Royal Park Boutique Hotel

The hotel opened its doors in 2010 and though its setting isn't the fanciest, modern common areas make for a welcoming first impression. The open-plan lobby is dominated by white, gray, and cherry hues, and the bar has back-lit touches and shimmering metallic mosaic tiles on statement pillars. Armchairs in chocolate browns surround white-glossed tables in intimate seating areas, and neon lighting around chrome fixtures give a futuristic edge. Some rooms overlook the hotel's tiny inner courtyard, which has about 10 chairs around a few tables. The adjacent breakfast room has attractive brushed-wood tables, shelved plants, and hanging lamps, but the space is small and gets crowded. Guests are an even mix of business and leisure travelers that don't mind sacrificing a central location for cheap rates.

Erzsebetvaros was formerly Pest's Jewish quarter and while the area is a little rough around the edges, guests have never reported feeling unsafe. Keleti railway station is a three-minute walk, and metro and bus rides from here make for convenient downtown journeys. Allow metro rides of 10 minutes for famous Andrassy Avenue and 15 minutes for main Vaci shopping street and Heroes' Square. Buda Castle, the Thermal Baths, and St. Stephen's Basilica take no longer than 30 minutes by metro. The city's Parliament is one of Europe's oldest legislative buildings and a 15-minute metro ride and it's the same time by bus for Arena Plaza shopping mall. Iconic New York Cafe is 10 minutes by metro, but you can find plenty of fast food restaurants around the station. Budapest Airport is a 25-minute drive or one hour by public transport.

Rooms are decently sized and well-kept, though decor is on the tired, dated side. They have busy gray, black, and orange carpeting, red-and-orange striped bed runners, and dated wood furniture with red detailing, and bubble-patterned curtains. Collage artwork adds a modern touch. Note that many guests have complained of curtains not closing property and letting in light. Standard Rooms start at 194 square feet (18 square meters) and come with desks, computer chairs, and another gray chairs. All come with phones, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and individual climate control, plus laptop-sized safes. Superior Rooms measure 377 square feet (25 square meter) and add Nespresso machines. These also have shower/tub combos instead of rainfall showers, while hairdryers and wall-dispensed soaps are standard. Triple Rooms are handy for groups or families and there's no charge for cribs. Rooms overlook the street or inner courtyard.

The free breakfast buffet offers a hearty start to the day, consisting of scrambled eggs, sausages, and French toast, plus a cold spread of pastries, salads, cold cuts, and cereals. Though bright, the room is small and lines for coffee machines can get long. The lobby's Cafe Royal offers daytime coffees, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages, including Hungary's traditional "Palinka" drink. Breakfast and drinks can be delivered to rooms for a fee. The hotel's lack of a full restaurant, gym, and meeting spaces may be a deterrent for some. Guest computers in the lobby are free to use, plus Wi-Fi is free throughout. Staff can arrange babysitting, city tours, and airport transfers (all at a fee). Secure garage parking is on a paid basis.