6 Best Hotels in Slovakia

Based on the near universal praise this old town hotel receives, it's hard to believe it only gets three stars. Located in a 600-year-old building on a narrow cobblestone pedestrian street near St. Michael's Gate, the only remaining medieval one in Bratislava, this hotel rents a small number of guest rooms and apartments, each with a unique layout. Furnishings and fabrics may not be of the highest quality, but any deficiencies are more than made up for in charm and intimacy. The landscaped garden is a particular favorite and includes seating for outdoor dining.

The first 5-star hotel in the city, the building was constructed in the 13th century and many of the original elements can still be seen, like the vaulted ceilings, rough-hewn stone walls, and thick wooden ceiling beams and wall supports. The central lobby, with its Romanesque arches, has painted glass skylights that could have come straight out of a scene from Romeo and Juliet, which helps explain its popularity for wedding receptions. The rooms continue the lush, romantic vibe with red and gold silk fabric, oversized marble bathrooms, and working fireplaces.

Standing out from the Old Town crowd with its industrial-style decor incorporating exposed brick walls, distressed wooden floors, shabby leather sofas, and retro advertising prints, Loft offers a different kind of hotel experience. The distinctive warehouse look continues through the common areas into the generous rooms, where you'll find large and comfy beds, smart bathrooms with walk-in rain showers, and free minibars stocked with drinks. If you're feeling flush, choose room 613 for its stunning views over the Presidential Garden towards the Old Town. Right downstairs is the hip Fabrika brewpub, which serves homebrewed beers, locally-produced wines, and American-style bar food all day. Neighboring Wilson Palace, with its more traditionally luxurious rooms, is part of the same complex.

A romantic boutique gem in the heart of the Old Town, Marrol's is set within a 19th-century burgher's house and oozes period charm, with its opulent chandeliers, deep leather armchairs, and charming wood paneling. In the rooms, the heritage decor meets modern comfort; expect earthy tones, wood floors, and floral patterns but also smart TVs, huge sinkable beds, and all-you-can-drink minibars. The hotel's restaurant, Houdini, is renowned for its deliciously meaty menu—dishes might include duck breast, veal rump, and deer cheek—while the beautiful wood-paneled library bar is the perfect way to end a day. Start the next one at the small, in-house Jasmine Spa, with its welcoming jacuzzi and saunas, both Finnish and infrared.

Marilyn Monroe, Bette Davis, Marlene Dietrich, and Ingrid Bergman never stayed at this hotel just north of Bratislava's old town, but their spirit plays a key role in the design. Each room includes a Warhol-esque likeness of these golden age Hollywood stars along with groovy, 50s-style furnishings, plus a semi-transparent bathroom wall, rain shower, espresso machine, and a color palette of bright reds, oranges, and greens. The extremely spacious restaurant and bar area serve adequate takes on Slovakian cuisine.

Built in 1903 in the Secession (art nouveau) style, this sophisticated hotel, which is conveniently located by the Old Town, offers 27 spacious and elegant suites, a spa with fitness center, sauna, and Jacuzzi, and the time-honored Tulip Café. Rooms come in various configurations, from already-roomy Executive Suites up to enormous two-floor Maisonettes, and each one offers a large and comfortable bed, a lounge area, a smart TV, and a coffee machine (Maisonettes come with full kitchens).