Gerald, Not knowing your price point, a good hotel to stay at that's in the heart of the action on Vaci Utca (Budapest's main pedestrian shopping district) is likely a good bet. The hotel is the Mercure Budapest City Center (formerly Hotel Taverna). Their site is: http://www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-6565-mercure-budapest-city-center/index.shtml I haven't stayed there myself but when I was last in the city, I remarked to my traveling companion about how convenient the Mercure would have been for antiquing around central Budapest as it would have served as a convenient home base for excursions throughout the city. In doing a room rate search for the dates you presented, the rooms can be had for well under $100/night. Taxi travel is nearby and the metro is relatively close as well. Parliament is within "walking" distance or a short cab ride. For the money, this would be my number one pick for being in the heart of pretty much everything. Other options include the Intercontinental and the Marriott, both of which are in the vicinity. Staying in the Castle District is going to be pricey however options from smaller panzios/pensions to larger places like the Budapest Hilton et al. If you're interested in being in a more sedate locale, check out the Danubius Grand Hotel Margitsziget or the Danubius Health Spa Resort Margitsziget, both of which are managed by the large Danubius Group (danubiushotels.com). Small treatment/accommodation packages are available and are a good value for the money. I've stayed at the Health Spa Resort (formerly the Danubius Thermal Hotel Margitsziget) and was pleased with both the rooms as well as the bathing facilities. If you're interested in balneotherapy (medicinal baths) either one of these two hotels are suitable. The Grand Hotel is the older of the two for reference. In addition, Margitsziget (Margaret Island) offers a variety of sights and a parklike atmosphere with langos kiosks around every corner. The ruins of an historic convent are also on the island. Keep in mind that access to the center of the city will require a taxi ride but being in the northern section of the city will allow you to visit places in Obuda like the Roman ruins at Aquincum which were my personal fave. Too many things to see and do but Parliament, a little Vaci Utca shopping, a visit to the Castle District (The Royal Palace, Matthias Church/Matyas Templom and the Fisherman's Bastion) are must dos. The zoo, Heroes Square, the Opera and visits to wine cellars are also possibilities. Best, William. <[email protected]> wrote: > From: "Gerald Kisabeth" > <[email protected]> > Subject: [HUNGARY] Budapest > > Dear members & world travelers, > My wife & I will be making our 1st visit to the home of > our ancestors-Hungary. We will be there for 10 days, from > May 5-May15, 2009. > As of now we will begin by staying in Budapest for 4 days > & 3 nights & then rent a auto & visit the 2 > villages of my grandparents (Turna nad Bodvou, Slovakia > & Gavavencsello in Szabolcs Megye, Hungary) > Does anyone know of some good hotels to stay in Budapest? > We would like something close to the places to visit in the > center of town as my wife has very bad rheumatoid arthritis > and can't walk for long periods of time. We are looking > for something reasonable in price but nice. Also what are > some of the key things to see & visit in Budapest? > I have a travel guide but I'd like to hear from some of > you, my Hungarian internet family. > Thanks, > Gerald (Dobozy) Kisabeth