Budapest Royal Apartment - Budapest, Hungary

Comment by As I Please, British

October 2009

Decaying grandeur
Budapest Royal Apartments are excellent value for money in a great central location. There are two apartments, a larger one with balcony overlooking the Ferenc Tere (watch out for the pigeons) and a smaller one overlooking the courtyard. The rear apartment is quiet but gloomier and doesn't have a balcony like the front. There is a lot of traffic noise at the front if you have the windows open. The building is amazing -- a vast, crumbling, ornate Hapsburg confection with high ceilings and huge windows. Be warned, it is quite a climb even though it's only on the second floor. The apartments are well stocked with kitchenette, telly, radio, only the front apartment has a washing machine though. Water in the large apt is heated with a rather antique Ascot type heater which didn't seem to heat the shower properly. Furniture is comfortable modern Ikea stuff. Be aware this is not a hotel but a block of flats, so there's no reception other than a porter's lodge/guardroom type place at the entrance, and they don't speak English, but will give you the key when you arrive. Then the landlord's agent comes to collect your money (in cash) or you can leave it in the apartment. All in all excellent value, I would definitely go again.