travelinfoo

We stayed at the Hilton on Castle Hill after also considering the West End. But since it was a vacation, we wanted to be by the more touristed areas. The location is great, right by Mathias Church and just a short walk from the Castle. Lots of restuarants nearby. Even a large wine store cellar almost across the street from the Hilton (didn't have time to indulge unfortunately.) The Hilton has a nice restaurant but it is very very pricey.

As Gold, I was upgraded to the Executive floor, no suite. Stunning view of Fisherman's Bastion and the Pest side of the river, literally picture postcard. I also found the lounge very nice. Good hot breakfast, OK evening snacks, great bar. The attendants were extremely nice. Internet in the lounge (1 computer) is free.

It is easy to get around Castle Hill. The bus station is less than a block from the hotel. The bus takes you directly to one of the biggest metro stations.

Budapest was great, easy to get around, people very friendly, food fantastic and reasonable. Got to Gerbaud's for the best hot chocolate ever!

jpoarch

Thanks everyone for thier great responses. I guess we are leaning more towards the Castle district now. However both hotels still sound pretty good. If anyone else wants to provide insite it is more than appreciated!!!

Thanks again!

MIKESILV

If you like duck, there are about six variations on the menu take your wife (or your travelling companion) to dinner at Kasca ( which means duck in Hungarian) for dinner.
She probably think of you as being a "romantic" ever after

mike

senatorgirth

I got raked over the coals at the Budapest WestEnd when I had some laundry done. Hotel laundry service is never cheap, but I recall their prices were shockingly high.

Flying Buccaneer

I just booked 2 nights at the Hilton WestEnd in March, and the confirmation says that "hotel pick-up is available to take you directly to the Hilton Budapest WestEnd hotel" and gives details on how to book it prior to arrival. It looks like both Hiltons in Budapest now offer this service.

andrzej

It's not a package but I reserved 6 nights in mid-March for 121K points total (point stretcher).

The Budapest Castle Hill Hilton DOES not provide free shuttle. It's about $50 in and $33 out by the hotel car.

Kate_Canuck

Unfortunately, I lost my Gold status with Hilton a year ago, so I'm not eligible for upgrades, nor do I get lounge access for free.

Mr. Canuck and I are planning a romantic weekend away in April to celebrate my birthday and our second wedding anniversary. This trip is a bit of a splurge for us (we're flying BA Club Europe on a mini-tier point run so I can requalify for Gold). We're willing to spend a little more than average for a special occasion but our hotel budget is around 200 euros per night (before tax).

I'm trying to decide between a reservation I made at the Hilton (river-facing room) that offers breakfast (not sure if that's just one day's breakfast or three) and one candelit dinner for two at 179/179/189 euros and a reservation I made at the WestEnd for an Executive level room with executive lounge privileges (200 euros per night).

I've read the other posts on this thread and still can't make up my mind. Having exec lounge access makes the trip feel more decadent (and saves us some money on food). I also like the fact that the hotel seems much newer and the rooms in better condition, with a great gym. But the Hilton by the Castle certainly has more romantic appeal.

Also, what do you think the odds are of a complimentary upgrade to an executive level room (with exec lounge access) at the Hilton, for a Silver celebrating her birthday and wedding anniversary?

transfersumme

The Westend offers Point Stretcher award, including Twin Executive rooms.
So maybe this is an offer you both can use.
Westend is newer, lounge nice.
Castle hill. Good location, lounge with nice views, but the hotel is older !!! Stayed there in Dec. 2005. My wife was fond of walking around the old streets.
Beautiful town. We will come back. This time staying in the Westend.

Kate_Canuck

[QUOTE=transfersumme;7268414]The Westend offers Point Stretcher award, including Twin Executive rooms.[QUOTE]

Alas, we're basically Pointless, too (and I don't think we'd want to stay in a twin room on our wedding anniversary

When you stayed at the Hilton Castle Hill, what did you think of condition of the rooms and hotel? (I know it's older than the WestEnd, but is it old in a faded but glamorous way, or old in a shabby and threadbare way?)

andrzej

[QUOTE=Kate_Canuck;7272723][QUOTE=transfersumme;7268414]The Westend offers Point Stretcher award, including Twin Executive rooms.I will be there 3/19-25. Will report as soon as I get there. Hopefully it will give you enough time to make a decision.

BigLar

We were there is September.

The place may be old, but in no way is it shabby!

We were on the Executive Floor -- the rooms were spacious with a gorgeous view and the lounge was fabulous!

Romantic-wise, I would have no problems staying there. Lots of colorful stuff, eating/drinking establishments nearby, and it's really only a hop and a skip to get to the Pest side.

Kate_Canuck

Thanks. I'm holding reservations at both for now.

Mr. Canuck is not fussy (although he likes luxury as much as I do). This trip is a special one, though, so I would like it to be perfect. Last year (our first wedding anniversary), the birthday and anniversary celebrations were subdued because my mom was diagnosed with inoperable cancer two days before my birthday - and had a stroke two days before our anniversary. We flew to Vancouver, and did have a special celebration, but it was a bittersweet experience. She died a few weeks later.

So, after a very difficult year, we are looking forward to a special, romantic weekend.

Dakota

Hotel in pristine condition and a very interesting building with incredible views. It's only "old" in a '70s design sense: bright colours and swirly carpets, etc. Executive rooms, at least, in more neutral colours with brand new bathrooms.

I was there for a romantic trip too and we had a wonderful time. Would highly recommend it. Hope you have a great time: Budapest is fabulous.

transfersumme

Hello Kate!
Sorry for your mom. And you both will get a romantic weekend in Budapest. Charming town, lot of old buildings and the panorama from castle hill (chain bridge) !!!
We stayed on an advanced purchase rate (106,- Euro incl. tax), I wrote an email two month before arrival and the answer was an "confirmed" upgrade to an excecutive room. Upon arrival we got some kind of junior suite with a living room and separate sleeping area (no real extra room with a door). Unfortunately no river view. But we walked a lot in the castle area and fisherman´s bastion.
On sunday morning, without the mass of tourists like us, a beautiful place.
Back to our room. Bathroom was new. Furniture seemed new and the room was in good condition. Bed, we also prefered a king (Westend offers only twin executive, don´t know why), was comfortable. The executive lounge got a better appearance (the hotel photo tour shows different furniture), but it was o.k. at that time. Food and drink was delicious. But I´am more gourmand then gourmet.
So if you let them know of your anniversary this more "romantic" area and hotel will do a good job. Enjoy it. You deserve it!!

MisterNice

Hilton Hotels Corporation has signed a management agreement to open the new Hilton Residence Buda Hills Budapest in early 2010. The move reflects the ongoing expansion of the hotel group across Europe and will compliment Hilton’s 2 existing Hungarian hotels - Hilton Budapest and Hilton Budapest WestEnd. A third property, the 216 rooms Hilton Visegrad, is due to open in January 2009. The Hilton Residence Buda Hills Hotel will offer 120 apartments (73 one bedroom; 14 two bedroom and 33 studio apartments) and feature a lobby bar, meeting rooms and a gym facility. Guests will also have the use of an adjacent restaurant and spacious Spa and Health Club.

MisterNice