Rick seems to come down on the side of Pest. I am a little worried about the hill up from the metro station into RS' Buda listings in the Vizivaros area. My wife and I are physically able and in shape. But we have different energy levels for travel and the walk up the hill might get me in trouble if it's too hard at the end of a long day. I kind of like the idea of staying in an area that's a little quieter, but I don't want to be far from the action. Buda seems more historic, Pest more modern and lively. I searched the archives and found the discussions inconclusive. Any advice from the RS community?
We stayed at Bellvue B&B on the Buda side, and loved it. However the trek up from the metro was a hike. Very steep roads, sidewalks that turn into stairs, then having to climb 3 flights of stairs in the B&B. A 5 minute walk down, a 10-15 min walk back up. It is not for the weary. I think there is a bus that can take you thru the Buda side, because it would be a shame to miss out on how cool the it is. But if you know yourself, take the path of least resistance and stay on the Pest side.
There are hotels on the Buda side that are on or near the riverbank and don't require uphill walking. Two that I'm aware of are the Victoria and the Carlton. http://www.victoria.hu/ http://www.carltonhotel.hu/
I stayed and would stay again in Pest. More lively and closer to action. When tourists are gone, Buda seems dead comparing to Pest.
I would chose to stay in Pest as the center of town has more restaurants/shops and more hotels to chose from. On a tour of Budapest we stayed in Buda at the Hilton which had a great view of the river and Pest however not much happening in the hill. There is a funicular that runs up to Buda however we did not use it and took our tour bus instead.
Going in March and staying right off Adrassy Ave. Looking and researching I found Pest to be the most appealing. And Byron ... I'm from Highland, CA went to REV for high school haha ... small world eh?
I too would recommend the Pest side. Aside from all the other considerations, if you are out late in the evening, you do NOT want to take taxis - they will charge you truly exhorbitant prices - so best to be within walking distance of your lodgings.