Budapest Guide
Gellért-hegy and the Tabán
Accommodation
1 
Ábel Panzió XI, Ábel Jenő utca 9 
1/209-2537 
www.abelpanzio.hu . Perhaps the most appealing pension in Budapest, a 1913 villa with beautiful Art Nouveau fittings in a quiet street, 20min walk from the Belváros. There are just ten rooms, two with twin beds, so it's essential to book in advance; there's a discount if you pay in cash. Price: €70
2 Charles Hotel XI, Hegyalja út 23 1/212-9169 www.charleshotel.hu . On the hill up from the Erzsébet híd on the main road to Vienna, this friendly apartment hotel was one of the first of its kind in the city. It has 73 rooms and apartments (you can choose double or twin beds, bath or shower) which come with cooking facilities, minibar and TV; those facing the inner yard are better, as the road is very busy. Some of the cheaper rooms have no a/c. Wi-fi all over, and bikes available for rent. Parking costs €8. Price: €65
3 Citadella I, Citadella sétány 1/466-5794 www.citadella.hu . Breathtaking views of the city from this hotel inside the hulk of the old citadel, but note that at the weekend the neighbouring disco can be a bit noisy. The entrance gate is beside the restaurant outside the walls – you'll need to press the buzzer. To get here, take bus #27 from Móricz Zsigmond körtér, then it's a 10min walk from the Busuló Juhász stop. Double rooms have shared facilities, private showers or baths Price: 10,500Ft
4 Flamenco XI, Tas vezér utca 3–7 1/889-5600 www.danubiushotels.com/flamenco . In the leafy district behind Gellért Hill, this is a large, modern conference hotel, with two floors at the top for independent travellers. The rooms are of a good size, complemented by a pool, sauna and fitness room downstairs, and wi-fi access throughout. Price: €118
5 Hotel Gellért XI, Szent Gellért tér 1 1/889-5500 www.danubiushotels.com/gellert . Large, light corridors and lots of character at this well-established hotel. The facade, especially when floodlit, is magnificent, and so is the thermal pool, to which residents have their own lift down (and free entry, which comes with a bathrobe). A large number of single rooms are available; all rooms are en suite. The cheaper rooms look on to the courtyard and don't have the views – or the sound of the trams, which blight the others, in spite of double-glazing. The beer hall (söröző) serves good food, and the coffee shop is excellent. Price: €170
6 Orion I, Döbrentei utca 13 1/356-8583 bestwestern-ce.com/orion . Small modern block in the Tabán district, just south of the Vár. The simple rooms have TV and minibar – those at the front can be noisy – and guests can make use of a sauna. Price: €125
7 Back Pack XI, Takács Menyhért utca 33 1/385-8946 www.backpackbudapest.hu . Charming fifty-bed hostel with a shaded garden, about 20min from the centre (tram #49 or bus #7 to Tétényi út stop). The staff provide lots of information on the city, sport and fitness, and also organize cave trips. Dorm beds and doubles available. Price: 3000Ft
8 Landler XI, Bartók Béla út 17 1/463-3621. Tram #47 or #49 from Deák tér. One of the older hostels, housed in the Baross Gábor Kollégium, near the Gellért Baths. Basic two- and three-bed rooms, with high ceilings and basins, and shared bathrooms down the corridor. Open July & Aug only. Price: 3400Ft