Estelle Sarney and Grant Bradley stay at The Magazine Hotel, Budapest.
Check-in experience: We were harried and a bit desperate after a Booking.com disaster with an apartment nearby. That place (Stars and Lights Parliament) was not fit to be listed, we had walked out and stumbled on the Magazinea few hundred metres away.
How our luck changed. Magazine had someone to check us in who was friendly and sympathetic to our plight. She rustled up a room that was six times the size of the dog box we had just left, for not much more.
Location: The hotel is as close to St Stephen's Basilica as you can get which makes it special. A revered figure, Stephen the First was crowned in 1000 and is acknowledged as the founder of Hungary. He was catapaulted to sainthood (there was a preserved hand "miracle") after his death and the Basilica is a magnificent landmark in the city of two million and a must-see for any tourist.
Room: A huge, recently refurbished and well-styled corner room on the first floor with a grandstand view of the square in front of the Basilica. Nice furniture and a big new TV with lots of channels, most local and interesting.
What's in the neighbourhood? All of Budapest's main central attractions are within a 15-minute walking radius. You'll have to go further for the more off-beat attractions but the tourist-oriented bars and restaurants in Pest are cheap by New Zealand standards, can be quite funky and are frequented by locals.
Food and drink: Some coffee capsules for a machine near reception.
The bed: A super-king modern four poster. No top sheet, two duvets, Euro-style.
The view: A grandstand perch above the Basilica square, which is constantly busy with visitors. Superb people-watching.
Bathroom: Very large. A huge new bathtub, shower and if you want, a view of the square if you open the blinds. Had great clothes-drying properties (although Bubbles laundromat is only eight minutes away - you can wash and dry a large load for $13.75).
Wi-Fi? Fast, free of charge.
Value for money: Three nights booked on the spot came to $479.50. Excellent value.
Facilities: There was a kitchenette on our floor with a coffee machine and large, airy dining room/common room. There are superettes nearby if your budget is strangled. In keeping with the name there are glossy magazines to read, they're up-to-date and in English.
What's so good about this place? The location, the view, the styling and the price. Church bells don't ring between 10pm and 6am, although it's a lively part of town in the early hours.
