Christmas in Budapest
Feb 18, 2010, 2:47 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 19
Christmas in Budapest
I've posted a full report on our Christmas in Budapest, including three nights at the Corinthia Hotel (above) here:
http://www.luxurytravelblog.net/The_..._Budapest.html
For FlyerTalk fans, this is what I wrote about the journey:
How do you celebrate the end of the worst year anyone can remember? We’ll look back on 2009 as the time when the world economy seemed in danger of total collapse. There can’t be many people on the planet who have escaped the effects of this financial devastation. Beyond the economics, the worst thing about 2009 was just the sheer psychological weirdness of not knowing what was going to happen next. Although we both kept our jobs and went to so many beautiful places in the world, I never want to see another year like this one.
Just in case we were in any doubt, our plans for toasting the end of 2009 were almost wrecked when British Airways cabin crew decided they were going on strike. We took the calculated decision that there was very little chance of the action being called off, so we rebooked immediately on Malev, the Hungarian national airline, which cost us several hundred pounds more. The irony is that we ended up in the BA lounge at Gatwick (above), as they codeshare with Malev. This picture flatters what is a fairly miserable place, with decor that looks about twenty years out of date.
Things didn’t improve much when we boarded the Business Class cabin on Malev. When is someone going to wake up to the idea that a decent BC service is possible on European flights? What we get instead are endless little cuts in the standards of service that leave you wondering what you are paying for, beyond the ability to get off as quickly as possible.
The trip improved mightily once we got to Budapest, as this fantastic street art (below) indicates.
Feb 18, 2010, 7:49 pm
#2
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Thanks for your report. What do you not like about the BA lounge at LGW? I used it in 2007 and remember rather enjoying it.
Feb 18, 2010, 9:16 pm
#3
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,181
Thanks for posting. I was in Budapest in 1972 and was not crazy about it but obviously it's changed a lot since.
At the time I flew on a Malev Tupolev from Vienna. On the 30 minute flight we were served a huge plate of Hungarian salami and rolls. I loved it. However 6 months later 3 of their Tupolevs crashed and they were grounded.
At the time I flew on a Malev Tupolev from Vienna. On the 30 minute flight we were served a huge plate of Hungarian salami and rolls. I loved it. However 6 months later 3 of their Tupolevs crashed and they were grounded.
Feb 19, 2010, 5:12 am
#5
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The Malev flight was only enlivened by the presence of two air stewards who looked like extras from a Hammer Dracula movie from 1971.
Feb 20, 2010, 12:45 pm
#6
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Feb 21, 2010, 7:47 pm
#7
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It has also been business as usual for me, but then I may have a perspective of quite a few economic downturns over the decades. Unfortunately... 
If the downturn will be limited to 2009, then I will be very happy.However, this is the trip report forum, and it was nice to hear about Budapest, a city I have neglected for over 15 years. I wanted to ask you about Gundel, is the service still as superb as it was shortly after the post-communist revival of this landmark restaurant? Did they play any live music at Christmas lunch by any chance?
Feb 28, 2010, 2:47 am
#8
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 7
I adore Budapest
I adore Budapest- It certainly is one of the prettiest cities in the world. There are so many things to see in Budapest. It is a very romantic city, artistic and cultural, historic and modern as well as a culinary delight. 4 stars Normafa Hotel is where I've stayed and I warmly recommend it. Not expensive, yet lovely. There is a web site called easyclicktravel where you could get some efficient information about the city. If you didn't visit Budapest yet, I urge you to go 
I'll meet you in Budapest, Take care 
I'll meet you in Budapest, Take care
Mar 13, 2010, 8:48 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 19
Hi, sorry for the delay in replying, have been away. No, they did not play live music, but the atmosphere is still great - fin de siecle grand European!
Apr 25, 2010, 3:21 am
#10
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 6
you've convinced me
I adore Budapest- It certainly is one of the prettiest cities in the world. There are so many things to see in Budapest. It is a very romantic city, artistic and cultural, historic and modern as well as a culinary delight. 4 stars Normafa Hotel is where I've stayed and I warmly recommend it. Not expensive, yet lovely. There is a web site called easyclicktravel where you could get some efficient information about the city. If you didn't visit Budapest yet, I urge you to go I'll meet you in Budapest, Take care
I'll meet you in Budapest, Take care I was wondering where to go this coming summer
I think you've convinced me to go to Budapest
How much did you pay for this hotel?
Was it costly?
Apr 27, 2010, 3:36 am
#11
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 6
Apr 27, 2010, 8:28 am
#12
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 7
