Reposting since I forgot to Tag country.

Booked our flights today!! Budapest and Prague in October.

We are considering both the Budapest Marriott and the Ritz-Carlton (a Marriott) in Budapest. We are gold level in Marriott and would have access to the Executive Lounge and so would not have to book a rate that includes breakfast. Would love any feedback on these hotels and their locations.
Thanks in advance.

This is a Reply test by Fodor's Travel QA_20170315131831

Definitely the Marriott.

There is probably nothing that beats the views from the Marriott's Executive lounge + everything is literally within minutes from the Marriott.

The only hotel in Budapest with Danube views from all of its rooms.

Top it all with impressing your friends back home, when boasting about your stay at the Hotel where Steven Spielberg had his headquarters while making the movie "Munich". Yes, Budapest was the substitute for a few European cities presented in the Movie and one scene actually has been filmed at the hotel.

Sounds good, okszi, thanks.

Know anything about hotels in Prague? The Grand Bohemia Paha has been recommended to us.

If you book Ritz Carlton Budapest through a Virtuoso TA, you get these amenities, all at the "regular" best available rate. See https://www.virtuoso.com/hotels/1526...t#.WMqUlBjMwvo

* Upgrade at time of arrival, subject to availability

*Complimentary Buffet Breakfast for two daily for duration of the stay

*$100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

* Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

*Complimentary Wi-Fi

Sounds like the Marriott would be a good choice for us in August the night before our river cruise from there to Prague

travelhorizons Thanks I will look into virtuoso. The same bendfits are available to me using Amex Fine Hotels. Does virtuoso require a membership?

Benmia,
Sorry I have no info on Prague. I mean, I know the city well, been there at least 30 times, but alas no info on the hotels.
I have a friend who has a small B&B and if I have to spend the night or 2 over there, I usually stay at his place.
Ritz Carlton in Budapest is the former Le Meridien, I would say just another 5 star hotel among a few dozen.
The Location is also good, but the Marriott (especially after recent renovation)beats the pants off him
The Ritz has opened less than a year ago, so I have a strong feeling all the bonuses aimed at getting new clientele.

Being a tour guide, I remember the Gresham palace (4 Seasons), probably the best luxury Hotel in Budapest was available for 150-200 bucks a night for quite a long time, when they first opened it.
NOT Anymore! Even if you book it ahead of time, like in your case for October, it runs for above 500.00 a night

Thanks okszi. Going to book the Marriott.

Now to figure out Prague abd Vienna.

Since we do not book with an advanced payment rate I can cancel and rebook up until a day or two before departure in case I change my mind.

We stayed at Marriott in Budapest. Got a great rate as I found one lower than theirs and they matched it and then took off 25% !! It included breakfast, which was very good. Excellent location.

The General Hotel in Prague was very good, got it through Hotwire [in 2014] at great price with again, an excellent breakfast. Big room. A bit of a walk to tourist area. Near a great brewery.

Booked the Marriott. Thanks everyone.

@benmia — Virtuoso is equivalent to FHR, but without the (soon-going-to-be) $550 annual fee. You don't have to join, just use a travel advisor who is a Virtuoso member.

Benmia,
You can ask me if you need an advise on travels within Hungary and a few neighboring countries as well.
No annual fees applied

Stayed in May 17 at Four Seasons (Gresham Palace). Costly, but one of the best hotel experiences I've ever had. A room overlooking the Danube, Buda and Chain Bridge is worth the extra cost as the castle district and bridge are beautifully illuminated every night. The restaurant is also one of the very best in the city. If I was in need of an alternative, I would probably go with the Hilton inside the castle district in Buda.

In Prague, I like the Aria in the Mala Strana district below the castle. It's a boutique hotel with an emphasis on music, with a music library and music concierge and excellent sound systems in the guest rooms. Also has a rooftop restaurant offering views of the castle compound. Great staff as well.