If you are ever stuck for a place to stay in Budapest.... Try the Gellert Hotel and Spa
The company that invited me to give the lecture put me up in the Gellert Hotel and Spa. Now the last time I stayed here (early 2008) we had a room not renovated since the Communist 50's. This coupled with the terrible bout of Delhi-belly suffered by my girlfriend made for a stay memorable mostly for the wrong reasons. The only saving grace was the free use of their fabulous spa available to all who stay in the hotel (don't get conned into paying extra for this when booking!).
However, this time I stayed in one of the newly renovated rooms. Ah, what a difference this made! The balcony looked onto the river, the room was fresh opulence and the bathroom a delight. The iPass-enabled Wi-fi worked great and the bed comfortable making this a great place to saty for business or a romantic weekend. I even had the opportunity to soak my bones in the spa, which is lovely as ever (albeit the naked fat old men do give the place another throwback Communist edge).
I give the Gellert Hotel and Spa:
5/5 for the Room
4/5 for the Breakfast
4/5 for the Location
5/5 for the Facilities
3/5 for Value (I didn't pay, so I can't rate this!)
4/5 Overall
The only things that let the place down is the noise from the newly opened disco across the river that shakes the windows well into the night and the tired hot section of the breakfast buffet.
None of this should put you off staying here as it has a great location and really is a piece of Budapest's history. I'll definitely try to stay here the next time I come to Budapest (that is, if I can afford it!).