Eger - Major Construction

@huntsman7729 thanks for the update. I hope that didn't mess up your trip too much?

Good news is all that messy construction around the Parliament building is complete and it came out beautiful.

Thanks for your tips. The book says that the RS discount is only offered if you pay cash. Was cash payment part of your original quote/discussion?

We booked directly, and specifically asked for the Rick Steves discount. We were quoted a price that exactly matched what we would have paid using Booking.com. Upon checking in we confirmed the price and were told that the rate would be even higher should we choose to pay by credit card. We paid by cash.

it is the best hotel in a great little wine town; when the town isn't under construction. The rooms are nice, the service is better than most, the house keeping is very good and the owner is a pain in the freeking a$$. He always has been and my bet is he always will be. I am not surprised at the deal you got. Still, when I go to Eger, this is where I stay. Sick isn't it?

The world knows about this place, surprised RS doesn't.

So, do you guys think the construction will make a day trip to Eger (from Budapest) a less than stellar experience?

Eger is a great day trip from Budapest, but to get the kind of small town Hungarian experience described in Rick's guide book I would stay away from Dobo Square until the dust has settled. The Fortress is also getting a bit of a facelift, but the Lyceum and Baths are both in top form. If you do go, make sure to check out the Market place and have some of the best Langos in Hungary on the 2nd floor at Rohlicsek Langos. Say hello to the "Langos Koneg" for us!

Nancy, if they are working on the square I think you miss some of the charm. And Eger is a hard (long) day trip - about 2 hours on the train each way.

Some other suggestions

Szentendre: About 30 minutes on the train up and about an hour on the boat back
Gyor and the Archabbey at Pannonhalma: About 1.5 hours on the train both ways, then about a 20 minute taxi or tour bus trip each way to the Archabbey. Both the town and the Abbey are the attractions. Excellent baroque and older town center, rivers, architecture, etc.
Pecs: but only as an overnight because its a 3 hour train ride but well worth the effort for the old mosques the town square, cathedral and pedestrian areas. Wonderful.

Actually I would spend the night in Eger (after it is repaired) or Gyor or Pecs if it works into your schedule. lovely places.

Thanks guys, that helps.

James, I will have 6 days in Budapest and already plan a 1/2 day trip to Szentendre and a day trip to Gyor (and the Abbey) per your previous suggestions to me.

I don't have a problem with a 2hr train ride each way for a day trip, have done it before and it worked out okay. But for that length of travel time I need to get a good feel for if it's worth it to me. I'm very glad the OP brought up the construction because Eger was on my list as a possible 3rd day trip.

its sort of disappointing about Eger. In your position right now I would take an early train to Pecs, spend then night and take an early train back. I think you will love Pecs. Check your PM.

Thanks James, it's a thought but right now my budget is really tight, no room for a double hotel room payment even for one night. I have several other options I'm looking at.

A nice hotel in Pecs might set you back USD60. Okay another great option depending on the time of year is Balatonfüred and Tihany on Lake Balaton. Tihany is especially lovely. About 2 hours on the train from Budapest.