I am interested in the Prague/Budapest package offered by Paul Laifer tours. Due to my small budget, I was thinking of taking the lowest priced option in either November or March. The hotels are GRAND HUNGARIA or <BR>IBIS CENTRUM in Budapest and IBIS CITY in Prague. Two questions: <BR>1. Which time of year is preferable for these two cities? <BR>2. Are these hotels decent with regards to cleanliness and location (i.e. no bugs and not far outside the city)?

There are definitely no Bugs in IBIS Hotels.NOwhere.

Oops - I didn't realize that Ibis is a major chain. I went to their web site and was able to get a better handle on the location but does anyone have other feedback about these hotels, this tour company or these months for travel?

topping

I have not stayed at those hotels, but I was in both Prague and Budapest this past March which is one of the months you are considering. <BR> <BR>The weather was chilly in both cities while we were there but otherwise it was fine. We had rain in Prague on the first day but that was it. In Budapest, we actually had some snow flurries one morning. We had hit a cold patch. It had been warmer earlier in the week before we got there. The flowers were already blooming in Budapest by that time and I believe we saw some in Prague as well. <BR>So...I'd say to be prepared for spring weather (especially in Budapest) but with the chance that the temps could drop. I was glad I had my gloves. <BR> <BR>There was plenty of activity in both cities but we didn't have problems getting into some good restaurants, etc. <BR> <BR>We checked into a few of the tour options at the hotels and, because it was the end of the low season, some castles, etc. were not yet open. We did go to Castle Sternbeck outside of Prague and were able to book an evening cruise on the Danube in Budapest which was lovely. <BR> <BR>Lee <BR> <BR>

I stayed at IBIS CENTRUM (Budapest) last month. Excelent central location next to a metro station, very clean, excelent breakfast (ours was included in the package) and a very friendly and professional staff. Also close to at least 4 ATMs (one right in the metro station). I strongly recommend it.