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Bratislava

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About Bratislava

With the ever-growing popularity of Eastern European cities for both regular tourists and the odd stag do, the range of choices on our Guru's recommended list of the best places to stay in Bratislava has expanded accordingly.

Bratislava promises a colourful mix of nature's beauty and man's design, with "small", "cosy" and "eclectic" featuring heavily in guide books of the city. A castle-topped capital surrounded by flood plains and forests with a blend of medieval and Socialist architecture, this small city is a place brimming with fascinating contrasts.

If you want to venture further afield, Bratislava is a great base for popping to Vienna, or jump on a boat down the Danube and catch a glimpse of the ruined Devin Castle.

You don't have to stroll far from the city centre before you start to feel the presence of dense woods around the city - it's just a 30 minute walk from the train station to the Small Carpathians (the lower of this mountain range), where there's hiking, vineyards and skiing in season.

The city has a very buzzy atmosphere with plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars to be discovered in the maze of pedestrian streets and squares of the tiny old town. If you want a truly Slovak experience then head off to the Prasna Basta Restaurant which is always packed with locals, or alternatively give Slovenska Restauracia a try.

What not to miss:

  • Be sure to visit Bratislava Castle, standing proud on the hill and providing breathtaking views of the city.
  • Make a stop at St. Martin’s Cathedral, where the Hungarian Monarchs were crowned between the 16th and 19th centuries.
  • The Slovak National Gallery, National Museum and Holocaust Museum all lend fascinating perspectives on Slovakia's past.
  • Get out of the city for the day and go hiking or skiing in the surrounding mountains.

Where to stay - which neighbourhood?

Whilst Bratislava itself is divided into three large districts, each of which is home to multiple neighbourhoods, the majority of hotels are located in the Old Town or the New Town. The other districts are mainly residential: full of large apartment blocks, and not the prettiest surroundings for a trip abroad.

  • Stare Mesto, the Old Town, is where you'll find all Bratislava's most historic sights. Meander through charming narrow streets, admire the opulent palaces and enjoy a spot of people-watching with a coffee.
  • Alternatively, if you fancy more modern surroundings then you could always stay in Nove Mesto, the New Town. Whilst not nearly as characterful as the Old Town, it's home to the city's sport stadiums as well as the large Kraft factory.

As with all increasingly popular destinations, the best places to stay in Bratislava can get booked up well in advance. So plan ahead, or else visit this city in the quieter months, when there's less competition for the top properties!

Best places to stay in Bratislava

For a city break

  • Marrol’s has wonderful retro style and spirit, with lots of treasures kept from the 20s and 30s. Once a stylish townhouse, now one of the best places to stay in Bratislava for a stylish city break, this whole property proclaims 'old-fashioned luxury' to guests - who'll be greeted by name by white-gloved bellmen.

  • The Art Hotel William is a smart, modern hotel in a great spot in Bratislava's Old Town. There's a strong colour scheme in the spacious rooms, giving this place a sophisticated air.

  • The Hotel Arcadia in the heart of the Old Town offers five star decor and service, including award-winning traditional Slovak cuisine, an extensive spa menu and classically elegant interiors - and all in a charming 13th century building.

  • The Hotel Albrecht is often thought of as one of the best places to stay in Bratislava, with a reputation for magnificence - but state-of-the-art, of course. It's also got a great spa and an excellent restaurant, and the outside of the hotel will really impress you.

For city chic

  • Loft Hotel is a stylish, urban destination in the centre of Slovakia's capital complete with sleek, contemporary rooms and a lively bar and beerhouse.

On a budget

  • Antares is a four-star, budget priced hotel in an upscale residential location - so you get peace, privacy and city views with state-of-the-art equipment and a lovely garden and terrace starting from €79 per night.
  • The Hotel Arcus is a small, family-run B&B, also conveniently positioned for Bratislava's main sights, with big rooms and a sunny garden and terrace.

For families

  • Penzion Virgo is a Baroque-style pension house within walking distance of the charming Old Town. As well as generously proportioned rooms and suites, the Penzion Virgo also has several guest apartments with their own catering facilities. It's great value too, with rooms starting from €74 per night.
  • Well located for the major sights, the Skaritz Hotel and Residence has a mix of 20 rooms, suites and apartments, and an understated elegance. So its great for discerning families and groups. Room rates start from €87 per night.

To relax

  • Mama’s Design & Boutique Hotel is designed to be homely and relaxing, with luxurious rooms done in warm tones with subtle lighting. As well as the hot tub on the terrace and great spa facilities there's also a gym - in case you find exercise relaxing...
  • The Kempinski Hotel River Park Bratislava has a luxurious spa and many of its rooms and public spaces offer beautiful views of the Danube. The whole vibe is bright and airy, with upmarket service and a great restaurant.

For luxury

  • Set in a beautifully renovated 19th century palace, the Wilson Palace Hotel is alive with opulence and grandeur.

For an apartment

  • If you'd rather book a self-catering property, we recommend you visit our online partner, Booking.com, where they have a wide selection for all tastes and budgets.

Travel information

  • Fly to Bratislava Airport which has good connections across Europe or to Vienna International Airport, located 40km from Bratislava.
  • Travel by train to Bratislava Hlavná Stanica (Bratislava's international station).
  • Bratislava experiences a typically continental climate, with short, fairly hot summers and chilly winters. Spring can be the best time to visit, as the days tend to warm quickly, with consistently pleasant, mild weather for most of May.
  • If you plan to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars for the best prices.

Still not sure?

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      Best Hotels in Bratislava

      • Loft Hotel Bratislava 121 rooms from CA$92

        Local exploring  -  Perfect for exploring the city, just a stones throw away from the Presidential Palace and the Old Town area.
        Value chic  -  Well priced loft-style rooms in a central location, views over the Presidential Palace and chic wine bar.
        Sights nearby  -  Slovakia's Presidential Palace is with five minutes walk and the Bratislava Castle is fifteen.
        Local markets  -  Explore the local Slovakian markets in Bratislava city centre.
        Air conditioningRestaurantDisabled accessParkingNo pets

        A stylish, urbane hotel in the centre of Slovakia's capital. With sleek, contemporary rooms and a lively bar and beerhouse, it's a place that reflects the vibrancy and up-and-coming feel of Bratislava. With cheap rooms available, it's a superb value for money option. See More

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      • Penzion Virgo Bratislava 11 rooms from CA$108

        Families  -  The large self catering apartments make this an ideal spot for families exploring Bratislava.
        Great walks  -  The hotel provides free city maps and guides, head out and explore the beautiful Old Town.
        Sights nearby  -  This central hotel is just 200m from the historic Presidential Palace.
        Pet friendlyParking

        Boutique style pension house within walking distance of the Old Town and Grassalkovich Palace. Its range of contemporary accommodation - from spacious guest rooms to apartments with kitchenettes - make it an ideal spot for groups or families. See More

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      • Antares Bratislava 26 rooms from CA$119

        Local exploring  -  The handy location just steps from the historic centre makes this an ideal base for exploring the city.
        Sights nearby  -  The Bratislava castle is nearby as is the historic centre with its many sights.
        Spa
        Air conditioningSpaGardenPet friendlyParking

        A well priced hotel in an idyllic residential location. Peace, seclusion and lovely views over the city. Tasteful rooms with state-of-the-art equipment, sunny garden terrace, and a restaurant serving Slovak specialities. A lovely spa with a sauna and hot tub. An excellent base to explore the city. See More

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      • Skaritz Hotel and Residence Bratislava 20 rooms from CA$127

        City Style  -  A contemporary hotel in an historic building in the heart of Bratislava's pedestrianized Old Town
        Sights nearby  -  Visit the imposing Bratislava Castle or Hrad that sits on a hill overlooking the city.
        Great walks  -  Wander around the cobbled streets of the surrounding Old Town.
        Traditional
        Air conditioningSpaRestaurantPet friendlyParking

        Trendy hotel in the heart of the Old Town. Understated elegance throughout. Spacious rooms in muted tones and excellent service. A great choice for business or leisure. Close to tourist attractions and the financial district. Offers great value. See More

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      • Art Hotel William Bratislava 40 rooms from CA$129

        Sights nearby  -  Just a 15 minute walk from the The Bratislava Castle.
        Restaurant  -  Recommended.
        Air conditioningRestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

        Smart contemporary hotel in an excellent location in the Old Town. Modern comforts and classical elegance combine in spacious rooms in reds, blues and creams. A sophisticated choice in a central location. See More

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      • Mama’s Design & Boutique Hotel Bratislava 15 rooms from CA$157

        Sights nearby  -  Visit one of the many castles including the Bratislava castle that stands impressively above the city.
        Great walks  -  Stroll around the pretty Neo-Gothic old town.
        Swimming Pool  -  Indoor Pool
        Boutique
        Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyParking

        A spoiling place, impressively designed yet also homely and relaxing. Luxurious rooms with subtle lighting and warm tones. Fantastic gym facilities, hot tub relaxation on the top terrace, and sushi in the restaurant. A great choice in a quiet area near Bratislava's historical monuments. See More

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      • Hotel Arcus Bratislava 13 rooms from CA$167

        Local exploring  -  Situated in a residential and quiet area but just a ten minute walk from the Old Town.
        Great walks  -  Wander around the pretty old town and admire the neo-gothic styled architecture.
        Sights nearby  -  Visit the impressive Bratislava Castle, cathedral and palace.
        Restaurant  -  Recommended.
        RestaurantGardenParking

        A small family-run B&B in a leafy area of Bratislava. Rooms are extremely spacious with unusually high ceilings, and some of them have their own balcony. A charming garden with a terrace for relaxing after a day exploring the city. Well placed for local exploring. See More

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      • Hotel Albrecht Bratislava 12 rooms from CA$145

        Total relaxation  -  Indulge yourself at this luxury hotel with cigars and whiskey in the lounge followed by a spa session in the aroma steam room.
        City Style  -  An elegant boutique 5*, with balconies overlooking the Danube, sleek interiors, pampering service and an excellent restaurant.
        Sights nearby  -  Just a ten minute walk from Bratislava Castle.
        Swimming Pool  -  Indoor Pool
        Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyParking
        Recommended by  -  Kiwi Collection

        With award-winning interiors this hotel deserves its reputation as one of Bratislava’s finest. A magnificent building in a hilly neighbourhood with state-of-the-art rooms, fantastic spa, and an excellent restaurant. It has everything for a spoiling weekend away. See More

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      • Hotel Arcadia Bratislava 33 rooms from CA$159

        City Style  -  An elegant 5* boutique hotel in a 13th-century building in Bratislava's Old Town boasting Library Bar and antique furnishings.
        Sights nearby  -  Visit the imposing Bratislava Castle or the beautiful Primate's Palace.
        5* Luxury  -  Very high service standards.
        Spa
        Air conditioningSpaRestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

        A stunning boutique hotel in the Old Town with five star looks and services. Slovak cuisine served in an atmospheric vaulted cellar, an excellent spa, and Rooms in classical historical style. Magical interiors that are not too glitzy or pricey. A tasteful city spot. See More

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      • Wilson Palace Hotel Bratislava 30 rooms from CA$198

        City Style  -  A sleek and historic choice, with meticulous interiors, welcome wine, and a trendy on site restaurant and bar.
        Local exploring  -  Within twenty minutes walk of Bratislava's major sights such as the Castle and the historic old town.
        Business meetings  -  Its excellent conference room facilities and central location make it perfect for business meetings.
        Sights nearby  -  A leisurely twenty minute walk from Michalska Tower and Bratislava Castle.
        Air conditioningRestaurantParkingNo pets

        Set in a beautifully renovated 19th century palace, the hotel is alive with opulence and grandeur. Rooms are fittingly palatial with grand ornate beds and tasteful artwork. The Fabrika is an atmospheric place to enjoy a beer in the evening. An ideal place for a weekend of exploring Bratislava. See More

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      • Marrol’s Bratislava 54 rooms from CA$269

        Total relaxation  -  Seemless service and style create a relaxed retreat, whether it's a stiff drink by the lobby fire or a cocktail on the terrace.
        City Style  -  An elegant boutique hotel in an 18th century classic burgher’s house, right in the heart of the historic Old Town.
        Sights nearby  -  Walking distance from the Main Square with the Old City Hall.
        Romantic  -  Good for couples.
        Air conditioningSpaRestaurantGardenParkingNo pets
        Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels

        Well designed luxurious hotel cleverly set in the heart of the city sprinkled with the 20's and 30's retro style spirit. Elegant rooms in muted tones and natural fabrics. The spa is very special in its neoclassical style and offers a spoiling experience. One of the best in Bratislava. See More

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      • Kempinski Hotel River Park Bratislava Bratislava 231 rooms from CA$297

        City Style  -  A luxury property offering panoramic views of the Danube River or the castle hill, as well as heli pad and private river pier.
        Sights nearby  -  The Primate's Palace is renowned to be one of Bratislava's most beautiful.
        Local markets  -  Visit the local farmers market in the Old Town Hall.
        Swimming Pool  -  Indoor Pool.
        Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets
        Recommended by  -  Kiwi Collection

        Bratislava's luxurious gem on the banks of the river Danube. Contemporary and colourful, yet classic and very pleasant. An upmarket restaurant offering wonderful organic cuisine and a spoiling spa. A sophisticated choice for exploring the city. See More

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