Bratislava for under £100 a night
WE POUND THE STREETS ... YOU REAP THE REWARDS!
Bratislava isn’t half as glamorous as nearby vienna. But there’s a lot to be said for a beautiful city that’s not overrun by tourists, where the beer is almost given away. the patron saint of slovakia’s disarmingly charming capital is st Martin, the roman soldier who tore his cloak in two to clothe a beggar. and you could say Bratislava, located at a crossroads in central Europe, is similarly divided — between east and west and between its colourful medieval history and more recent soviet past. it all makes for an intriguing short-break destination, easily reached by low-cost flights.
Where to stay
÷ Botel Gracia
foR a song, you can spend your nights floating on the waters of the Danube. this basic boat-hotel offers a fine view of the Snp bridge and the striking Ufo restaurant — and it’s right on the doorstep of the old town.
Doubles from £48, botelgracia.sk
÷ Hotel Devin
the Devin is remarkably good value considering its superior location, perched on the edge of the Danube, its grand interiors and its portentous history as a meeting place for the Communist nomenklatura.
the tentative staff seem a little cowed by their surroundings, but there’s a sumptuous breakfast with delicious homemade cakes.
Doubles from £65, hoteldevin.sk
÷ Falkensteiner Hotel
thiS smart, centrally located chain hotel is an excellent option. the staff are friendly, the breakfast impressive, and there’s a seductive lounge bar offering fine views from the roof.
Doubles from £80, falkensteiner.com
÷ Elisabeth Old Town
Something of a period piece, this cheap hotel on the eastern edge of the old town is not glamorous. But for anyone happy to learn what a Slovakian hotel might have been like 20 years ago, it’s an enjoyable experience, made more so by the friendly staff.
Doubles from £45, elisabeth.sk
Where to eat
÷ Pozsonyi Csarda
Bang next to michael’s gate, this simple restaurant does strapacky, a popular Slovakian dish, for a few quid. expect a kind of macaroni made from dumplings and shredded cabbage, garnished with lard. it’s surprisingly tasty.
address: Michalska 388/18
÷ Cafe Verne
to the south of the old town, the leafy avenue of hviezdoslav Square is lined with smart restaurants, some of which are good value. Cafe Verne has tasty hungarian goulash for £7.
address: Hviezdoslavovo namestie 175/18
÷ Slovenska Restauracia
the name means ‘Slovak restaurant’, which is encouraging. this unpretentious place shows that even in the heart of the touristic old town you can dine well without spending much. try the steak with pepper sauce.
address: Panska 239/8
÷ Rooftop by Regal
Rooftop does the best burgers in Bratislava, and its lofty location offers a fine view of michael’s gate. it’s a fraction more expensive than your average Slovakian restaurant, but well worth it.
address: Hurbanovo namestie
How to get there
Wizz air has returns from Luton from £40 (0911 752 2257, wizzair.com).