All-

Heading to Budapest in a few weeks. We had booked the Hilton on the Danube on the Buda side based on feedback here that it was the better situated Hilton for sightseeing. After chatting with some fellow travelers, they have indicated that it's better to stay on the Pest side -- while you may be over in Buda during the day, the restaurants, bars, nightlife are on the Pest side and it's better to stay there. We are using points, so our options are the Hilton on the Buda side, the Hilton West End on the Pest side, or the Marriott on the Pest side right on the Danube. If we choose the Marriott, does that really get us closer to the Pest action or just across the bridge? Is the West End Hilton too off the beaten path in Pest? Is it far to cab it from the Hilton in Buda to the Pest action? What say you? We are 2 single 30's women who are both seasoned travelers and wanting to take advantage of both sightseeing and nightlife.

Thanks for your help!!!

I really liked the Marriott, I had a room overlooking the Danube and the exec lounge was great!

Close to good dining, not sure about the nightlife... by 10pm or so, I was ready to go back to the hotel and have a drink or two before calling it a day.

Cmlyons,
When are you going to be there? I'll be staying at the Marriott 8/30-9/2. I could give you a report afterwards, or is that too late?

joannyc - any suggestions for the good dining??

chernsu-

Thanks, but too late. We're leaving on Sept. 5 and I think we'll need to secure rooms as soon as we can.

Check out this thread on restaurants.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...t-186985-2.cfm

I stayed at the Hilton in Buda in the castle district and would really recommend it. My room overlooked the Chain Bridge, the Danube, Parliament and the rest of Pest; the view was beautiful. It was also lovely being able to wander around the charming castle district in the evening or early morning. There are quite a few restaurants in the castle district too; I don't know about clubs, though.

I don't think cab fare would be too high to go to Pest, especially if 2 of you are splitting it. I remember taking a cab from the Hilton to the Gresham Palace (across the Danube at the end of the Chain Bridge) and it was not expensive. From there I mainly walked or took the underground, which was quite user-friendly and did not feel unsafe (I am also a female in my 30's).

I would stay on the Pest side, go with the Marriot, probably your best bet.

Thanks, all!

I've stayed at the Hilton in Buda twice, liked the area very much, nice cafes and restaurants in walking distance. I agree in the immediate area there weren't many clubs but for me, that was a plus! The hotel is very nice, if you decide on it, try to get an upgrade to the club level, complimentary snacks, drinks and breakfast. Pest side is wonderful as well but it's easy to travel between the two.