Budapest Hotel Guide - Pensions - Lodging guides
While most European capitals are financially off-limits to budget travellers, Budapest represents real value for money. Pensions and private rooms feature heavily in Budapest’s accommodation scene and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to find a bed in the historic city centre.
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One of Budapest’s favourite pensions is Gizella Panzió (Tel: 1/249-2281), although its hillside location means that it isn’t the easiest place to get to. Another lofty option is the well-regarded Hotel Citadella (Tel: 1/466-5794) which is situated within the old citadel walls which crown Gellért Hill and has great views over the Danube.
Private rooms are also available throughout the city and can be easily booked through one of Budapest’s numerous accommodation agencies. When making a reservation it’s important to establish exactly where you’ll be staying as some private rooms are marooned in the suburbs. Whereas pension prices usually include breakfast; private rooms don’t, although you can usually order a simple continental breakfast for a small supplemental charge.
Another budget option, and one that is often overlooked, is to think about renting a flat. Charles Apartment House (Tel: 1/201-1796) has a good selection of clean and comfortable flats scattered through the districts of Buda. All apartments come with fully furnished kitchens where guests can experiment with local ingredients and recipes. Most apartments are let on a weekly basis.
Anyone planning on staying in a hostel should contact Mellow Mood Ltd (Tel: 1/413-2062 who continues to devour all Budapest’s hostelling competition. During the summer they operate 11 hostels in the capital although this figure shrinks to just two in the quieter winter months. For a comprehensive rundown of hostels across the country contact the Hungarian Youth Hostel Federation (Tel: 1/395-6530).
If you haven’t booked anywhere when you arrive; you’ll have the thankless task of dealing with the aggressive touts that populate the airport, rail and bus stations. Take everything they say with a large pinch of salt and don’t be disappointed if the reality of your accommodation falls considerably short of their lyrical sales pitch. Instead head for the Tourist Office.
Budapest City Break
