EST Grand Hotel Savoy

The beds were uncomfortable, and I found hotels at better prices. I expected much more from a respected chain, especially for what I paid. When I asked about canceling the rest of my stay or getting a refund so I could find another hotel, I was told I’d have to wait until 11 a.m., when I was due to leave, for an answer. That left me no time to find somewhere else. Earlier, I’d asked questions about the twin-bed room I had booked, and the receptionist from Romania shouted at me in the lobby and was extremely rude and unhelpful. She said she was from Romania and had a temperament. At 7 p.m. I asked to speak with the manager or have them contact me, but apparently the manager couldn’t give a helpful response after 5 p.m. The staff need retraining, it seems.

The team helped us a lot with a late checkout and were very understanding. I especially appreciated the thoughtful birthday gift they gave us, and we felt well looked after during our stay. The hospitality and service were excellent.

The hotel was even cleaner than I expected, which matters most to me in a room. It’s nicely furnished, too. I loved the location and found the staff kind and cheerful. I’d book here again if I come back to Budapest. Definitely recommend it!

Irina at the front desk was exceptionally friendly and welcoming, one of the highlights of my stay. I was also upgraded for free to a spacious, pleasant room with good amenities. The slippers were better quality than I expected, and the TV had YouTube. There weren’t complimentary water bottles, but Budapest tap water is safe to drink, so that wasn’t a problem. The central location was convenient for shops, restaurants, and public transport. There were downsides. The hotel is small, with narrow corridors and rooms close together, so the soundproofing is poor. I could hear my neighbor coughing, laughing, and making other noises, and a garbage truck woke me at 5 a.m. If you’re sensitive to noise, I wouldn’t recommend it. The fitness center was the smallest and least equipped I’ve seen in a hotel that claims to have one, and it’s only open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Check-out is 11 a.m., earlier than the usual noon in Budapest. For a short stay at a good price, I’d recommend it. I probably wouldn’t return, though, since there are better hotels in Budapest for around the same price or a little more, and I think they’re worth the extra cost.