THOMPSON

Some capital cities don’t get a fair crack of the whip when travellers want a city break – these should

Swiss captial Bern is a pretty good bet BERN, SWITZERLAND B&B doubles from €140 Canadian capital is a riverside treat THE DEAL Stay in the peaceful Hotel Alpenblick, just across the river from downtown. Doubles from €140 B&B including Bern Ticket (free public transport and travel to the airport, bern.com). welcomehotels.ch OTTAWA, CANADA Doubles from £93 Bratislava’s proper castle on the hill THE DEAL

lordelginhotel.ca BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA Doubles from €92

Stay in the Lord Elgin, a venerable property just down the road from Parliament Hill, doubles from €104.