Grand Hotel Esztergom

The hotel's design is impressive, and the building materials make a pleasant impression. The problems show up once you're staying there. After dark, the elevator opens onto a dim hallway, and the corridor lighting is poor too. Turning on the room light when you enter doesn't help, despite there being two switches, so you have to feel your way through the dark to turn off the floor lamp. The mattress is very uncomfortable, and the air conditioning program doesn't adjust independently. Half-board guests can eat dinner in two places, but both get crowded. If you want tea without coffee drips at breakfast, try to arrive among the first. To use the adventure bath, you have to go across the road from the hotel, whatever the weather or your age, in a robe and slippers. There are plenty more negatives, but I'll leave those for adventurous guests to discover. Those looking for a good, suitable hotel...

Right in the center of Esztergom, this is a lovely family-friendly hotel. There's a kids' playroom in the basement, and an aquapark across the street.

Families have a lot to enjoy here: there's a wellness area, plus a games and play zone for children and others, and the nearby water park makes it almost ideal for a family holiday. The hotel itself is elegant and beautifully done in a modern style, with spacious rooms and comfortable beds. The food was excellent, especially dinner, with tasty dishes, nice presentation, and good variety. Breakfast was fresh and tasty, but after a full week it felt much the same each day. I would've liked more choice, like omelets instead of scrambled eggs or pancakes instead of crepes. My main disappointment was the drinks. The coffee was poor, especially the milk-based versions made with powdered milk instead of fresh. The juices tasted heavily watered down. Even water at dinner cost around €4 for a large bottle, service included. I can understand paying for alcohol, soft drinks, or juice, but charging for water felt like a bit much. The staff were kind and helpful, and would take care of anything you asked for. Basilica Spa is worth a visit for the amazing view of the surrounding hill with the basilica on top. The nearby aquapark spoils the view a little, but the panorama from the saunas and jacuzzis more than makes up for it.

The room was quiet and very clean, though as a couple we ended up with separate twin beds. There was a huge selection of really tasty food at the all-you-can-eat breakfast and dinner. The bar served amazing Erdinger beer. Prices felt a little high, even for a 4* hotel.