Tripadvisor - it's full of good reviews. I stayed at a place nearby that was more barebones but also super cheap (40 euros/night)...the electricity went out halfway through the trip and I couldn't figure out how to use the payphones to contact the owner. He was sorry though, and gave me a partial refund at the end. Still, I'd try to find a place that has reviews online.

I recommend staying the Pest as it's a better base for exploring the area. You can easily take the metro or walk over to Buda and go up the funicular to look around there during the day.

Therese

Another vote for Budapest Vacations Rentals. I stayed at Apartment Max last year, which is not only very nicely equipped but has lovely views over the adjacent small park: my favorite photo of my stay was a couple of toddlers playing together on the grass (in front of a "stay off the grass" sign, of course).

If you haven't gotten an answer from the owner it's likely because they're in transit: most email communication with them was answered very nearly before I'd had a chance to send it.

timjohanson

I stayed at this place in December and was fantastic. Perfect location opposite Gerbeaud Cafe, brand new renovation, etc. Owners Direct, so no agent and maybe better value than some other options. Irish owner lives over there. http://www.ownersdirect.co.uk/hungary/H67.htm