can anyone recommend a moderately-priced (AND centrally located) hotel or pensione for one nite, this coming nov 2, in budapest?
thank you!

Try the four-star Ambra Club Hotel. It's on the Pest side downtown near the opera. We were there last month and very satisfied. It's a member of RCI timeshares, so it's actually a one-bedroom unit with kitchenette. I booked through travelnow.com and paid $116.50 for one night for three people. Remember a four-star in Eastern Europe isn't the same as one in the US, but it was perfectly satisfactory.

thank you! i will see if the ambra club hotel has availability. another question: how did you get to the airport from that hotel and what was the approx cost for the taxi or bus? we need to be at the airport by 7 a.m. the next day. thanks again!

Can't help you with that one as we came in by train. We took a taxi from the station and it was only a few euros--we actually walked to the station when we left. As for the early morning flight, ask the nice guys at the desk to arrange a taxi for you. We loved Budapest!

dear happytourist, thanks again for your speedy reply. okay, i will ask the desk to arrange for a taxi for our airport transport. since we only have two days in budapest, might you have any specific recommendations as to sights or restaurants?

I would recommend a tour to begin with, as the sights you want to see are spread out. Then go back on your own to see the churches, museums, etc. Even if you don't take the subway, take the escalator ride down--Budapest has the world's deepest subways.

Very good mini bus airport shuttle service available at the airport. After clearing customs and upon entering main airport terminal go to the right to the LRI Airport Shuttle desk. They will take you to any location in the city for 2100 HUD or about $9.25. They will also pick you up at your hotel for the return to the airport if you call the day before and make reservation. I used them and found them to be prompt and dependable. Trip takes about 15 minutes from airport to city.

Larry J

We stayed at the Budapest Marriott, and it was reasinably priced - I forget how much though. I believe EVERY room has a view of the Danube and the castle across the river. We though it a very good location. We took the train, and we had the Marriott arrange the pick at the train station. I would suggest you do the same arriving from the airport. Too many scams - from what I have read. There are taxis at the hotel to take you back to the airport, but tell them you need one there for an early morning flt.

Very important: Be sure to use an official taxi line, such as City. Unofficial cabs are everywhere and will rip you off.

Don't know what you consider a moderate price. We paid €102 for a wonderful hotel on the Buda side and well located, Hotel Victoria, [email protected]. Huge picture windows in each room facing the Danube with excellent views of the beautiful parliament buildings on the left and the chain bridge on the right.

Staff was friendly and helpful, breakfast very good in pleasant room, and several restaurants nearby.

We too loved Budapest. Would suggest taking the elevator at St. Stephen's Cathedral up into the dome and then a short flight of stairs to the outside for spectacular views of the city. We took a short city tour which gave us a good overview of the city. I think you will also enjoy a night cruise on the Danube. Was wonderful sipping complimentary champagne as we floated along admiring the beautifully lit buildings on either side of the river.

We arrived by train and took a taxi to the hotel, and left by air again by taxi. Don't remember either being terribly expensive.