Originally Posted by Bruiser
We will actually be arriving by air from Berlin but could change that. We have been to Budapest before and loved the city so thought we might take some time to see the country-side. We love the wine, especially the dessert wines, so that would be interesting. Would just like to get into the country to see more of Hungary. But we would like some recommendations for places to stay along the way as we would no doubt rent a car.
Get to Budapest and take the M3 highway out towards Eger. If you want to stay there try and see if you can get a room at the hotel Senator House in the middle of town. The 'Valley of the Beautiful Women' is a bit of a let down for wine, but interesting to see all of the cellars built into the hillside. Good local cellars include Monarchia, Thummerer and Istvan Toth. Not positive all have tasting rooms, but sure you can find out at local tourist office. Don't know your budget, but great 'palace' hotel in the hills east of Eger at Lillafured. We stayed a couple years ago for about $100 a night. Nice walks in the area. Check out the cave baths at Miskolc-Tapolca (bring your suit!).
Farther east the area around Tokaj is really fascinating. We stayed in an unremarkable hotel in Nyiregyhaza and used that as our base for a few days. The Tokaj Fogado pension in Tokaj is supposed to be good. Try local area wineries including Demeter Zoltan, Oremus and Tokaj-Hetszolo (no Hungarian characters on this laptop). You absolutely must try the Os Kajan restaurant in the village of Tolcsva, not far from Tokaj. Its run by a French couple: great French/Hungarian cooking and great area wines. Have fun - it'll be great out there this time of year.