Page 264 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Hungary

262  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS WHERE T O ST A Y  263

WHERE TO STAY the country, though there’s a
particularly large cluster around
Hungary offers accommodation to cater for all business in Hungary too. Choice is, of course, Lake Balaton; these range from
tastes and pockets, from the smallest, family- greatest in the capital, Budapest, where there large, local authority-run sites to
run pension to the largest and most luxurious has also been an explosion in the number of smaller sites, often in someone’s
five-star hotels, with all the international design, or boutique, hotels, which are often garden (especially around
Balaton in high season) – better
chains represented. Many hotels have their far more competitively priced than their sites typically have a restaurant,
own spa centres, providing on-site beauty, luxury counterparts. Outside the capital there shop, sports facilities and a play
hydrotherapy and massage treatments for is less choice, although most towns have area. Campsites do not usually
guests. In addition there are hundreds of one or two large, imperial-era hotels and a hire out tents, though some
campsites and youth hostels throughout number of pensions. The exception is Lake have small and basic bungalows
for rent. The Hungarian National
the country with facilities for the budget- Balaton, where the popular resorts boast Tourist Office has full details
conscious; private accommodation is big hotels to rival Budapest. of the country’s campsites,
with information on what
services they provide. Note The airy, welcoming reception at the Cotton House hotel (see p264) in Budapest
Hotels
rooms in the two-star category that camping is only permitted
Budapest’s stock of have their own bath or shower, in designated areas. offer bed and breakfast (and aesthetic. Another theme is
accommodation is now as while rooms in one-star hotels often an evening meal) in spa hotels, entirely appropriate
exciting and varied as in any simply have washbasins with comfortable surrounds and at given that Hungary is blessed
other European capital, with hot and cold running water. Youth Hostels low prices. In Budapest, many with so many thermal springs.
luxury and design hotels Hungary has over 100 registered are, in fact, large houses in the On the outskirts of Budapest,
leading the way – such as the Rates and Reservations youth hostels (ifjúsági szálló), suburbs, often with gardens – and prevalent throughout
magnificent Gresham Palace – though these are mostly con- a good choice for families the rest of the country, are
closely followed by the grand Accommodation in Hungary fined to the larger towns and travelling on a fixed budget. pensions, which provide a
spa hotels, like the Gellért. Also generally represents decent cities, in particular Budapest, Another popular budget option cheaper, more restful option.
in the capital, and elsewhere value for money. Inevitably, which is bursting with them. is private accommodation – The last theme is hostels, the
throughout the country, you’ll prices are highest in Budapest, In most places, dormitory either a room or an apartment – biggest and best concentration
find plenty of hotels occupying closely followed by Lake accommodation is which can be booked on the which is, inevitably, in Budapest.
formerly grand buildings, such Balaton, though many hotels complemented by Hungarian Tourist Where somewhere has an
as the Brody House in Budapest offer greatly reduced rates twin- or double- Office’s website exceptional feature, or perhaps
or the La Contessa Kastélyhotel for booking in advance, or for bedded en-suite (see p297) or an out standing view or
in Szilvásvárad. Most hotels have staying at the weekend or in Creatively decorated accommodation at rooms, while most through agencies impeccable service, it has been
official star-ratings, but note low season. Rates peak from Baltazár (see p264), in Budapest hostels would such as IBUSZ designated a DK Choice.
that Hungary’s stars roughly around mid-June to Sep- have, at the very Private Accom­
equate to one star less in tember, except in Budapest, resort tax are included in the least, a kitchen Sign for Leo Panzio pension modation DIRECTORY
Western Europe; at the luxury where rates are consistent – price of a room, although a and common (see p265) in Central Pest Service,
end, all rooms have a bathroom, that said, prices are ramped up 30 per cent surcharge is usually area. A dorm bed Airbnb and Central Booking
telephone, TV, refrigerator, air- significantly for the Hungarian levied for stays of less than typically costs around 3,000– Balatontourist, all of which Hotels Online Hungary
conditioning and Wi-Fi, along Grand Prix in July/August, three days in some resorts 4,500 forints (€10–15) outside have extensive listings. ∑ hotelonlinehungary.com
with requisite services – 24-hour marginally less so for the and in private accommodation. the capital, slightly more in Otherwise, you’ll see plenty
service, fitness facilities and the Spring Festival in March. Breakfast is usually, but not Budapest itself. Bookings are best of signs (szoba kiadó and Youth Hostels
like. Three-star hotels usually Booking a room in advance always, included in the price. made online via Hostels.com Zimmer frei) on the streets,
have at least one restaurant and is highly recommended, and Invariably, you’ll find the or Hostelworld.com. Most particularly around Balaton. Hostelling International
one bar, and staff are expected is essential in Budapest and at lowest prices on a hotel’s hostels offer small discounts ∑ hihostels.com
to speak at least one foreign Lake Balaton through out the own website, but you could for members of the Hostelling Hostels.com
language. Roughly two-thirds of high season. Both VAT and always try a central online International (HI) association. Recommended Hotels ∑ hostels.com
agency like Hotel Online In many towns, you can also The accommodation listed in Hostelworld.com
Hungary (see Directory). stay in college dormitories this guide is a varied selection ∑ hostelworld.com
Almost all the hotels and (kollégium) during July and of the best types of places to
pensions listed in the Where August, and sometimes at stay in Hungary. There are six Pensions and Private
to Stay section take major weekends during the rest of themes in all, the first of which Accommodation
credit cards (Visa and Master- the year – check with the local is luxury: top-of-the-range Airbnb
Card), but American Express Tourinform office for details. places that incorporate all the ∑ airbnb.hu
and Diners Club are less facilities and comfort you’d
frequently accepted. expect of a four- or five-star hotel. Balatontourist
Pensions and Private Historic hotels are those that Tel (88) 544 400.
Accommodation occupy distinguished buildings, ∑ balatontourist.hu
Camping
Hungary’s network of pensions of which Hungary has many – a IBUSZ Private
Camping is enormously popular (panzió) is large and legendary, Baroque manor or castle, perhaps Accommodation Service
in Hungary, and there are and there’s at least one in every – while design hotels are typically Tel (1) 485 27 67.
more than 200 well-equipped town and village in the country. smaller, more intimate places ∑ ibusz.hu
Entrance to the art’otel Hotel (see p265), in Budapest campsites (kemping) all over These family-run establishments manifesting a cool, contemporary
The famous Széchenyi themal bath complex in Budapest

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