Page 265 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Hungary

WHERE T O ST A Y  263

the country, though there’s a
particularly large cluster around
Lake Balaton; these range from
large, local authority-run sites to
smaller sites, often in someone’s
garden (especially around
Balaton in high season) – better
sites typically have a restaurant,
shop, sports facilities and a play
area. Campsites do not usually
hire out tents, though some
have small and basic bungalows
for rent. The Hungarian National
Tourist Office has full details
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
that camping is only permitted
in designated areas. offer bed and breakfast (and aesthetic. Another theme is
often an evening meal) in spa hotels, entirely appropriate
comfortable surrounds and at given that Hungary is blessed
Youth Hostels
low prices. In Budapest, many with so many thermal springs.
Hungary has over 100 registered are, in fact, large houses in the On the outskirts of Budapest,
youth hostels (ifjúsági szálló), suburbs, often with gardens – and prevalent throughout
though these are mostly con- a good choice for families the rest of the country, are
fined to the larger towns and travelling on a fixed budget. pensions, which provide a
cities, in particular Budapest, Another popular budget option cheaper, more restful option.
which is bursting with them. is private accommodation – The last theme is hostels, the
In most places, dormitory either a room or an apartment – biggest and best concentration
accommodation is which can be booked on the which is, inevitably, in Budapest.
complemented by Hungarian Tourist Where somewhere has an
twin- or double- Office’s website exceptional feature, or perhaps
bedded en-suite (see p297) or an out standing view or
rooms, while most through agencies impeccable service, it has been
hostels would such as IBUSZ designated a DK Choice.
have, at the very Private Accom­
least, a kitchen Sign for Leo Panzio pension modation DIRECTORY
and common (see p265) in Central Pest Service,
area. A dorm bed Airbnb and Central Booking
typically costs around 3,000– Balatontourist, all of which Hotels Online Hungary
4,500 forints (€10–15) outside have extensive listings. ∑ hotelonlinehungary.com
the capital, slightly more in Otherwise, you’ll see plenty
Budapest itself. Bookings are best of signs (szoba kiadó and Youth Hostels
made online via Hostels.com Zimmer frei) on the streets,
or Hostelworld.com. Most particularly around Balaton. Hostelling International
hostels offer small discounts ∑ hihostels.com
for members of the Hostelling Hostels.com
International (HI) association. Recommended Hotels ∑ hostels.com
In many towns, you can also The accommodation listed in Hostelworld.com
stay in college dormitories this guide is a varied selection ∑ hostelworld.com
(kollégium) during July and of the best types of places to
August, and sometimes at stay in Hungary. There are six Pensions and Private
weekends during the rest of themes in all, the first of which Accommodation
the year – check with the local is luxury: top-of-the-range Airbnb
Tourinform office for details. places that incorporate all the ∑ airbnb.hu
facilities and comfort you’d
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
Hungary’s network of pensions of which Hungary has many – a IBUSZ Private
(panzió) is large and legendary, Baroque manor or castle, perhaps Accommodation Service
and there’s at least one in every – while design hotels are typically Tel (1) 485 27 67.
town and village in the country. smaller, more intimate places ∑ ibusz.hu
These family-run establishments manifesting a cool, contemporary

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