Laura
My review echoes many others — Waterfront City Apartments in Budapest are a fantastic place to stay, but the experience feels like a long-stay escape room.
The apartment itself was great: clean, well-decorated, comfortable, and clearly well managed. Once you’re in, it’s hard to fault.
However, the check-in process is far more complicated than it needs to be. There are multiple codes for different parts — building, room, and parking — and the buildings aren’t clearly marked. Some even share the same codes, which led to confusion and people trying the wrong buildings or rooms.
Communication was also extremely difficult as there is no on-site reception team, making it hard to get help when needed and adding to the frustration on arrival.
Parking was another challenge. I emailed weeks in advance, followed up with calls, and still had to ring on the day. The fob we were given didn’t match the instructions, so we ended up parking elsewhere and figuring it out ourselves.
Staff were mixed — the daytime team were helpful, but the night staff during check-in came across as quite abrupt.
A few small touches would help: two tea bags and two coffees for four people over four days wasn’t enough, and nothing was restocked.
Overall, the accommodation is excellent once settled. I’d stay again, but only knowing the effort needed beforehand.
The apartment itself was great: clean, well-decorated, comfortable, and clearly well managed. Once you’re in, it’s hard to fault.
However, the check-in process is far more complicated than it needs to be. There are multiple codes for different parts — building, room, and parking — and the buildings aren’t clearly marked. Some even share the same codes, which led to confusion and people trying the wrong buildings or rooms.
Communication was also extremely difficult as there is no on-site reception team, making it hard to get help when needed and adding to the frustration on arrival.
Parking was another challenge. I emailed weeks in advance, followed up with calls, and still had to ring on the day. The fob we were given didn’t match the instructions, so we ended up parking elsewhere and figuring it out ourselves.
Staff were mixed — the daytime team were helpful, but the night staff during check-in came across as quite abrupt.
A few small touches would help: two tea bags and two coffees for four people over four days wasn’t enough, and nothing was restocked.
Overall, the accommodation is excellent once settled. I’d stay again, but only knowing the effort needed beforehand.
