Prague, Vienna and Budapest
 

We are 2 couples flying into Prague and returning from Budapest. We will be there the last week in Sept and first week of October. Our plan is to stay in Prague for 5 days, rent a care to drive to Vienna where we will stay for 3 or 4 days. We will then drive to Budapest and stay for 5 days. We will rent the car for only one week. Since we have not booked anything yet we have flexibility for our itinerary. One thought is to drive through the countryside to Saltzburg and stay there for 1 night. Is this worthwhile? Should we do other stops along the way? What about from Vienna or Budapest?<BR><BR>We will probably rent an apartment in Prague but are open to suggestions for 4 star hotels in Vienna and Budapest. We would like central locations. In Vienna, I have heard about the Hotel zur Wiener Staatsoper and the Konig Von Ungarn. Are these good options?<BR><BR>Thanks<BR><BR>Joyce

This sounds like a GREAT trip!! I have been to Vienna several times, most recently in 2000, at which time my wife & I did a Budapest/Vienna/Salzburg/Munich trip. The itinerary you're looking at seems very doable to me, with the exception of the 1 day shot at the countryside and Salzburg. We were in Salzburg and environs for three days, and it really didn't feel like we had quite enough time to do everything we wanted to. I would suggest either cutting a half of one of your Budapest days out, or perhaps leaving one of the Vienna days short in order to give yourselves at least 2 full days outside of Vienna. I've never been to Prague but I understand its beautiful, so I can't respond to how long you should stay. As far as hotel choices go, we stayed at the Gellert in Budapest, which turned out to be a great place for us. We wanted to stay away from what we thought would be "American" style chain hotels, and this one fit the bill for us. The Konig Von Ungarn is also a great choice for Vienna as its located very nicely and should put you in a great place for all the sightseeing you'll want to do. Have fun and let us know how your trip went!! Best Wishes

We are going to Prague and Vienna in a little less than two weeks. We are renting a car when we leave Prague, driving to Cesky Krumlov (all of the posts highly recommend it), then driving across the border to Salzburg, and then driving to Vienna. This way we could see a small town and also see the countryside. We are also booked at the Konig von Ungarn. Look for for my posts in mid-June telling you about the trip!

Topping for Melanie's trip report -- we're looking forward to it!

Konig von Ungarn is my only choice in Vienna. It's a really nice hotel, not very large, and with a lot of charm. And in addition, it's a great location near the Stephansdom and the pedestrian area. And for driving out to Salzburg or the area, I'd prefer a day of driving around the Salzkammergut lakes.

Joyce, if you are driving to Vienna, be sure that the hotel has parking available on site or near the hotel. Parking is a real hassle in Vienna and some of the hotels near St. Stephens don't have parking for their guests.

Joyce<BR> Just got back from Prague and Vienna - enjoyed them both, especially Prague where we stayed at the Cloister Inn which I would recommend. We stayed at the Hotel zur Wiener Staatsoper. I am sorry to say I would not recommend it. The location was central and good but I did not feel the staff (really just the one clerk but she was there whenever we went down) was helpful at all. Any questions - we were just given a brochure at best. We stayed there mainly because we were told there was parking and we were sent to a parking garage blocks away. The hotel itself was very nice, but I know you can do better for the price. If you want I can give you names of a few we saw when there.

We are interested in the same trip,but do not want to do any driving. The train scheDule lookes very good. What good day trips are available? Other hotels? What about the Best Westerns in these cities? Restaurants?

On our two previous trips to Vienna, we have stayed at the Hotel Admiral, a nice little hotel right by the Museum Quarter off Mariahilferstrasse. Close to the Ubahn and walking distance to the Ringstrasse. Also, a friendly staff and doubles for around $100. And, they have parking places available for guests about 1/2 block from the hotel.<BR><BR>Their website is http://www.admiral.co.at/index1.html.

Hi Linda:<BR><BR>I am looking to book a Vienna hotel room and am leaning to the Konig Von Ungarn. What hotels did you see that you thought looked inviting?

We recently stayed at the Hotel zur Weiner Staatsoper in Vienna and thought it was great. The rooms are small but very nice, the breakfasts are terrific and the location is perfect. Try to reserve time in the evening for coffee and dessert (and live music) at the Cafe Central. Heavenly! Kathy

My wife and I vacationed in these 3 cities 2 year ago, we traveled completely by train, which was fine. Agood day trip we took out of Vienna was a boat cruise on the Danube. We took the train to Melk and toured the Abby (featured in the book 'Name of the Rose') 1 hr-then boarded the boat-10 minute walk and cruised down stream to Krems, with 2 stops in between..Wachau Valley..very nice- we were back in Vienna for dinner at 8. In Prague we stayed in a very nice,central and reasonable hotel 'U Zlate Studny' 402 0 2 22 221112. Give Prague at least 2 if not 3 days Vienna at least 3 if not 6. I can give no great advice on Budapest we found it overall dingy and depressing especially compared with the other 2. If you want to stay in an apartment in Prague look for one at the central train station, that's where the ladies renting these things are to be found..Enjoy

Would overall agree with Phillygumbo - the Wachau is stunning, you can easily drive along the river from Melk (or start further west) to Krems. If driving from Prague to Vienna, definitely go via Cesky Krumlov. Salzburg unless you take time from Budapest, is I think too much - going too far west for the time. Budapest is a bit grimy and I personally think you should take 2 days off there and add it to Vienna or general Austrian/Czech countryside locations. I know some people prefer it to Prague (those that want a bigger city feel) but for most Prague is far prettier. A good hotel in Budapest is the Victoria - fantastic views of Parliament from floor to ceiling windows and located right on the river . Bedrooms recently done up and a good size. Bathrooms a bit crap - not done up. Receptionist was charming and breakfasts mediocre. <BR>Staying in Vienna - I do not know your budget but if it extends to business class hotels, I would strongly recommend the Ambassador, very nice plus good bar and restaurant. I have seen the Konig von Hungarn rooms and would not turn you off - they have a certain charm albeit some a little dated. Reception is quite beautiful and is cheaper than Ambassador. Nicest rooms (but still more expensive) are the Sacher (my fiancee checked all the best old hotels for a photo shoot earlier this year).

Melanie,Just read about your planned trip. My husband and I are going on almost the same itinerary in a week. We will be staying in Prague at the U Krale Karla, in Cesky Krumlov at the Hotel Ruze and in Vienna at the Hotel Koenig von Ungaren. Did you enjoy the hotels? What tips can you give us about restaurants, side trips, etc. Thanks for replying.