Geogirl1234

We will be in Budapest for 11 days next August and have never been before. I have made reservations at both the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus and the Marriott Boscolo. Is one more desirable than the other? They are approximately the same rates.
Also any suggestions on what not to miss in Budapest would be appreciated! Thanks!

JBord

Haven't stayed in either, but the Kempinski is right by an interchange where the M1, M2, M3 and a tram line run together if you're thinking of using a lot of public transportation. I'd say more centrally located to most of the tourist sites too, although central Budapest is very walkable anyway.

The Boscolo is not far from the Keleti train station. Quite a bit further from the river and the Buda side.

As far as what to see, 11 days is a long time, you'll be able to see just about anything. You may want to consider even doing some side trips out of the city. Go to one of the baths, maybe either Gellert or Széchenyi. Find a butcher shop for lunch one day. Enjoy a ruin pub or just a glass of excellent Hungarian wine outside...maybe by St. Stephen's where it will cost too much but you'll have a lovely view of the basilica. Walk up castle hill rather than take the funicular if you can...it's a nice walk with enough shade in the summer.

Geogirl1234

Thank You for the great suggestions Jbord! Several of the days will be spent in the pool at the Dagaly Aquatics Complex, which is north of the central area and on the waterfront. We will be using public transport to get around. The Kempinski is closer, but I'm more familiar with Marriott properties.We are definitely looking forward to some good food, great wine and nice long walks around the city enjoying the architecture.

WilcoRoger

The Kempinski is very nice, but IMO the Boscolo is even better. Both are vry good choices.

In the end, I think it boils down to location, loyalty programme and price, not neccessarily in that order.

Palal

11 days - I'd get an apartment for more space. It'll probably be cheaper too

Yoshi212

I agree with this sentiment. Having a kitchen and bedrooms makes things easier and can save quite a bit when it comes to meals & snacks.

I also agree that 11 days in a lot. I'd suggest at least 2 days in Vienna which is a quick railjet (Austrian train) ride away and an amazing city. Bratislava is another option.

craz

why train it? since the OP mentioned going in August,Id suggest taking the river boat and stopping in BTS on the way to Vien

But agree 11 days in BUD is alot

Geogirl1234

Thanks all for the apartment suggestion. Would the best way be to look at AirBnb? I know 11 days seems like a lot but we are there for a week long swimming competition. We are arriving 4 days early to acclimate to the time change from the US west coast, So really I only have 3-4 days to tour Budapest.

I actually really like hotels so I don't mind all that time staying at one. I booked a cancelable reservation at the Marriott Boscalo for around $130 and now the rate is around $350, so I think I got a good deal.

I'm open to any suggestions as to what not to miss in Budapest! Thanks!

Palal

AirBnB is a good choice if you're going to go the apartment route.

The downside is that you won't have breakfast included, but if the apartment is in the center, you shouldn't have any issues finding a good cheap place to eat

Yoshi212

Hotels.com has Serviced Apartment listings in many cities. I've used them in Europe and South Africa.

The river cruise is a nice way to travel but I like trains more.

balou

Sziget Festival is a great fun.

craz

Theres also a Marriott Exec Apartments which is a short walk from the Marriott, havent seen them firsthand so they may be more like a fancy Residence Inn then an actual apartment

Geogirl1234

Thanks for the suggestion! I booked a Brody House apartment through hotels.com. Significantly less than my Marriott Boscolo booking.

I also like train travel more than river cruising.

Geogirl1234

I checked out the website. That does look like a lot of fun, especially the art!

JBord

Looks like this is right by the National Museum. It should be a quick walk from there to the Central Market hall, which is a not only a sight to see, but a decent place to try a bunch of Hungarian foods all in one row of food stands.