Gellert Hotel, Budapest (Gellert Hotel Budapest)

Member Name: SugarSpun

Product:	Gellert Hotel Budapest
Date:	06/10/09 (10 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Central, beautiful

Disadvantages: Not the cheapest

The Gellert Hotel faces onto the Danube from Buda, in a central location. It's a stunning old building complete with fountain outside (at least it's a fountain in summer; in winter it's turned off), doormen who hold doors with a smile and very friendly multilingual desk staff.

We arrived in Budapest with a reservation for only the first night - after our first visit we'd figured out that if you turn up and ask for a reservation the hotels tend to give you a fantastic rate because they need the business. The Gellert's rate was precisely twice the price of the Hotel Botel Lisa, where we stayed the first time, and was definitely worth more than twice what we paid.

We were given an enormous room with a balcony overlooking the front of the hotel. People have complained that these rooms are noisy, but we didn't hear much from outside - our windows were double-glazed and insulated with thick curtains in any case. The balcony was a bit grubby, but the view was incredible.

The beds aren't the most comfortable, but this seems to be a theme in Eastern Europe - mattresses seem not to exist, and most beds are made up of smaller cushions. Pillows are also unfashionable - you get one per head and that's all. Still, that's not a problem specific to the Gellert, but if you need lots of pillows ask for extras.

The rest of the room and bathroom were beautifully clean, although a little bit shabby. I think the slight wear gives the Art Nouveau hotel extra charm, but some might begrudge a 4-star hotel not being up to the minute. The bathroom in particular is very aged, with the shower over the bath being positively ancient, but it worked, the water was hot, and it was clean.

Wifi is about 20 euros per day at the hotel, which is alarming, but there are plenty of internet cafes around the city.

Breakfast in the hotel is great. The only thing I'd warn against is the orange juice - it's actually overly sweet orange squash. Stick to the coffee.

The most fantastic perk of the hotel is that you get to use the Gellert Spa for free (you get a spa card, don't lose this and give it back at checkout). Take the robe from your room, put on your swimsuit and head down in the special lift. It feels wonderfully naughty to be wandering the corridors of a hotel in your swimming costume and robe - highly recommended! I reviewed the baths separately so won't go into details.

There's a restaurant at the hotel, but we didn't eat there. Altogether, though, this is a wonderful hotel and highly recommended.

Summary: Beautiful Art Nouveau hotel in downtown Buda.