Two Hotels in Bratislava, Slovakia
The Small, Central Hotel Marrol’s or the Riverside Hotel Danube
Accommodation options in Bratislava are definitely improving, and two good choices are the Hotel Danube on the river or the smaller Hotel Marrol's in the Old Town.
While the budget side of accommodation in Bratislava is still a bit lacking, higher end hotels have improved a lot in the last decade. Two choices are the large Hotel Danube almost directly on the river, or the smaller Hotel Marrol’s centrally located in Bratislava’s charming Old Town.
Hotel Danube, Bratislava
The Hotel Danube is a large, well-known hotel directly across the road from the Danube River, and in front of Hviezdoslavovo Square and the Old Town. The tram runs in front of the hotel and you are also in easy reach of ferries to Devin or Vienna.
The hotel is relatively large, but the service is usually still reasonable. It is also recently enough renovated to feel modern, unlike some of the other older, large hotels in Bratislava. There is a gym and a swimming pool in the top floor, although even hotel guests are charged to use the pool. The Hotel Danube is currently owned by a French company.
Hotel Marrol’s, Bratislava
Hotel Marrol’s on Tobrucka Street is considerably smaller than the Hotel Danube, but has won a number of hotel awards in the past couple of years. They offer guests underground parking, DSL internet access and free gym access.
The hotel is housed in a renovated heritage-protected building in the middle of the Old Town. It’s just a two-story building, so views aren’t anything to write home about. Unlike the Hotel Danube, breakfast is not included in the room price.
Where to Stay: Hotel Marrol’s or Hotel Danube?
Both of these hotels are relatively pricey for Bratislava, but with the implementation of the Euro currency approaching, things are only likely to get more expensive there anyway. Prices at Hotel Marrol’s are about 30 to 50% higher than at Hotel Danube, depending on the type of room you choose and how far in advance you book. While the quality and luxury is definitely higher here, whether or not you’re prepared to pay the extra is perhaps a matter of how you plan to spend your holiday.
The location of both is great, but if you plan to spend a lot of time staring out the window, then the Hotel Danube will keep you more interested, with passing boats on the Danube and the locals catching the trams below to watch. From some rooms you can also see the Novy Most (New Bridge) and look towards Bratislava Castle. On the other hand, Hotel Marrol’s is cosier and more luxurious, so if you’re planning a bit of sightseeing and some relaxation back in the hotel as well, that might be a better choice.
