I am sitting right here at the small dining table at HMH writing this. It has been most intersting and fun. This review will concern the "apartment" ("private ensuite with own bathroom")
I got here, got the key from the staff (the apartment is a stone's throw from the dorm rooms), opened the IRON-GATE like door (makes you feel very safe), and discovered not a room, but a real apartment with hallway, small kitchen, dining table, and another door leading into the bedroom/bathroom. There is an "attic" in the bedroom but it's really storage (they can probably put a mattress in there for extra people). Pictures to come--gotta organize them.
So what you get--
(1) Kitchen is fully equipped with a gas range/oven, toaster, electric (drip) coffe maker, tea and coffee, pots and pans, mugs/plates/glasses/silverware. Spices, no oil but I got it from the hostel side easily. Sink/dish detergent (no dishwasher). No microwave. Yes a big fridge.
(2) Bathroom has a washing machine but doesn't work (laundry can be done at the hostel side for 2000 ft or 7 euros. I find that too high and didn't use the service). There is a big water heater right above you in the bathtub/shower. Nice hot water. NO toiletteries except a bottle of hand soap.
(3) Bedroom has clean linen, towels, wooden floor, tasteful and in-accordance-with-the-hostel's- concept decor (old radio, ancient suitcase on top of shelf), big closets to hang clothes, a small round table and a chair. The 2 lights by the bed are too dark for reading by my stardard. If you are a serious reader bring a booklight. There is a TV but don't think about cable or CNN.
(4) Yes there is wi-fi, but you have to get PRETTY close to the hostel side, meaning you have to sit at the dining table instead of lying in your bed. This didn't bother me since it's comfy sitting here.
What you don't get:
(1) Phone. If someone needs to call you on a landline, they have to call the hostel side (I am sure the staff will be more than happy to get you, provided it's not an ungodly hour)
(2) Blow dryer, but just borrow it from the hostel side.
Experience:
First night, realized the mattress was sinking and the springs could be felt. I explained to the staff I am about 100 lbs so it's the mattress and not me, but very worried if they could do anything. By the time I got back, 2 twin mattresses were lined neatly above the old one. Very happy.
Windows are double--not double paned, but real double windows. You can still hear some noises and sirens (I don't know if it's the alcohol but the police/ambulances seem busy), so bring some earplugs if you are a light sleeper.
There is a 24-hour market right below the room. When you are finally defeated by trying to decipher Hungarian they will help you (I almost bought yeast thinking it's butter).
Finally, everyone has talked about the staff. These young people are very helpful and speak excellent English. My only problem, which is not a problem really, is every morning I get up too early (like 7 AM) and twice had to go to the hostel side (by entering a code) to do something (computer broke down, etc) and the poor kid is still sleeping on the couch. I figured most young people pub crawl until 3 (or 5)AM and are snoozing at this time.
We are at "Octagon" which is a metro station. From here you can take tram, metro, or just walk to the river. It's excellent location.
Just wanted to write a quick one since I'm done with cooking class and sight seeing already, leisurely relaxing here. Will update with pictures later. BTW, I checked out the other private room with shared bathroom, but that's on the hostel side with common entrance, right behind the hostel kitchen, and quite a bit smaller. So, if you are like me, whose son is about the age of pub-crawler, it's definitley worthwhile to pay extra for the space/privacy on this side.
