Ibis Centrum Budapest?

James is THE source here for Budapest, I don't like to disagree with him.

What I will add is that we have stayed on several Ibis hotels (though not here), and we have found the experience satisfactory. This is the top level of Ibis Hotels, not the budget version. it has the new bedding which is excellent, and their double bed is essentially American queen size or larger. The breakfast buffet, if you opt for it, is acceptable, and will easily get you through the day, but will also leave you not needing to then sample the local great food choices. Although we prefer bed and breakfast places, we have found Ibis Hotels to be excellent value for the money. As for the location, if you are walkers it is within easy walking distance of many sites, including Parliament. City Park and its sites would likely require use of the Metro (although we recently walked from below Fisherman's Bastion across Erzsebet Bridge and on out the long way around to City Park, we are in our early 60s). Your mileage may vary.

James, you're the expert here - you tell me how to have a bad time in Budapest, we have not been able to figure that out yet. What's the secret?

Thanks to both James and Larry for your thoughtful responses. I will share with our group and take it from there.

Not sure what you edited, James. I thought my meaning was clear - what have not been able to figure out a way to have a bad time here:-)

I'm making my (first of many, I hope!) return to Budapest in May and seem to gravitate to the area near Szabadsag (Liberty) bridge, on the Pest side, near Fovam ter and the Great Market, just off the tail end of Vaci utca. I stayed at Boutique Hotel Zara on So utca last time, clean and attractive, attentive staff, Wi-Fi, elevator and good breakfast included. This time I'll be right next door at the Residence Baron, also well-reviewed and with the amenities you're seeking. 5 minute walk to Kalvin ter metro or the tram, or the bridge to cross over to the Gellert Hill area, but also nice because it's not quite as hectic an area as mid-Budapest.

James--yes, the hotel is now just Boutique Hotel, and when searching for a place for this trip I considered a few in other parts but the ratings & reviews for Residence Baron kept putting it at the top of my list. I'll admit to liking the idea that I'll be in the same area, after a week in Paris I think something soothingly familiar will be a relief. In fact, I find myself oddly much more excited about being in Budapest again than seeing Paris for the first time.

I arrive 10 am Sunday, May 22nd and leave on the 6 am flight the following Saturday -- anything good going on I shouldn't miss?

I am sure the Ibis is fine, but another alternative is Kalvin House which we found in Rick's book. We stayed there in 2011 and again in 2014 with great results. They honored our request for the very same room which was kind of nice. It's in Pest near the market hall and the Liberty Bridge.

Ahh, so are references to James connected to removed posts? Thread doesn't make sense..