Best Hotel Bets

Best Splurge Hotel: The splendid, sprawling Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, V. Roosevelt tér 5-6 (tel. 1/268-6000), has, in a short time, gained the reputation as Hungary's foremost hotel. The Art Nouveau architecture is exquisite, and the customer care and attention to detail will leave you feeling pampered.

Best for Business Travelers: The Kempinski Hotel Corvinus, 7-8 V. Erzsébet tér (tel. 800/426-3135 in North America, or 1/429-3777), is the hotel of choice for corporate visitors, with conference facilities, a state-of-the-art business center, and an efficient staff.

Best for a Romantic Getaway: Any of the pensions in the Buda Hills are suitable, but the Vadvirág Panzió, II. Nagybányai út 18 (tel. 1/275-0200), is particularly fetching, surrounded as it is by sloping gardens and terraces.

Best for Families: Parents will appreciate the location of the Hotel Liget, VI. Dózsa György út 106 (tel. 1/269-5300), which is across the street from City Park's zoo, amusement park, and circus.

Best Moderately Priced Hotel: The homey Hotel Astra Vendégház, I. Vám u. 6 (tel. 1/214-1906), opened in 1997, is perfectly situated in Buda's quaint Watertown neighborhood, just a 10-minute walk from the Castle District, and minutes from the Danube embankment.

Best Budget Hotel: The accommodations at Charles Apartment House, I. Hegyalja út 23 (tel. 1/212-9169), are comfortable and clean flats -- complete with bathrooms and fully equipped kitchens -- in Buda apartment buildings.

Best Pension: The charming Gizella Panzió, XII. Arató u. 42/b (tel. 1/249-2281), built into the side of a hill, has a lovely view of the valley in a quiet neighborhood that's relatively easy to reach by bus. The rooms are quaint and sunny.

Best Location: This one is a tie between the only two hotels in Buda's elegant and timeless Castle District: The Hilton Budapest, I. Hess András tér 1-3 (tel. 1/488-6600), is a luxurious lodging right next door to the Matthias Church and the Fisherman's Bastion, while Hotel Kulturinnov, I. Szentháromság tér 6 (tel. 1/355-0122), is a modest guesthouse just across the square. Best View: You'll either see the full Pest skyline or overlook the delightful streets of the Castle District at the Hilton Budapest, I. Hess András tér 1-3 (tel. 1/488-6600), widely considered the city's classiest hotel.