The first time we went to Budapest, we stayed at the Hotel Taverna http://www.taverna.hu/ on the main pedestrian street, Vaci Utca, which is on the Pest side. It was rather basic, but well-located. Try not to get a room that overlooks the pedestrian street, which can be noisy at times.

Our return visit, after we started writing travelogues http://www.thetravelzine.com/ejht8.htm was with a group and the hotels were prearranged. But we discovered another hotel worth considering, Hotel Victoria, on the Buda side. http://www.victoria.hu/victoria_eng/index.html If your room faces the river, which is lovely, try to be on a high floor because the streetcars pass right in front of the hotel.

Enjoy your trip! Please let us know if you'll be back in time for the get-together lunch on November 1st.

Regards, Don and Linda Toronto