Hi, couple looking at either the Prestige hotel or the Intercontinental - should we stay at the Intercontinental for the view? Many thanks for any help as I can’t decide
The Prestige looks beautiful. Much more beautiful than the Intercontinental. Its close to the river but no relaxing place that I can think of over there to enjoy the view in the evening. But it is closer to tourist area by the Basilica.
The Intercontinental has the views and is somewhat closer to the public transportation you will want to use to see up Andrassy ut which represents a fair percentage of the the charm of Budapest.
So you probably cant do wrong. Between those two, its a personal thing.
Thank you - now to start planning 4 days in a new city :)
Sorry i wasnt more definitive. Different people like different things. Me, if I had to stay at one of those two, I would probably do the intercontinental as I enjoy my eveing strolls and a glass of wine amoung people.
Mr. E is a Budapest expert and his advice is always reliable. I will note that my wife and I stayed at the Prestige Hotel last year and liked it a lot -- good location and service, nice room. We also enjoyed a restaurant that is close to the hotel called Hungaricum Bisztrot. It's mentioned in the RS Budapest book, but when we were there it seemed like the crowd was local as well as visitors. Make a reservation online in advance for that one.
I am an expert on how to get from point A to point B (most of the time, but not always). No one is an expert on what others enjoy and value.
Slate, you do bring up a good point. With a few exceptions the tourism is widely dispersed. You come here for "the city" as much as for the tourist sights. The nicer tourist amenities must also cater to locals to stay in business. So it's common for the principal language you hear to be Hungarian. The two glaring exceptions are Vaci utca and the area in front of the Basilica.
There is an excellent Utalian place with sidewalk tables not far from the Prestige and a great little old world pub/bistro. I will look up the names for anyone staying there.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QwQJBik9ZNGv6ftaA
And
https://maps.app.goo.gl/MMxbqsPBW8h4rUta7