Hilton Budapest (near Castle) {HUN}
Sep 29, 2003, 4:59 pm
#31
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Dallas, TX, USA
Posts: 651
Stayed in December and took the van - for Hilton guest in the Castle district its free - actually this was the best part of the stay from a customer service perspective - this is one Hilton that I probably wouldn't be returning to. The rooms are ok and the lounge is fairly nice - but the consierge was beyond arrogant and far less than helpful - front desk wasn't too much better - better off asking the girls in the lounge.
Next time I'm definately trying the Pest Hilton
Next time I'm definately trying the Pest Hilton
Sep 29, 2003, 5:27 pm
#32
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: BCT. Formerly known as attorney28
Programs: LH HON,BA GGL GfL,Hyatt LT Glob,Mrtt LT P,Hilt LT D,IC Amb,Acc P,GHA Tit,LHW Strlg,Sixt/Av/Hz D/Pres
Posts: 6,823
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by MacDaddie:
Stayed in December and took the van - for Hilton guest in the Castle district its free - actually this was the best part of the stay from a customer service perspective - this is one Hilton that I probably wouldn't be returning to. The rooms are ok and the lounge is fairly nice - but the consierge was beyond arrogant and far less than helpful - front desk wasn't too much better - better off asking the girls in the lounge.
Next time I'm definately trying the Pest Hilton</font>
Stayed in December and took the van - for Hilton guest in the Castle district its free - actually this was the best part of the stay from a customer service perspective - this is one Hilton that I probably wouldn't be returning to. The rooms are ok and the lounge is fairly nice - but the consierge was beyond arrogant and far less than helpful - front desk wasn't too much better - better off asking the girls in the lounge.
Next time I'm definately trying the Pest Hilton</font>
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Please have a look at my round-the-world travel blog and leave some comments - thanks :-).
Sep 29, 2003, 7:17 pm
#33
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Trenton NJ
Programs: UA Gold MM, Honors Diamond, Marriott Gold, Hertz President’s Circle
Posts: 3,662
I used to travel to Budapest a lot but never stayed at the Hilton (I preferred the Kempinski or the Marriott for the great view of Buda). At the airport, you can get the airport provided van service that you can either book in arrivals while waiting for luggage or once you exit through customs. It used to be 1800 HUF (now about $7). They usually take you to the hotels after dropping one or two people off first (or you might be lucky and be the first one).
DO NOT take a taxi. Not only are they expensive, they will gyp you every chance they get. When in Budapest use the hotel's taxi or one of the more reputable taxi services (Fo Taxi was one I remember).
Enjoy yourself. I'm half Hungarian and had a blast. Just watch out for the "ladies" on Vaci ut., the main shopping street. We used to refer to it as running the gauntlet.
DO NOT take a taxi. Not only are they expensive, they will gyp you every chance they get. When in Budapest use the hotel's taxi or one of the more reputable taxi services (Fo Taxi was one I remember).
Enjoy yourself. I'm half Hungarian and had a blast. Just watch out for the "ladies" on Vaci ut., the main shopping street. We used to refer to it as running the gauntlet.
Oct 2, 2003, 4:13 am
#34
Join Date: May 2002
Location: ORD, LHR and YYJ
Programs: AC - Super Elite, AA - Platinum, DL - Basic, HHonors - Gold, SPG - Platinum, Fairmont - Gold
Posts: 292
Thanks for all the input. I'm going to go for the bus option and got full instructions from the concierge.
Anyone know how this hotel has treated Golds lately? I'm booked into an Exec room already so doubt they will upgrade me from that but would be interested to hear if they do anything else for Golds.
Anyone know how this hotel has treated Golds lately? I'm booked into an Exec room already so doubt they will upgrade me from that but would be interested to hear if they do anything else for Golds.
Oct 2, 2003, 4:44 am
#35
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: BCT. Formerly known as attorney28
Programs: LH HON,BA GGL GfL,Hyatt LT Glob,Mrtt LT P,Hilt LT D,IC Amb,Acc P,GHA Tit,LHW Strlg,Sixt/Av/Hz D/Pres
Posts: 6,823
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by DJC:
Thanks for all the input. I'm going to go for the bus option and got full instructions from the concierge.
Anyone know how this hotel has treated Golds lately? I'm booked into an Exec room already so doubt they will upgrade me from that but would be interested to hear if they do anything else for Golds.</font>
Thanks for all the input. I'm going to go for the bus option and got full instructions from the concierge.
Anyone know how this hotel has treated Golds lately? I'm booked into an Exec room already so doubt they will upgrade me from that but would be interested to hear if they do anything else for Golds.</font>
The bus takes quite a while, but it is fine if you are not in a hurry. If you want to take the bus for the way back, you will have to tell them a day before (which I did not so that I had to take a taxi).
------------------
Please have a look at my round-the-world travel blog and leave some comments - thanks :-).
Oct 3, 2003, 11:47 pm
#36
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Andover, MA USA
Posts: 1,556
I found the service at this hotel to be exceptionally good, among the best I've ever received at any hilton. Mr. Horvath, the manager, went out of his way many times to insure our stay was spectacular. It was literally impossible to walk in the door of the hotel without some staff member beaming a smile and offering to take care of any need we might have.
Apr 27, 2004, 8:37 am
#37
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: MAN,UK
Posts: 237
Hilton Budapest hotel Trip Reports and Reviews
Hi all
Spent four days in Budapest at the budapest Hilton over the Easter period - find short trip report below.
Arrived late Sunday afternoon into BUD, airport minibus service was as described elsewhere on this board, simple to get,
free, and about 45 mins journey from the airport to the hotel.
Warm welcome by the reception staff, I'd previously confirmed an upgrade to the Executive Floor by email conversation with
the reservations dept. Was allocated room on Executive Floor which you reach by going through the Executive Lounge.
Room was King Bed with lovely bathroom, separate shower and complimentary bottle of red and Hungarian chocolates with
welcome note from the manager.
Executive Lounge - fantastic view over the city, especially just before dusk when the light is orange. Service was great and
always food on the table. Buffet breakfast was good although with my rate we had breakfast included so tried the main
restaurant a couple of times. Food out from 12 midday to 10pm.
Concierge helpful and knowledgeable. Not many restaurants in the Castle District and those that were recommended were a bit
pricey for MrsBo and I, although we had a lovely meal in the one beside the theatre? just 5 mins from the hotel.
There is a big shopping centre down the hill through Vienna Gate called Mammut - if you dont mind that they have quite an
extensive food court with all sorts of food at good prices - worth checking out. There is also a cinema there also.
Transfer back to the airport needs to be booked with the concierge the day before - everything went smoothly.
Overall a great hotel and staff and a good break had.
Spent four days in Budapest at the budapest Hilton over the Easter period - find short trip report below.
Arrived late Sunday afternoon into BUD, airport minibus service was as described elsewhere on this board, simple to get,
free, and about 45 mins journey from the airport to the hotel.
Warm welcome by the reception staff, I'd previously confirmed an upgrade to the Executive Floor by email conversation with
the reservations dept. Was allocated room on Executive Floor which you reach by going through the Executive Lounge.
Room was King Bed with lovely bathroom, separate shower and complimentary bottle of red and Hungarian chocolates with
welcome note from the manager.
Executive Lounge - fantastic view over the city, especially just before dusk when the light is orange. Service was great and
always food on the table. Buffet breakfast was good although with my rate we had breakfast included so tried the main
restaurant a couple of times. Food out from 12 midday to 10pm.
Concierge helpful and knowledgeable. Not many restaurants in the Castle District and those that were recommended were a bit
pricey for MrsBo and I, although we had a lovely meal in the one beside the theatre? just 5 mins from the hotel.
There is a big shopping centre down the hill through Vienna Gate called Mammut - if you dont mind that they have quite an
extensive food court with all sorts of food at good prices - worth checking out. There is also a cinema there also.
Transfer back to the airport needs to be booked with the concierge the day before - everything went smoothly.
Overall a great hotel and staff and a good break had.
Apr 27, 2004, 8:48 am
#38
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Monterey, California
Programs: Affiliated with all, participate in some
Posts: 2,188
My wife and I stayed there in July 2002. It was an award stay and we were given the King Duna Suite with a great view of the Danube River valley, Budapest and the Fisherman's monument right outside our window.
There was folk music played in the courtyard until midnight and the whole environment was incredibly romantic and serene.
Lovely place.
There was folk music played in the courtyard until midnight and the whole environment was incredibly romantic and serene.
Lovely place.
Apr 28, 2004, 5:48 am
#39
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA LT Gold; BA Silver; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,081
Hilton Budapest
Thanks!
We just booked it for early October (earliest we could get an Award stay, unfortunately) and I'm excited already. Have been to Budapest and loved it, but the last stay was at the Marriott, which was also nice.
Appreciate the info about the food court, too. My husband and I tend to go cheap most of the time and then have a nice meal out every few days.
We just booked it for early October (earliest we could get an Award stay, unfortunately) and I'm excited already. Have been to Budapest and loved it, but the last stay was at the Marriott, which was also nice.
Appreciate the info about the food court, too. My husband and I tend to go cheap most of the time and then have a nice meal out every few days.
May 14, 2004, 7:09 am
#40
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Allentown, PA
Programs: UA, Marriott, Avis
Posts: 21
Experiences with Hilton Budapest?
Hello all,
I am joining my wife on a business trip to Budapest for a week. We are staying at the Budapest Hilton from June 5-10.
Does anyone have experiences (good or bad) at this hotel? Any suggestions on fine restaurants or must see's in the city? I have a few free days while she is working.
Thanks for your help.
I am joining my wife on a business trip to Budapest for a week. We are staying at the Budapest Hilton from June 5-10.
Does anyone have experiences (good or bad) at this hotel? Any suggestions on fine restaurants or must see's in the city? I have a few free days while she is working.
Thanks for your help.
May 14, 2004, 8:38 am
#41
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Andover, MA USA
Posts: 1,556
The Budapest Hilton is a great hotel; I loved our time there. Our fabulous experience began at the airport with their complimentary shuttle bus to the hotel which is fantastic because the airport is not particularly nearby and I would imagine a cab ride would be quite expensive. With the hotel shuttle, you get on at the airport and dropped of right at the front door to the hotel, FREE ! Upon arrival at the hotel, we were immediately greeted by a friendly door man and bellman who jumped at the opportunity to assist us with our bags.
Check-in was a pleasure; Mr. Horvath, the manager made sure everything was in order for us and personally escorted us to our beautiful room with a priceless view of the Danube and Parliament. Inside the room waiting for us was a welcoming letter, and fresh flowers. Shortly thereafter there was a knock on the door and we were presented with a complimentary bottle of wine and a box of chocolates if I recall correctly. I seem to recall that each day we were provided with complimentary bottles of water in the room.
The hotel is located on the Buda side of the Danube, high on the hill, overlooking the Danube. It was built into the remains of an ancient monastery/church. The hotel has done a good job marrying the existing remains with the hotel. In the depths of the basement of the hotel is a wine tasting room. I highly recommend going there, even if just for a look-see. The walk down to it is quite interesting and you'll go throught quite a few old passageways.
Service at the hotel was top notch. Literally every single time we entered the lobby, either on our way out of the hotel, or on our way in, one or more staff members would approach us with a big smile and ask if there was anything at all that we needed. I didn't use the hotel restaurant or bar, but only because as a Diamond member, I had complimentary use of the executive lounge. The exec. lounge is set up in a peculiar way in that you have to pass though it to get to some of the rooms. The staff in the executive lounge was friendly, attentive, and quite helpful with tips about what to see and do in the city. Gabby, the evening attendant was especially helpful. Breakfast in the lounge was a full hot breakfast with eggs and several types of meats in addition to a good selection of pastries, fruit, and cold items. The lounge is open all day if I recall correctly (it may shut for an hour or two after breakfast so the staff can clean up, but I honestly can't remember). I do remember having cocktails (complimentary of course) in the lounge in the afternoon and in the evening. The lounge had some light snacks in the evening, like chips and pretzels, but nothing noteworthy. The Budapest Westend (on the Pest side) has a huge selection of food in the evening and you could literally eat dinner there.
Because the hotel is on the Buda side, it is in a quieter part of the city. The Pest side has more shopping, restaurants, etc. There are a handful of restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. We ate one evening at the Fekete Hollo upon the recommendation of Mr. Horvath. It was quite good serving traditional hungarian dishes including some wild game dishes. There was live entertainment consisting of a trio of musicians, a violinist, a cellist, and an accordian player. They serenaded us with some wonderful gypsy music. The ambience was smart casual, and a jacket and tie were not necessary. I seem to recall the prices were quite reasonable, although I think you will find most things in Hungary to be very inexpensive, relatively speaking. If you want dining recommendations, the hotel concierge can guide you to what you are looking for. We enjoyed every place he recommended.
As far as things to do in Budapest, you absolutely positively must go to the spas. I made the mistake of waiting to the next to last day to do this. Had I gone the first day, I would have realized just how great they are and gone every single day of the trip. We went to the Gellert Spa, located in the Gellert Hotel on the Buda side at the bottom of the hill near the river. It is not far from the hotel and can easily be reach by taking the little bus down to the tram at the bottom of the hill, then taking the tram a few stops to the hotel. If my memory is correct, the entrance fee to the spa was about $6 which included use of all the pools (both indoor and outdoor), saunas, jacuzzis, etc. Treatments were extra, but a massage was only about $8, unbelievably good prices. The building looks like it dates back several centuries, and the architecture was quite impressive. They've preserved it quite well. There are plenty of other spas/baths in Budapest too, I can't wait to give those a try on my next visit.
If you like wine, be sure to try the wine in Budapest. Hungary has some excellent wines. I recommend the "Bulls blood" wines (ask about it, there is an interesting story about how it got it's name), and the Tokai wines. There are so many tasty ones to try. The attendant in the wine tasting room in the hotel gave us quite an education about Hungarian wines and had some interesting stories to tell.
If I go back to Budapest, I'd like to take a side trip to see the Puzstas (not sure if the spelling is correct), the horsemen who ride standing up on the back of the horses. I can't recall how far away they are from Budapest, but I think it could be done in a day trip. It may be worth asking the concierge about if that sort of thing interests you.
Have a great trip, I think you'll really enjoy the hotel and the city; I did.
Check-in was a pleasure; Mr. Horvath, the manager made sure everything was in order for us and personally escorted us to our beautiful room with a priceless view of the Danube and Parliament. Inside the room waiting for us was a welcoming letter, and fresh flowers. Shortly thereafter there was a knock on the door and we were presented with a complimentary bottle of wine and a box of chocolates if I recall correctly. I seem to recall that each day we were provided with complimentary bottles of water in the room.
The hotel is located on the Buda side of the Danube, high on the hill, overlooking the Danube. It was built into the remains of an ancient monastery/church. The hotel has done a good job marrying the existing remains with the hotel. In the depths of the basement of the hotel is a wine tasting room. I highly recommend going there, even if just for a look-see. The walk down to it is quite interesting and you'll go throught quite a few old passageways.
Service at the hotel was top notch. Literally every single time we entered the lobby, either on our way out of the hotel, or on our way in, one or more staff members would approach us with a big smile and ask if there was anything at all that we needed. I didn't use the hotel restaurant or bar, but only because as a Diamond member, I had complimentary use of the executive lounge. The exec. lounge is set up in a peculiar way in that you have to pass though it to get to some of the rooms. The staff in the executive lounge was friendly, attentive, and quite helpful with tips about what to see and do in the city. Gabby, the evening attendant was especially helpful. Breakfast in the lounge was a full hot breakfast with eggs and several types of meats in addition to a good selection of pastries, fruit, and cold items. The lounge is open all day if I recall correctly (it may shut for an hour or two after breakfast so the staff can clean up, but I honestly can't remember). I do remember having cocktails (complimentary of course) in the lounge in the afternoon and in the evening. The lounge had some light snacks in the evening, like chips and pretzels, but nothing noteworthy. The Budapest Westend (on the Pest side) has a huge selection of food in the evening and you could literally eat dinner there.
Because the hotel is on the Buda side, it is in a quieter part of the city. The Pest side has more shopping, restaurants, etc. There are a handful of restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. We ate one evening at the Fekete Hollo upon the recommendation of Mr. Horvath. It was quite good serving traditional hungarian dishes including some wild game dishes. There was live entertainment consisting of a trio of musicians, a violinist, a cellist, and an accordian player. They serenaded us with some wonderful gypsy music. The ambience was smart casual, and a jacket and tie were not necessary. I seem to recall the prices were quite reasonable, although I think you will find most things in Hungary to be very inexpensive, relatively speaking. If you want dining recommendations, the hotel concierge can guide you to what you are looking for. We enjoyed every place he recommended.
As far as things to do in Budapest, you absolutely positively must go to the spas. I made the mistake of waiting to the next to last day to do this. Had I gone the first day, I would have realized just how great they are and gone every single day of the trip. We went to the Gellert Spa, located in the Gellert Hotel on the Buda side at the bottom of the hill near the river. It is not far from the hotel and can easily be reach by taking the little bus down to the tram at the bottom of the hill, then taking the tram a few stops to the hotel. If my memory is correct, the entrance fee to the spa was about $6 which included use of all the pools (both indoor and outdoor), saunas, jacuzzis, etc. Treatments were extra, but a massage was only about $8, unbelievably good prices. The building looks like it dates back several centuries, and the architecture was quite impressive. They've preserved it quite well. There are plenty of other spas/baths in Budapest too, I can't wait to give those a try on my next visit.
If you like wine, be sure to try the wine in Budapest. Hungary has some excellent wines. I recommend the "Bulls blood" wines (ask about it, there is an interesting story about how it got it's name), and the Tokai wines. There are so many tasty ones to try. The attendant in the wine tasting room in the hotel gave us quite an education about Hungarian wines and had some interesting stories to tell.
If I go back to Budapest, I'd like to take a side trip to see the Puzstas (not sure if the spelling is correct), the horsemen who ride standing up on the back of the horses. I can't recall how far away they are from Budapest, but I think it could be done in a day trip. It may be worth asking the concierge about if that sort of thing interests you.
Have a great trip, I think you'll really enjoy the hotel and the city; I did.
Last edited by hhonorman; May 14, 2004 at 8:49 am
May 14, 2004, 12:07 pm
#42
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Allentown, PA
Programs: UA, Marriott, Avis
Posts: 21
Wow! Did you ever think about writing Guide Books?
Thanks for the great information. I am really looking forward to my trip now.
I will make sure that my wife and I make a stop or two at the spas.
Since my love of wine and food are close to obsession, I am sure that I will be checking into the local fare. In fact, I have signed up for a day long class in Hungarian cooking during my stay.
I just ordered a travel book on Budapest, I will use your suggestions to help focus my reading.
I will make sure that my wife and I make a stop or two at the spas.
Since my love of wine and food are close to obsession, I am sure that I will be checking into the local fare. In fact, I have signed up for a day long class in Hungarian cooking during my stay.
I just ordered a travel book on Budapest, I will use your suggestions to help focus my reading.
May 14, 2004, 12:50 pm
#43
Join Date: May 1998
Posts: 6,790
A couple more threads to check:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=316628
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=130781
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=127499
If you have the time, be sure to take the bus to the place where they moved all the old Soviet statury. Really something to see that garish stuff!
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=316628
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=130781
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=127499
If you have the time, be sure to take the bus to the place where they moved all the old Soviet statury. Really something to see that garish stuff!
Jun 24, 2004, 10:29 am
#44
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: San Antonio, TX
Programs: Honors Gold, Marriott Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 288
Free Internet Access?
I have my award reservations at Hilton Budapest (not Westend) in late August for four nights. First, very excited! Now, my question for those who stayed at this property, do they offer free internet access like some Hilton properties in the US are offering? Am debating whether I should drag my laptop to use it over there or not. Scandic in Bergen was nice to offer free Wi-Fi access (except that I didn't have my laptop there).
Please help! Thanks.
Sam
Please help! Thanks.
Sam
Jun 24, 2004, 11:24 am
#45
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: TUS
Programs: AA Plt, HH Diamond, IHG Plt
Posts: 268
Internet Access
Had a wonderful stay there last fall. Connected laptop and it was pricey for the connection: do not remember exact price but I thought it was high. Also had to get assistance as it was not set up correctly in the room.