Well, well, well - honestly, besides one major issue, I really liked the W Budapest. I'm hoping that they change their tune towards suite upgrades as they continue their operational journey. While I started my stay quite angry, it's impossible for me to deny the quality of the hotel, most of the service, and the absolute deliciousness of breakfast. Here are my pros, cons, and photos - after the storytime of my arrival:

Storytime: I had seen several days before arrival that I had been upgraded to a Cool Corner King - interestingly, these rooms sell for far more cash than the Studio Suite types and are one category below the Fantastic Suites. Fantastic Suites are in the SNA pool. While I noticed Fantastic Suites available online, I decided before arriving that I wasn't going to ask about them (personal choice). However, as I was going through the check-in process, I was told that a higher category suite (the Fantastic Suite) was available for the low price of 200 EUR - I hate upsells. I don't stay in hotels for the car dealership experience. I asked if the suite was part of the upgrade pool for Elites and was told by multiple people standing at the desk that it wasn't. I told them I wasn't planning on paying extra and declined the offer. Inside, I was fuming - I don't want to be shaken down for extra money at check-in. I had noticed my room number on a piece of paper with an arrow and 200 EUR written down, so this was pre-planned.

I was then escorted to my Cool Corner facing the Opera House. As I sat there steaming, I noticed that the AC was quite poor (only one vent facing the window) and the room was very noisy with road noise. There was a whole thing with Engineering and the desk that ended up resulting in the admission that the fan in the AC will never be loud and that there are quieter rooms available. The manager who had earlier attempted to upsell me found a "show room" on the other side of the property with a "real bathroom." We visited the room together, and I much preferred it - real, separate bathroom (the opera-facing Cool Corner had the sinks and bathroom open behind the bed), two AC vents (I could kind of hear a fan), and quieter noise due to it facing two alleyways. To their credit, the staff did move my luggage for me, etc.

Pros:

• The bed was fantastic - super plush (soft) mattress, plush pillows, plush covers - absolutely amazing bed that I've only seen replicated at some other W properties
• Shower pressure was very good from the rainfall head - didn't try the wand
• I like all of the green in the room
• Bath towels were comfortable and large
• In my original room, I had a nice set of chocolate chess pieces and an interesting lemon raspberry cake (not my favorite as it has far too much jelly), but nice gesture
• Besides the upgrade nonsense, I thought the service was friendly
  • Alessandra from W/W took me on an art tour of the property, joined me in the bar for a free mocktail and conversation about the US, and wrote a nice departure note with a box of local hand cream and beard oil (funny as I don't and will never have a beard)
  • Offered late checkout - no issue with the 2 PM I requested
  • EUR-HUF exchange rate was fair
• Common areas and hallways are very nice and look authentic
• Elite breakfast was truly delicious
  • The best eggs royale I have ever had - delicious truffle hollandaise, perfectly cooked, such good salmon
  • Breakfast is a la carte with one hot item, pastries, and unlimited drinks
  • Service was very friendly - addressed by first name, thorough
  • Tasty croissant

Cons:

• Upgrade nonsense
• AC could be problematic - seems focused on environment, some of the rooms don't have many vents, my new room would not go below being set at 20.5 (the first room would go down to 19.5) - I did wake up sweaty at 5 AM
• Found a random screw on the makeup table - glad it wasn't on the floor
• No shades in the bathroom - only a sheer curtain, which seems like you would be visible to the building across the alley at night with the lights on

Overall, I would return here for the bed and truffle hollandaise.

Photos: