I agree with BigRuss... I do not think of anything in Buda as being Central to the city.

I would take Easyjet given the times.

I do not know the Bohem Art Hotel. I will have to look it up and report back.

Ok... There is probably a reason all the exterior hotel shots are so tight... Molnar is not a terribly attractive street from memory... But perfectly safe. I actually prefer this area to the areas on Andrassay.

We're also looking at the Boutique Zara Hotel and La Prima Fashion Hotel. Any thoughts on those? I really want to stay at a cool boutique hotel, but I'm also considering staying at Le Meridien because I'm an SPG member, and could always earn points on the stay. Le Meridien just doesn't look like it has much character, but I'm seeing a pretty low rate if we do prepaid.

Thanks again everyone!

The Gerloczy appears very nice and is in a quiet spot in the core of the city. Let me see where the others are. The Meridian is a nice building... And very central and very busy. The four seasons is incredibly nice.

Hmmmm. Only a third of my post posted ... Weird...

La Prima is in a central area, busy but with some beautiful buildings. However, I do not know the hotel building. Ferenciek ter has been completely torn apart and is just getting back together. It is turning out lovely.

The other 2 choices are in a tight neighborhood of winding narrow streets. A neighborhood which is becoming very quaint... But some streets are a bit communist seedy. We eat out over there at Trattoria Toscana and Cafe Dionysus... If we go there this weekend, I will report back.

All 3 are well located. At a macro level, Budapest is a stunning city. At a micro level, there is still a lot of grime.... Read the tripadvisor comments for location remarks. I am most worried about Molnar.

I ended booking Le Meridien, which was priced really well for its area, and I get SPG points at the same time.

We have now booked all flights & hotels and have a little more than a week to go - very excited!

I wanted to thank everyone for their help - really appreciate it. I will write a trip report afterwards.

Just had drinks over near the Meridien... Beautiful, warm evening... That area is busy but very central and nice.

Suzy_Q, I will be in Budapest the same time as you. Have a great time!

Thanks, you too! I'm hoping the weather holds up...looks like it is dipping a bit starting today, but let's hope it gets back into the 60s & 70s again while we are there. I've had enough of the NYC frigid temps!

I've been following the weather all month and it's been so nice, but now it looks like the rains are coming in next week, ugh! I don't mind cool temps, but rain is most unwelcome! I really want to get some fabulous photos of Parliament. Are you taking a tour of Parliament? I booked a ticket online for the 27th. Can't wait!

so you'll see two huge cities and tarmacs and airports but nothing of the Europe lying in between these places.

Berlin to Prague is a relatively short train ride and so Prague to Budapest - see something of Europe too and Prague, to me much more enjoyable for the average traveler than Buda or Pest, nice as they are!

Parliament just finished its construction project and it is simply stunning. The 2 tram opened Sunday after being closed in that area for a year. And for the first time, you can easily walk down to Shoes on the Danube.

The weather has been lovely... I would not worry too much. The rain showers are generally limited.

The train ride from Berlin to Budapest is hardly the best of Europe. I think you will have a nice trip. Enjoy your trip.

We call the city Budapest. If someone asks where I live, I will say Pest. But otherwise, it is simple Budapest and you are coming at a particularly nice time!

Thanks Julie - leaving in a few hours for Berlin and very excited to be in Budapest next week!

PalenQ, appreciate your opinion. I have seen Prague and Vienna and did the journey by train between cities. That was doable when I was on a student timeline (relaxed) and budget (not a lot), but my life has changed and my travel priorities with it!

Aggiegirl - have not booked a ticket to see Parliament & like Julie said, don't fret too much about the weather. You'll have fun no matter what. I plan to!