Vienna, Budapest & Prague

[henika1]

I was thinking of redeeming 150,000 points for 7 nights split between 3 Marriott hotels in Europe; the certificate expires 12/31/08 & apparently will not be offered in 2009. I am trying to plan a trip in October, 2009 between Vienna, Prague & Budapest. Has anybody had any experience with the hotels in those cities? Has anybody made this trip? Any info. would be appreciated. Thanks.

Henika1

 

[Latravel]

I remember seeing a post in the past about those hotels. If you do a search in the forum, some information should come up. I believe someone took a very similar trip. Sounds like a dream vacation!

 

[kjd]

I have been to two of the three cities mentioned. I have not been to Budapest but I understand it is well worth seeing. The problem with trying to cover three places in seven days is that it limits the amount of touring you can do in any one place due to the traveling time.

If you stay in Vienna I believe the best area to stay is within the Ringstrasse. It is a central location and near a lot of the attractions of the city. Public transportation is very good. Vienna is worth several days stay.

Prague is a vibrant city and can be a day trip from Vienna. The Old Prague area has many attractions. If you do a day trip it is wise to hire a guide. There are guides that you can hire in Vienna that will take you up and back to Prague. However, Prague is also a good place to stay. You might also want to consider a river trip if you are there in the summer.

This might sound crazy (It did to me when someone told me about it.), but Best Western Hotels has a great selection of small botique hotels in Europe. The BW hotels are usually located in choice areas within a city. They are usually smaller and older hotels but are very nice. (Four stars) I have stayed in BWs in several large European cities and have noticed that their locations are better than a lot of Marriotts.

 

[Bill4728]

Remember that the certificate is for 7 days but they do not need to be in a row. So you can stay 3 days in one town, then take your time going to the next city and using the 2 nights there, then take your time going to the next city and use the final 2 nights there.

We are using the same certificate to stay 4 nights in Rome and 3 in Paris this next April. Can't wait!!

 

[urban5]

Budapest

I spent two days in the Budapest Marriott. Wonderful location on the river between the two major bridges. Riverside rooms have a small patio to sit on and enjoy. Didn't have a car or use public transportation and was able to walk to most attractions on either side of the river, but that said we were also in pretty good shape. The hotel itself is somewhat non-descript from the outside, but the lobby and public areas were quite beautiful with nice woodwork giving it the the appearance of a much older structure than it actually is.

 

[vacationhopeful]

The Prague Marroit and Renainsance (I really spell poorly) are across the street from each other. They are about 100 ft from a metro station, 2 blocks from the intercity bus station and about 2+ blocks from Olde Town Square (the one with the municipal clock) and near the Black Tower.

Budapest is my favorite ... do the mineral baths. Borrow the 2002+ Budapest DVD put out by Rick Steves ... it is exactly how it looked then ... as my first trip was 3 months after they where there filming.

As for the weather - one year it was clear with the bluest of sky. The next grey and cooler (yes, it was colder). But it was not much different than NJ.

 

[pacheco18]

I stayed 4 nights at the Budapest Marriott this past September

Wonderful location
EVERY room faces the river
The lights at night are amazing

You can walk everywhere from that location

If want a hotel that is like a palace - try the JW in Bucharest!!!
That was awesome - over the top