Forgot to add. The train from Prague to Budapest does make 2 stops at the border during the night and you will be woken up, if for no other reason than the noise. I met a young woman while I was in Budapest who had taken the train from Prague who mentioned that she had not gotten much sleep. You might want to check airfare prices, they may not be as bad as you think. <BR>Regards, <BR>Art <BR>

Have to echo Art's comments about being awaken during the train travel. I believe they roused us as we entered Slovakia, passport control. We had thought the train attendants would keep our passports for the duration of the trip, but they did not. Also, the noise from people running to catch the trains as you drift into stations may wake you up. We kind of felt like we were in a war movie, moonlight shining in, foreign voices, people running. Idon't recall getting much sleep, which is why I recommend getting a private sleeper. We were in a compartment that could sleep six and I was worried that we would have company. <BR> <BR>We too had originally looked into arriving in Vienna by boat, but the timing did not work for us.Instead, we took a day trip to Melk and picked up a boat tour down the Danube from there.

Hi,Karen <BR>Definitely Pest,Kempinski.On the Castle Hill-Hilton-you have to take first the castle bus,then changign to an other bus,crossing the river...Castle District is wonderful,if I had muc money I'd by a flat there,but for tourist it is a bit inconvenient.Kempinski is 2 min from Vaci street,2 min from the main metro stop,10min from the Opera, and Synagog,3 min from St Stephen Cathedral,metro going to the Arts'Museum leaves in front of the hotel,same for the tram for Gellért Bath,Market Hall, National Museum,and same for the bus going up the castle hill.The normal (3 USD) airport-city center bus has terminal in front of the hotel's entrance,so you do not have to take a taxi( Check the threads about Budapest taxis) <BR>My favorite restaurant in the top quality is Fortuna ,opposite Hilton.Gundel is overcrowded at dinner time,dut more attentive service for lunch time.If you want to eat real good home made food try Kispipa or Fészek Klub,same management,both not far from Kempinski. <BR>Eva

Thanks Art, Eva, Nancy and everyone for your recommendations. I plan to investigate the airfare between Prague and Budapest and will probably take a train from Budapest back to Vienna since our current thinking is to fly into Prague and home from Vienna. There seems to be general agreement that the Pest side is most convient for touring. We'll be staying with friends in Prague so we won't need hotel space. As for Vienna, I posted another message asking if anyone had stayed at the Imperial or the Bristol, but so far no answer. Thanks again.

I stayed at the Hilton this summer. Looked out my window and saw the gargoles of St. Mathis Church as well as the Fisherman's Bastion and the Danube. I was in hog heaven and the staff was fabulous. Each day they posted the events in town for the evening. They got me tickets for the ballet in the Opera House on the aisle, 3rd row, or (my choice) a box near those seats. First rate all around. <BR> <BR>Some of the others in our group thought that the Pest side would be closer to the action. I liked the quiet. We got out early, and evening when the tourist were not on Castle Hill and spent the day in Pest. I thought it was perfect. We walked across the Chain Bridge and took the tram up the hill, or took a taxi. It was simple, can't wait to go back!