Our room vas clean, but small and a little old looking (actually, the hotel looks like it needs some renovation). Still, the room had a little balcony and a nice river view.

The location is also good: There is a tram stop two steps from the hotel and it only takes 5-10 min to get to downtown. In fact, Gellert is the most famous hotel in Hungary. It's mostly famous for its spa.

The spa has several pools with warm mineral water and a regular pool. It also has men/women sections which have mineral pools. You can also get a very cheap professional massage - but it does not look so good. There is no privacy: I saw a woman getting a massage, lying naked in front of everybody in the dressing room.

Don't go on a weekend - it is crowded with locals.

The spa is very big and stunning but it also needs a major renovation. It is state owned, so don't expect friendly treatment.

The Gellert Baths are world famous and are reminiscent of a bygone era. They look like an exotic set out of an old Esther Williams movie. Inside there are men's and women's thermal pools, saunas and steam rooms. Each pool has different temperatures. There is a huge common pool in the middle for swimming, and in the summer there is a fantastic pool complex behind the hotel with loads of water activities. For hotel guests, admission is free and there is a private elevator that goes from each floor down to the baths. What could be more wonderful than slipping into your bathrobe (provided) and going down in one of those old cage elevators with an operator and being deposited in a world famous spa?

The hotel itself is like an old dowager, a little worn on the edges but unsurpassed in style and service. I love dining on the outdoor terrace in warmer weather, looking over the Danube and watching the world go by. The restaurant in the hotel is also quite nice. For ladies, the beauty salon is one of the best in the city.

I highly recommend the Gellert for old world charm and excellent spa activities. I must also commend them for their assistance when I had a fall and they found a doctor and pharmacist for me.

Make the most of your stay in Budapest and stay here!