Choosing Hotel--- Marriott versus Andressy Ut area near Opera house

As to choosing hotel location--- is being on Andrassy Ut closer to St.
Istvan's Basilica and able to walk more easily to sights including to
the river promenade more desirable than being Rakoczi near Great Blvd.

Absolutely. On Andrassy ut, every moment of your time will be immersed in what you went to Budapest to see and be part of. Rakoczi ut near Blaha Lujza tér is a somewhat uninteresting and unattractive area; which explains why the hotels are less expensive.

Is Marriott Courtyard in a rougher neighborhood at night though safe?
Have 4 days want to make right choice. Marriott Courtyard (Rakoczi at
Grand Blvd) would include all transfers from airport and to cruise.

Rougher? Not really. Nothing within the outer loop is “rough” from a safety point of view. Cross the loop road and you will be in areas that are a little dicey looking, but still safe by most standards. Would I stay at the Marriott Courtyard? No. You can do better. Again, there is a reason for the good prices.

At other location transfer from airport possible but would need taxi
to get to river cruise berth on Pest side. Just wondering if
convenience of transfers worth more than location. \if only one night
would not be issue but is 4.

Taxis are relatively inexpensive in Budapest, reliable and honest as well. Just call a major company like City Taxi for use once you get in town. You are looking at maybe $10 to the dock at the current rates. The airport service is FoTaxi and they run a really well organized system making the whole process almost enjoyable. At the current rates, maybe $25.00 from the airport to the end of Andrassy ut.

I just checked the distances to the docks in Pest and in Buda. Either way, the Taxi fare will be between $5 and $7 from the opera. If you are spending 4 days you want to be someplace other than the Marriott. The added Tram and Metro rides will cost you more than $7 in the first 2 days.

I just checked the distances to the docks in Pest and in Buda. Either way, the Taxi fare will be between $5 and $7 from the opera. If you are spending 4 days you want to be someplace other than the Marriott. The added Tram and Metro rides will cost you more than $7 in the first 2 days.

We stayed near the Opera (apartment at Franz Liszt Square) in May and walked or took metro/trams all over. Trust what James E says!

Thank you all for the great info and especially James E----- it was my gut feeling to stay Andrassy Ut area but river cruise uses Marriott. Now I feel comfortable with my choice as would have had to commit to Marriott in next few days so wanted to make sure. Will stick with my hotel on Andressy Ut.
Look forward to visit in September.

Maybe we will cross paths...