Thanks to all the posters here who helped me plan my trip.

Even though the reviews are mixed (or downright bad), I decided to stay at the Gellert, buy a 3-day tourist pass and try to make my way with public transportation to the Esceri market next Saturday. This excurion sounds very complicated, does anyone have clear instructions on how to get there?

Any last recommendations on Restaurants would be appreciated.

I'm curious as to why you are staying at the Gellert if the reviews are so bad? What's the appeal? Are you looking for something with more character than the 5-star Marriott you could get for about $100 with Priceline?

I didn't visit the Esceri while in Budapest, I was curious as to what it was and found this with a quick Google search:

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel...pest-BR-5.html

Andrew

Staying there due to easy access to the baths and I like art deco and "former splendor"

Thanks for the link for transport.

Restaurant recommendations would be Nancsi Neni (Aunt Nancy's) in the Buda Hills or Baglovar (Owl's Castle) on the Pest side-this is the sister restaurant to Gundel. Staff is all women. For something a bit more offbeat, and if you're in the mood for *very* casual dining (read pizza and a beer), then head to Marxim's, which is along Ben-Yehuda St (on the Buda side), very near the Moszkva ter (red line) metro station. Personally I don't think you can go wrong anywhere you choose to eat. ENJOY!!

I'll second Nancsi Neni. The best meal we had in Budapest. It's a hike to get there (at least from where we were, on the Buda side, nor far from Chain Bridge), but so worth the drive.

We got back on the 2nd and it was a wonderful trip.

Nancsi Neni was great; thanks for the tip!

We bought the 7-day pass and it served us very well. The transport system is wonderful even though we don't know any Hungarian.

The Gellert was also great, we stayed in a room on the Daube and had a lovely balcony (although it was too cold to really use it).

moxie,

I'm so glad you had a great trip, and enjoyed the Gellert.

We stayed there in 1999, and loved it and the baths. I hesitate to recommend the hotel because it was flooded at some time (2002?) since we were there.

I'm glad to hear it has recovered from any damage.

We also had the rooms overlooking the Danube...

Byrd

Can anyone tell me about dress codes for restaurants? For instance, Nanci Neni's and places like that? Thanks to all.

Berea

Nancsi Neni was casual but the natives were dressed up on the Saturday night we were there. We were dressed Paris casual so: black pants and twin set for me and my sweetie had on a jacket but no tie (no one in jeans and tennis shoes).

We were very lucky to get the last table (7.30pm) and the waiter was surprised that we had not reserved. Due to the distance by public transport, the next time I go, I will definately reserve.