Leo Panzio

Leo Panzio in Budapest

Panzio (pension) Leo is a really good bet if you're confused by the wealth of options in Budapest. It's affordable (though not cheap), brilliantly located, you can take the shuttle service from the airport directly there, and the service is the best I've experienced in my many travels in central and eastern Europe. The breakfast leaves something to be desired but why stay at the Pension anyway when the fantastic Geraczy Cafe is so near by? The hotel's location at the foot of Kossuth utca puts you within steps of Budapest's best shopping. It's located right at Ferenciek Ter, which is a stop on the M3 metro line. That line connects directly to Nyugati rail station and it's an easy transfer to get to Keleti rail station. You're steps from the Danube and it's a short walk across the bridge to get into Buda. Best thing of all is the service. I've stayed here several times and it's always been friendly and efficient--they directed me to a good local gym, the nearest vegetarian restaurants (there are a few), and helped me contact credit card companies, the Embassy and a local bank when I lost my wallet in April 06. Great people.

Unique Quality: It's located on the second floor so the noise level from the street is diminished. Each room has cherry wood furniture which has been specifically designed for the dimensions of the room; the rooms are very small, but everything fits so well and is so functional you don't mind. Televisions actually work well and offer satellite. You get a code to enter so the Panzio feels extremely safe.

A tip: don't book through on-line hotel registries in Budapest, go directly through Leo Panzio--the price will be lower and the hotel won't have to pay a cut to the bookers.