I've narrowed my choices down further for a stay Dec 7 - 11. Basically, I'll either spend 1 night in Bratislava and then 3 in Vienna at Graf Stadion, or all 4 at Pertschy to get a special rate. I've seen some negative reviews of the singles in Pertschy and I'm wondering if anyone can comment. What do you think between these choices?

I'll be in Bratislava all day the first day, and to attend a concert, so if I did Pertschy I'd be leaving Bratislava around 9 or 10. Is this safe to be at the train station in Bratislava and then the Sudbanhof at Vienna late at night ... I've heard both areas are a little seedy. Also, where would I put my things for the day in Bratislava if I didn't stay there? For these reasons, I'm leaning toward the first hotel option, but the chance to stay at Pertschy for about the same rate is kind of tempting me.

topping

any advice?

Hi JoeTro,

I stayed at Pertschy for 5 or 6 nights in May 2004 and it's a great place: fantastic location, helpful staff, great breakfast spread, free Internet terminal, clean and airy room. Just had to get used to the idea that rooms are relatively small anywhere in Europe.

Thanks. What kind of room did you stay in? Also, did you have a problem with noise? Did you have a courtyard or street view?

I got a single room with street view. Not noisy at all. There's the morning trash collector truck but the noise lasted only a few minutes. It's nice to hear the clip-clopping of horses down the street though. But then again, it depends on your tolerance to noise level. I'm the textbook dead sleeper; it takes a lot to either keep me awake or get me up before I'm ready to do so... ;-)

Good to know. I figure I'll be so tired from my crazy sightseeing schedule it should be okay. I'd be going in December, so I'm also concerned about comfort/heating, but it seems like they should have that.

I was there mid-May in 2004 and the weather was very erratic. On certain nights the temperature dropped to 8C and it was very windy. The heater worked just fine and bed was very comfy. Hope you enjoy your stay at Pertschy too. Happy traveling!

Most of the Pertschy's rooms were re-done a few years ago. I stay there about three times each year in a single room. Just ask them for a larger single room, so that you don't get one of the lingering smaller ones.

In any event, a stay at the Pertschy is great --- price, location, service, staff, etc.

Also, if you are there in December, consider their "stay 4 nights, pay for 3" program. It's great. I'm again there the end of November and will take advantage of it. They just confirmed my "single room" reservation and wrote: "1 großes Einzelzimmer / Package 4=3 Nächte" ("a large single room / package 4=3 nights&quot.

And in December you can also visit the Christmas Market in front of the City Hall (Rathaus).

Finally, as others have pointed out, don't forget, that rooms in Europe are generally smaller than in a U.S. hotel.

Thanks, castle. Your original post about the special is what made me think about staying there. I would plan on 4 nights to take advantage of the deal. Thanks for your tip about the large room.

What is holding me back are some reservations expressed in the following post; I don't suppose you'd have any insight here:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2

Thanks

I couldn't open up your link, but we stayed in Pertschy a few years ago and were very pleased. The price is excellent given its location. The breakfast was good, and our room was quite large. We had a double facing the courtyard. Very quiet.

Tracy

Glad to hear about the good experiences there.