Having read recently that Hungary is now great value, thanks to its weak currency, can you recommend a boutique-style place to stay in Budapest? Ideally, somewhere central, contemporary, and around £100, or is that asking too much? - Imogene Waugh, London

Sunday Times travel expert Richard Green responds: Nope ­ Budapest is such good value right now that you can easily find a smart place and stay within your budget.

Top choice is the eye-catching Lanchid 19 (00 36 1 419 1900, www.lanchid19hotel.hu), which was built in 2006 and has an accordion-like façade of glass panes that move to reflect the breeze on the Danube. It makes a little more sense when you see it.

There are suspended mini-bridges to the 48 rooms, a fine terrace, and bright rooms. It's packed with Hungarian design flourishes too, from the cutlery to the staff uniforms; and it's central, just on the Buda bank of the river, about a 10-minute uphill hike to the historic castle district, or the Chain Bridge (lanchid) away from Pest. Doubles are from £107, room only.

It may not look so startling from outside ­ how could it really - but the Boutique Hotel Zara (00 36 1 357 6170, www.zarahotels.com) has all the soothing design features you'd expect. The glass-roofed atrium bar is nicely done, the 74 rooms are smartly decorated (very cream and beige), but only come with showers. Doubles are from £88 with breakfast.

Even cheaper is the 57-room Atrium Hotel (36 1 299 0777, www.atriumhotelbudapest.com; doubles from £59), which is admittedly less slick, but is uncluttered and a real bargain. You'll find some other good options from the Mellow Mood Group of hotels (www.mellowmoodgroup.com).

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