Sofitel Budapest Hotel

I had visited Budapest in April 2022 too and the chain bridge was undergoing repairs at that time. We saw the bridge renovated and vehicles playing when I along with my Indian friends and Slovakian Host visited Budapest yesterday. We wanted to experience driving through the same. When we exited the tunnel, we saw 2 woman whom we took to be police at the entrance to the bridge and doing nothing there. We had a nice experience of driving through the bridge for some seconds. There were 4 police men/women standing on the other side of the bridge where we exited and stopped us snd said the bridge is open only for buses and taxis and not private cars and imposed a fine of €75. I asked why those 2 ladies dressed up like police at the entry did not caution us not to drive. We were told that they were not police women. And there was no explanation how 2 people stood as if they do some monitoring and still they are not police!!!! I also asked why 4 police are waiting to catch cars at the exit and instead one could stand at entry warning people not to drive. That would ensure nobody flouts rules. But intentions were very clear.No reply to that. Only foreigners ( meaning countries other than Hungary) drive through unknowingly and fined. It was an organised loot by the Hungary police, in my opinion. We are from a country where we have the culture to treat Guests as God. Here, they are well organised to allow foreign registered cars to drive through and impose fine right royally to make money. What a shame!!!!! Ganesh J

When this bridge opened in 1849 it was the first permanent bridge to cross the Danube River in Hungary. Even though it is the Szechenyi Bridge, it is commonly known as the Chain Bridge. At the time of its construction, it was regarded as one of the modern world's engineering wonders. The decorations along the bridge are made of cast iron.

Originally, I booked a stay for 3 nights in Sept 2020. Of course, all trips were cancelled because of COVID. Instead of full refund, the hotel said they could only give me credit for future stay with 12 month. I did not argue and wanted to be helpful in the difficult situation. I took the credit option. When I was ready to use my credit for a stay for Sept 2021 trip, lo and behold, the hotel is closed for renovation upon further notice. After 6 month of emails back and forth with Accor support and some Chain Bridge Hotel personnel. No action has been taken from the hotel about my credit at all. Unbelievable!!! At least they should have the decency to tell me that: I am sorry, we don't have money to refund your booking credit! How could this be a Sofitel and TripAdvisor Hotel of The Year 2021!!! How could I continue to be loyal to Sofitel, particularly as a Diamond member?!