Accommodation will always be one of your biggest travel expenses…but what if it wasn’t? What if you could reduce the cost of your accommodation to zero while still enjoying the comforts of home? That’s what house swaps promise. House swaps have been around for decades. It was the entire premise of the movie The Holiday (starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet). They became all the rage but then were soon eclipsed by sites like Airbnb. But as travel prices skyrocketed post-COVID, more and more people have turned back to house swaps as a means of saving money while they travel while still getting a local experience (but without the hassle of an Airbnb). House swaps are exactly what they sound like. You sign up, list your home, and then swap with someone else in another city. They stay in your place and you stay in their place. The biggest and most popular platform for swaps is HomeExchange . And, in this post, I’ll go over everything you need to know to get started with a house swa...
Posted: 3/28/24 | March 28th, 2024
I didn’t know what to expect when I first visited Budapest. I thought it would a drab, bland city, owing to its Communist past.
Fortunately, I was wrong.
Once under the radar, Budapest has been growing in popularity thanks to its affordability and its lively nightlife. The city also has photogenic architecture and layers of interesting history, making it a well-rounded choice for anyone visiting Europe.
I’ve been visiting the city for over a decade and always have an amazing time. I love the city so much I used to run tours here!
Naturally, I’ve stayed at countless hotels over the years. Here’s my list of the best hotels in Budapest:
1. Bohem Art Hotel
Staying here feels like you’re staying in an art gallery. This four-star hotel has a very retro design. I especially love the art in the lounge and rooms (there are lots of unique photos and murals). The hotel is right near the river too, as well as the popular Váci utca pedestrian shopping street.
The beds here are comfy and the rooms have plenty of outlets, as well as an electric kettle, AC, minibar, desk, and flatscreen TV. The rooms aren’t huge, but they feature lots of natural light from the large windows. The breakfast is great and has lots of options (including a freshly squeezed orange juice machine) and the showers are super powerful too. Overall, it’s a solid midrange choice in the heart of the city.
2. Matild Palace
Centrally located in the popular District V, this luxe five-star hotel looks like a palace. The ornate Belle Epoque complex boasts an expansive breakfast spread, a large gym, a sauna and multiple restaurants. There’s even a nightclub on-site too. It’s a massive property and you’ll feel like royalty staying here.
The rooms are lavish, blending historic charm with modern design. There are stylish chairs and plush velvet sofas, comfy beds with thick mattresses, and a large bathroom with beautiful tiles. Rooms embrace light and neutral tones and also have AC, flatscreen TVs, desks, and coffee/tea makers. If you want to splash out, this hotel will not disappoint.
3. Monastery Boutique Hotel
Located in a 300-year-old abbey, this four-star hotel features original exposed brick and stone walls in many of its rooms (as well as in the restaurant area, which looks really cool). The décor is simple and minimalist, with a relaxing light palette. The breakfast is delicious, featuring fresh pastries, fruit, yoghurt, eggs, veggies, and lots of fresh bread. The hotel is right near Fisherman’s Bastion and Castle Hill too, making it a convenient base for sightseeing.
The beds here are comfy and the rooms are bright and airy, with lots of natural light. The bathrooms are spacious, with towel warmers and showers with good water pressure. There are desks, electric kettles, and flatscreen TVs in each room too. Overall, it’s an elegant property in a convenient location with a price that won’t break the bank.
4. Mirage Medic Hotel
Located in District VI on the Pest side of town, this four-star hotel is housed in a massive, regal 19th-century mansion. The rooms may feel a bit dated, but they’re clean, spacious, and the beds are comfortable. Rooms also have a desk, flatscreen TV, and electric kettle and the water pressure in the showers is good too. There’s a simple free breakfast of bread, coffee, and cereals each morning as well. It’s not fancy, but it is included in the price, which I appreciate.
The hotel also offers holistic healing programs, such as herbal remedies and acupuncture. The main draw, however, is how close this hotel is to Széchenyi, the most popular thermal spa in Budapest. It’s just a short 7-minute walk away.
5. Vagabond Grand’Or
Located in the Jewish Quarter, this modern apart-hotel features spacious rooms with balconies and kitchens, perfect for families or travelers who want to cook their own meals. There are sofas and flatscreen TVs (with Netflix), a dinner table if you want to eat in, and a washing machine. The rooms have comfy beds and the overall design is stylish but minimal, featuring lots of light tones with splashes of color. The bathrooms aren’t huge, but they are clean and the showers have good water pressure. There’s a simple breakfast offered each morning too (with veg options). Overall, it’s a comfortable, no-frills spot near the must-visit Dohany Street Synagogue.
6. Anantara NY Palace
This is an immensely lavish five-star hotel. It has an opulent interior and palatial lobby, featuring massive ornate pillars and a lofty ceiling that looks like it belongs in Versailles. The property has an indoor pool, sauna, steam bath, and large fitness center. I especially love the hotel’s historic 20th-century café (it’s a gorgeous coffee house). As a guest, you can enjoy an extraordinary breakfast spread here before the café opens to the public each day. There’s also an elegant bar, which has live piano music and serves excellent drinks.
The rooms are huge and airy, with lots of dark colors and sleek, stately décor. Each room has super comfy beds, desks and sofas, a minibar, and a flatscreen TV. The bathrooms are also huge, with gorgeous tiles and marble, massive bathtubs, and a separate walk-in shower. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more luxurious hotel in the city.
Budapest is an eclectic, lively city with amazing ruin bars, stunning architecture, and growing foodie scene. Just make sure to pick one of the hotels above for your stay. Do that, and you’ll ensure you have an amazing visit, regardless of whether you’re on a budget or looking to splash out.
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Book Your Trip to Budapest: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- SafetyWing (best for everyone)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on Budapest?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Budapest for even more planning tips!
2 – Bohem Art Hotel, 3 – Matild Palace, 4 – Monastery Boutique Hotel, 5- Mirage Medic Hotel, 6 – Vagabond Grand’Or, 7 – Anantara NY Palace.
The post The 6 Best Hotels in Budapest appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
https://ift.tt/WLe2C5d March 28, 2024 at 01:39PM
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