SkiAdcock

Thanks for the update. Much appreciated.

Cheers.

Markbend

Stayed at Budapest Marriott last May (cruise ended, and we spent 3 nites). Probably my favorite (or second) executive lounge for Marriott. Great view of the Danube, excellent food, and service. Room was excellent, too.

KingBraden

Is it possible the Courtyard in Budapest has no 3 people rooms? How strictly do they enforce occupancy in Hungary? Is it like the US where it doesn't matter or like Spain/Japan where it is serious business?

Looking to book a room for 2 adults and young child nothing crazy, and if this doesn't work will just book one of the other hotels in town.

funkbandit

I would call the hotel. There's enough room in a suite for 3 people. You would have a king size bed, a sofa bed and also be allowed a rollaway bed. Why would anyone need three beds with only two people staying in a room?

If the child is under 2 it will be allowed in the room anyways and most properties I have stayed at don't count kids under six as an occupant.

KingBraden

That's my thought as well. Even the suites say maximum occupancy 2, which is crazy for a king + sofa. Lack of US contact number makes calling a pain.

Wickersley

All of the suites have sofa's

The front desk staff are great - call them, I'm 100% certain that they will help you

PM me if you need some assistance - I'm there 8/10 nights per month

KingBraden

Thanks. I dropped an email and got a response within a day. They made it clear they were fine with it. Good to know.

asnovici

Good points, all has to do with property itself and nothing with the management and service. Truly beautiful lobby, good location, stunning Cafe.


Now to the actual experience that was around the lacking service and poor management. Emailed hotel in advance to let them know this a special occasion Anniversary, general manager was dismissive and condescending in his response. Got to the hotel and had to remind them of Platinum upgrade that was not offered but upgraded room was available online. Room was fine but oddly shaped, not a big deal. No recognition for Anniversary but at this point didn't expect anything based on previous disappointing experience.


Soap was not replaced the second day although it was obviously used and almost washed out. Had to call guest service for one and the clerk was beyond condescending and argumentative, this was a simple amenity call, very much alongside the general manager interaction we had before, shockingly inappropriate.

Breakfast was plentiful in quantity but severely lacking in quality. Salmon was inedible stringy almost brown looking. Kiwis were underripe. Overall ok breakfast but not even 4 star hotel quality.

Needless to say we would never return to this location. Ritz is miles better and although Budapest is not known for being service oriented, Boscolo hotel is just terrible which is a shame for a beautiful property like that.

Kacee

Yes service in Budapest can be quite poor. My last stay was on points at the Hilton and every interaction with staff was perfunctory (at best). Because I've grown to accept that as the norm in Budapest, I didn't let it affect my stay, which was otherwise quite excellent.

I think your experience might have something to do with timing. They've had a miserably hot summer in Budapest and the city is quite obviously overwhelmed with the influx of tourists this year. My most recent visit (mid-August), it was striking how unhappy many of the locals seem to be with the crowds of visitors (and I can't really blame them).

That said, my stay at the Boscolo in April stood out for quality service compared to other properties I've stayed at in Budapest. Front desk and bell staff were incredibly welcoming. GM made a point of introducing himself to me personally at check-in. When I inquired about getting a better room, they gave me a junior suite, and refused my offer to pay for the upgrade.

The only negative service I encountered in three nights was in NY Cafe, and that's pretty much expected.

I do agree the breakfast quality could be better.

My only real critique of this property is their rate structure. It's just not sensible, with a huge penalty for flexible rates and very limited ability to book the better rooms on any rate.

My overall advice would be to avoid Budapest during the peak summer season. The secret is out.

Billiken

Thanks for the views/opinions above.

Any newer opinions either way (Marriott vs Boscolo)?

Both properties pricing at 35k/night (pre-2018 devaluation to Cat 8).

THANKS

IAmKab

I visited Budapest in October of last year and I was asking this same question, but after reading a lot of opinions I decided to stay at the Marriott for 5 nights. I think I made the right choice. The location is great, we had a nice view of the Buda Castle and the Danube from our room.

The lounge at this hotel was amazing, which is what I read from a lot of reviews and it turned out to be true. A lot of different types of alcohol and many food choices for their evening "snacks", I would say you wouldn't even need to go out to eat if you wanted because the food in their lounge was that good. You also have the choice of eating breakfast at the lounge or their restaurant in the hotel which was also very good with a lot of options.

On this trip to Europe we also stayed at the Brussels Marriott and the Westin Europa & Regina. Both felt a bit disappointing after staying at the Budapest Marriott. Best hotel experience I have ever had

(SPG/Marriott gold)

Kacee

Have you been to Budapest before? A first time visitor may prefer the river location and views. If you've already been to Budapest, you're more likely to appreciate being away from the hordes of tourists and the Boscolo's transit-central location.

pantanal

Marriott location is very good if you want to stay on the water. Tram runs in front of the hotel and it has a very good gym. You can also walk to the casino from there.

Boscolo is a more beautiful property. You cant go wrong with either. For a first time stay I would stay at the Marriott.

Wickersley

Billiken

Thanks, everyone.

First time visitor to BUD.
We are going for the Marriott.