Anna - We had the same problem at first with the number, one of the digits did change. I think the number just above was right, we called from the US and the total number was 011 36 1 355 0122. After calling, we faxed which was 1 375 1886. I feel more comfortable calling to see if they have vacancies and then faxing. Good luck.

DanL - We solved the phone number problem but back to my earlier question, does the Kulturinov have parking? What was your favorites restaurant and did you try the casino?

Go to budapesthotels.com, click on "find your hotel here," enter Kulturinnov under the hotel name. I went to this site and it said they have secured parking, I'm not sure if that means you have to pay or not. Hopefully Dan can help you out. But either way check out the website, it has pictures of the Kulturinnov and a nice description! I'm waiting for a reply now from my fax sent today, I sure hope they have openings for the dates I requested or I'll be very disappointed!!

Yes there are a number of parking spaces across from the Kulturinnov. We went to a number of cafes and restuarants. Unfortunatly believe it or not we forgot the names of them. We also ate at Burger Kings and KFCs. They are as good as here in America and a lot mor elegant and clean.

Dear DanL, <BR> <BR>I am a student tourism in Holland and we are doing a project about Hungary. <BR>Our research statement is :"Is Hungary western?"(indirect: is it western despite its history and to some people easteuropean image?) <BR>I'd be happy if you could answer this, <BR>Thank you in advance, <BR>Cindy <BR>

That is a very interesting question. Lets make 2 columns. <BR> <BR>1)Why Hungary is Western: <BR>-Western Christian country <BR>-NATO member <BR>-front runner for EU mambership <BR>-Western in culture somewhat, meaning the way of living, music, arts is more Western than eastern. Although there are some Hungarian traditions which more resemble Hungarians descendents from the East urals. <BR> <BR>2) Why Hungary is eastern: <BR>-40 years of socialism <BR>-Hungarian language originates from the east urals. <BR> <BR>In my opinion Hungary is nor in western Europe or Eastern Europe. Hungary is geographically, culturally, politically in Central Europe along with the Czechs, Slovaks, and Poles. But yes Hungary is more Western than Eastern and if looking at the World we were to divide it into whether Hungary is Western or Eastern I would say it is definetly Western. <BR> <BR>Very interesting question, I have asked this to myself aswell. I would suggest asking this at the www.eurotrip.com discussion boards. I'm sure they will give you help too. <BR>

In most travel books and when renting cars for Europe, Hungary is considered Eastern. However, if you think about it, it was originally part of the Austrian Hungarian empire and Austria is considered Western. As stated above, because of the "iron curtain" country image, most, if not all of our friends would consider it an Eastern European country, which we will be visiting this fall.

I'll be in Budapest in July. Any recommendations on restaurants you liked; especially for Hungarian foods, pretty decor, and some idea of pricing?

DanL: For a more local reataurant, try the seafood restaurant, Horgasztana Vendeglo in the Watertown area. Inexpensive and good.<BR>We did Gundel. An experience. Not worth the price, but an enjoyable evening. Especially liked the string quartet. They kept asking for requests and I got a lot of chardas in.<BR>Aranysarvas is another restaurant we enjoyed. Features wild game. The carp and the stuffed cabbage are very good. Have a great trip.

Hi We were in Budapest in Sept 2000 and stayed at the Kulturinov. In Buda there was a small restaurant Cafe Pierrot ( it had a french ambiance) that was quite good. I do not know how much hungarian food they served but my sister-in-law whose still speaks some hungarian enjoyed it. Also, we took an evening cruise to see the danube at night. It was great, all the buildings were lit, you had ear phones so did not have to listen to repeats in different languages, they also had a closed circuit monitor that showed daytime views and perspectives. Before the cruise, we ate at one of the dinner boats along the river. It had a buffet where you could sample all the varieties of food, we enjoyed that too. The caves in buda were also interesting (although there was talk of them closing). The Nazi's used them in WWII and actually lived down there. The casino at the Hilton was also interesting for a quick stop. Mostly tables, some slots. My sister-in-law loves black jack and the men (she thought might be hungarian and russian) were not pleased with a woman at the tables. What they did not realize was she understood most of what they were saying. At that time, US money was used in the casino. Buda is really interesting, we did a self-walking tour. Have a great trip, we really enjoyed our stay.

I'll be in Budapest for about a week in mid-May. I'll be turning 40 while there and would like suggestions for good birthday restaurant. Also, when you went to surrounding towns, did you go by tour bus or yourself. (someone else on this board suggested that I go with a tour.) And, my husband is wondering about the &quot;gypsies,&quot; (I don't know what else to call them; sorry if it's not p.c.). if there are people hassling tourists, my husband's the one to get hassled. also, any other trouble with crime, petty or otherwise. <BR>Also, Linda, did that atty you stayed with have an email address? thanks.

This thread is 3 years old. Will be interested to see if DanL is still here.

I think it's fascinating that it has new life; perhaps someone else wil answer some questions....

If you're celebrating your 40th - do it in style - go to Gundel. Some people will say it a tourist trap - which kept me away my first 2 visits to Budapest but i finally went on my 3rd visit. I was pleasently surprised and glad I finally went (and will go back anytime I'm in Budapest again) A beautiful elegant dining rooms, well prepared food, a gypsy band that plays well - it's definitely swanky and lux. The 6 course taster's menu with wine pairings ran around $60 in Dec 2001.<BR><BR>http://www.gundel.hu/<BR><BR>As for gypsies - didn't experience anything. Have read that some tourists have been harrassed by bogus cops on the Chain Bridge at night. I was pestered by bar hawkers on Vaci Street but knew better than to give them the time of day.<BR><BR>Not sure but the Four Season should be opening very soon there.

Regarding gypsies, in Sept 1999, we walked alot including across the chain bridge without any hassel. At night, we did take the trolley from Pest back to Buda.