Planning on visiting Budapest next March, but am very confused about hotel choices and their locations. Have narrowed it down to two (but flexible), the Visions Hotel or the Nemzeti. My choices have been based on price, but more importantly a hotel where I can open the windows fully or have a balcony and can turn heating/cooling off manually in room. Would prefer hotel which is not pet friendly. Not sure if anyone has any ideas or comments on my choices, particularly the location. Thank you
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
26211 posts
Neither hotel is in a great location for a first visit to Budapest. If you are the type that eats, then goes home and sleeps neither is horrible. If you want to enjoy the evening in town, both come up short.
The Nemzeti is undergoing exterior renovation. I would be sure that's done first. Visions is on the river, but not the sweetest address on the river. But everyone is different. I presume you read the hotel post on the forum and they didn't light your fire. So Visions if you are only staying 3 nights and Nemzeti if you are staying longer.... just my vote, only on location.
Posted by
Massachusetts, USA
2316 posts
We loved staying at the Queen's Court Hotel in the Jewish Quarter last September. We had a lovely room with a small balcony. The location is excellent! And the included breakfast buffet (with custom ordered eggs) is one of the most stellar breakfasts we have had anywhere.
https://queenscourthotelbudapest.com/
Posted by
OP
47 posts
Thank you both for your input. The difficulty is finding a hotel which meets my criteria and my sisters (which is budget), and have read previous posts regarding hotel choice, so any suggestions as to location greatly appreciated. The Queens Court Hotel, whilst lovely, does not fall into the budget criteria. But, the Radisson Basilica does.Mr E’s posts have been fantastic and really appreciate his local knowledge. Is the Nemzeti in a safe area, I have read conflicting opinions?
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
26211 posts
The Nemzeti is in a safe area, not a real pretty or convenient area though. But you could do worse. There isn't an unsafe area in Budapest that a tourist is likely to wander into. There is one street not far from the hotel you might want to avoid after dark, not because its not safe, but after dark you might feel uncomfortable.
I looked at the prices next March at the Nemzeti and you should be able to match them along Andrassy ut. Some hotels like the UpHotel arent selling for March yet. Some like the Oktogon might be cheaper.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/hungary/budapest-updated-hotel-list
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
26211 posts
The average March temps are 35F to 57F. This past March was a bit cooler than the average. During the hours you are likely to br in the room, I suspect you may not want to open the windows.
Another budget hotel is the Medosz. See what tgey charge for the top floor rooms with the terrace.
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
26211 posts
The Radisson Basilica is in an area thick with tourists but of the 3 you listed, the best located. I am surprised its in the same price catagory as the others.
Posted by
OP
47 posts
thank you Mr E. I appreciate your local knowledge. Have managed to convince my travel companions, the extra money for the Radisson will be worth it. As for sleeping with windows open, even temps around what you mentioned is not a deterrent. I really have no idea about Budapest, so this website and people’s input is invaluable
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
26211 posts
One of the pleasures of Budapest is you can often get more for less. That Radison would cost you close to twice the price in much of Western Europe.