You may experience sticker shock on arrival in Bratislava. The city attracts relatively few individual travelers and most of the properties are aimed at businessmen on expense accounts and the odd coach tour from Germany and Austria. If you do decide on one of the luxury hotels, bear in mind that it never hurts to bargain. Even the most expensive hotels have been known to slash rates on slow nights and weekends.
At the other end of the spectrum are private rooms. These vary greatly in comfort, cleanliness, and location. Some are real gems, situated in or near the Old Town and presided over by Slovak grannies who make sure everything is spotless. Others are less desirable, in public housing estates in far-flung residential neighborhoods. If you decide to go the private room route, insist on a room within comfortable walking or tram distance from the Old Town. The Tourist Information Center is a good source for private rooms; alternatively, check the Bratislava Hotels website (www.bratislavahotels.sk), which includes listings for hostels and pensions.
