Marriott Hotel Budapest

Thanks to a friends and family discount we were able to stay at this five star hotel for the cost of a 2 star hotel. We were able to get a room with a king bed for less than $75 a night. Because of the layout of the hotel, every room has a view of the river and of the Budapest Castle. Our 5th floor room was perfect. In the daylight the view of the bridges and the Castle was breathtaking. At night, the view was even more stunning and with all the lights lit up, the city was very romantic with and old world charm.

The Budapest Marriott is located on the Pest side of the Danube river between the Chain Bridge and the Freedom Bridge. It’s walking distance to many of the Budapest sites and attractions. With the cost of parking in the city, this saves you a lot of money. A five minute walk will get you to the Vaci Utca where there are tons of shops selling upscale products, fine chocolates and souvenirs. Also along this street are restaurants, bars, ice cream stands, pretty much anything you want they have it here. At the end of the Vaci Utca is the Great Market Hall which is like and huge indoor farmer’s market with fresh produce, meats as well as textiles, souvenirs and awesome cooked foods on third floor. If you cross the Freedom Bridge, you’ll land at the base of the Gellert Hotel and Baths. It’s also possible to walk to the Budapest Castle and the Castle District from the Marriott, though give yourself plenty of time because there is a lot to see. Other places you can walk to are the “Hole” (Godor) which is place where tons of you adults get together have drinks and smoke cigarettes and basically have a good time bonding and to Franz Listz square which is a closed street with indoor and outdoor restaurants.

The actual hotel is very nice. The staff is very friendly and helpful. There’s always someone who will help you with your baggage or point you to the right direction to a restaurant or bar. One thing the hotel doesn’t have is a money exchange although there are plenty of these right outside. The Marriott also has a bar, restaurant and an outdoor area where you can watch the sun go down over the Danube while the lights turn on. It’s quite a magnificent site. There’s a happy hour but we weren’t able to make any of them. Too busy exploring the city. The hotel also had a full service gym but it didn’t have a pool.

The rooms were great. They weren’t super huge, but for two people, there was enough room that you weren’t running into each other. The beds were soft and you are provided with plenty of pillows, And if you kept the AC on, you could really snuggle in the warmth of the down comforters. No free internet. They have connection but you have to pay a fee that I thought was ridiculous. The bathroom was you typical bathroom, nothing to brag about but the cleaning staff always restocked the shampoo, soap and lotion regardless of how much you used. We also had plenty of towels which is always a big plus.

I really had a great experience at this hotel. There are only a handful of things that could make it that much better. But one thing I do recommend if you stay here is to walk along the waterfront at night. It’s an awesome experience. With most of the foot traffic gone and the hustle and bustle of the city away, it’s the most romantic place in the world and the views are amazing. There are also jazz boats/bars on the Danube that are docked on the shore. It’s great to hear great music, have a drink, hang out with a friend or friends and absorb all the beauty the city has to offer.

The property is probably the most ideal with regards to location as it sits right on the river and provides an awesome view of the Buda Castle, but with that said its also one of the most expensive properties in town. I was able to walk there from the train station, however, in the evening I would advise taking a taxi. I found Budapest's train station to be a little seedy late at night during the winter months when there are few travelers.

Also, be prepared for the never ending stream of scams as you walk around the downtown area.

Check to see if it’s still undergoing construction and if so just make sure to get a room away from the noise. Budapest is one of Europe’s most amazing cities, but it is undergoing a tremendous amount of construction in the area around downtown.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Jason

i was highly satisfied, only the bed wasn't that good that i would like to have.
maybe next time i'll see this hotel: http://uk.video.yahoo.com/watch/3049615/8703000
i hope here the beds will be beter, and he shower too. Both me and my husband had a good time!