World Country Guide

Accommodation

Note
The Hungarian Tourist Card provides discounts on accommodation including hotels, guest houses and youth hostels (the Hungarian National Tourist Office can provide further information or visit the website www.budapestinfo.hu).

Hotels
In all classes of hotel, visitors from the West can expect to be made very welcome and service will usually be friendly and smooth. In addition to hotels, there are Tourist Hostels, which provide simple accommodation usually in rooms with four or more beds. For information contact the Hungarian Hotel Association, Secretariat, Novotel Budapest Convention Centre, Jagello-u 1-3, 1123 Budapest (tel: (1) 466 9462; tel/fax: (1) 322 3854; e-mail: hah@axelero.hu; website: www.hah.hu). The HNTO also issues a brochure with listings of hotels, guest houses and tourist hotels. Grading: Hungarian hotels are classified by use of a star rating system: 5- and 4-star hotels are luxury class and are generally extremely comfortable; 3-star hotels are comfortable but less luxurious and offer good value for money; and 2- and 1-star hotels are generally adequate and clean.

Guest Houses
Available almost everywhere. Paying-guest accommodation is an inexpensive and excellent way of getting to know the people. Renting often includes a bathroom but not breakfast. Such accommodation should be reserved well in advance. Further information can be obtained from the Hungarian National Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses section).

Self-Catering
Bungalows with two rooms, fully equipped, can be rented at a large number of resorts. Full details and rates can be obtained from the Hungarian National Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses section).

Camping/Caravanning
Camping is forbidden except in specially designated areas. Booking is through the Hungarian Camping and Caravanning Club, Mária u., 34. II floor, 4apt, H-1085 Budapest (tel: (1) 267 5255/6; fax: (1) 267 5254). Further information can also be obtained in a special catalogue published by the Hungarian National Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses section) and there is an online booking facility (website: www.travelport.hu). Most of the sites cater only for campers bringing in their own equipment. Caravans are permitted in all sites that have power points; a parking charge is made. There is no charge for children under the age of six and young people between six and 16 years of age pay half price. Grading: There are four categories of site, designated I, II, III and IV, according to the amenities provided, and most are open from May to September.

Youth Hostels
There are 10 in Budapest and 14 in other towns. Hostels are open all day and beds cost around US$6. For further information, contact Express Travel Bureau, Semmelweis U. 4, 1052 Budapest (tel: (1) 266 6188; fax: (1) 266 6191; e-mail: info@express-travel.hu; website: www.express-travel.hu); or Hungarian Youth Hostel Association (MISZSZ), 1077 Almassy ter 6, Budapest (tel: (1) 413 2065; e-mail: info@youthhostels.hu; website: www.youthhostels.hu).