What's New: An Online Update for Frommer's Eastern Europe

What's New in Bulgaria

Current forecasts predict that Bulgaria will see a sharp slowdown in economic growth, coupled with a moderate deceleration of foreign direct investments in the first half of 2009. In addition, domestic demand and economic activity will slow amid a falling inflation rate. At a February meeting of the industry and State Tourism Agency (STA), Bulgarian seaside hotel operators said they will not cut prices despite the low number of early bookings. As they struggle with soaring energy and food bills and rising loan interest rates, most hotel owners find it hard to make ends meet, said an industry representative. Bulgaria's tourist services are on average 200€-300€ more expensive than in rival destinations, including Turkey and Greece. With bookings falling by nearly half for the 2009 season, bankruptcies will be inevitable.

A team of Bulgarian archaeologists from the Archeological Institute of the Bulgarian Academy has unearthed a 1,900-year-old chariot at an ancient Thracian tomb near the village of Borisovo in southeastern Bulgaria. The chariot is unique because it was found with a trunk full of table pottery, glass vessels and other gifts for the funeral of a wealthy Thracian aristocrat. The skeletons of two horses and a dog, all of whom were killed in a funeral ritual, were found with the chariot. According to a spokesman, the chariot dates to the time of the Roman Emperor Trajan, who ruled when Thrace was a Roman province. Thanks to a major north-south route through the area in the Thracian heyday, southeast Bulgaria is rich in archeological sites. Several are open to the public, but many remain unexplored.

In a rare show of solidarity, Bulgarian winemakers and tour operators are banding together to create an inviting experience for tourists. A tour along Bulgaria's newly christened "wine road" includes tastings of some of the country's finest wines. Most of the Bulgarian winemakers have opened special accommodations for guests where the wine-lovers can enjoy exquisite vintages and relaxing spa programs, including massages with grape seed oils and sparkling wine baths. The guests also are offered tours of area sites and monuments. One of these participating wineries is Villa Lyubimets, 7 Luben Karavelov, Plovdiv 4000; (tel. 032/659 000; www.villalyubimets.com).

Explore Bulgaria the way the ancients did -- on horseback. Hidden Trails Tours (www.hiddentrails.com/country/Bulgaria.aspx) offers a 9-day, 8-night experience that combines equestrian thrills, visits to historical sites, camping in the vast Bulgarian outdoors, and stays in intimate, family-run hotels. You'll bond with your mount as you ride through quaint Veliko Tarnovo, the capitals of the first Bulgarian kingdom (Pliska and the Great Preslav), and finish at the 8th century Horseman of Madara monument, which is carved into a mountainside. Riders sleep in tents and bathe in the country's pristine lakes and rivers. Fresh food is delivered to the group on the trail three times per day and riders get to prepare their meals over an open camp fire. The cost of the tour is 900€ and it includes horse rental.

The Rila, Pirin & Rhodope Mountains

A residential complex called Blue Mountain Aparthouse will be built in the village of Beli Iskar, as part of the resort destination Samokov-Borovets. The complex, which will have apartments for rent, lies just below the Rila National Park and on the Samokov-Borovets tourist route. New ski slopes and facilities are also planned for the region, which will descend all the way to the village of Beli Iskar. Construction is expected to start in Spring 2009.

Varna and the Black Sea Coast

The Black Sea city of Varna's glittering seaside location is enticing people from all over the world to book destination weddings there. According to the tourism board's president, Varna will take steps to enter the destination wedding/anniversary/engagement niche market. Why would a couple to choose Varna over Tuscany or the Caribbean? Varna has the capacity to offer unusual options such as underwater and yacht weddings or even a wedding ceremony in the "presence" of St. Valentine himself -- the St. Constantine monastery has a cache of St Valentine relics.

Sofia

The Strimon Spa Club (www.visitbulgaria.net/en/kyustendil/hotels/strimon_spa_club.htm) is located in the Bulgarian spa resort of Kustendil, just 80km (48mi) from Sofia. The club offers 75 units equipped with air-conditioning, satellite TV, radio, Internet, direct telephone line, in-room mini-bar, personal safe, hair-dryer in the bathroom, 24-hour room-service, personal bathrobes, and amenities for disabled people. There is a classic restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine, a lobby bar with an extensive whiskey selection, and a pool bar with healthy snacks and power shakes. The best part is the price. Deluxe doubles start at 103€ per night on weekends (Friday-Sunday) and at 93€ per night during the week. Rates include breakfast and use of the club's pool, baths, fitness facilities, free Internet, and free parking. Massages, beauty treatments and specialty baths are extra.

What's New in Croatia

Despite global economic hard times, Croatia has taken steps to open its property market to foreign buyers. Since February 1, 2009, foreigners can buy lots and homes under the same terms as nationals, excluding farmland and forestland. While this policy does not represent a sea change, it does reduce the number of hoops foreigners previously had to jump through to buy property in Croatia, particularly on the Adriatic coast

As of Jan. 1, 2009, Croatian retailers must stay closed on Sundays. The law was passed in response to a lobby by the country's Catholic Church, which campaigned for the legislation on the grounds that people were spending their Sundays at the mall instead of going to mass. Bakeries, gas stations, major bus and train terminals, airports and some small shops are exempt from the closure laws, and during the summer tourist season, all stores will be allowed to open on Sundays to take advantage of business from foreign visitors, though they must once again shutter their doors once the tourists go home. Croatia is on track to join NATO in April 2009 and the European Union by 2011 even though obstacles to both exclusive clubs continue to materialize with regularity. The newest wrinkle in the process involves neighboring Slovenia, which is demanding that an almost two-decade border dispute over the Bay of Piran in the northwest corner of the country be resolved before Croatia can be considered for the NATO alliance or admitted to the EU. If the dispute isn't resolved quickly, Croatia might not be able to complete its EU negotiations by the end of 2009 as scheduled.

The 146km (86.5mi) stretch of toll road linking Rijeka and Zagreb opened in November 2008, more than 30 years and 660 million euros in the making. The divided highway cuts travel time between the two cities to 75 minutes for a mere 60kn per trip. In addition to the Rijeka-Zagreb route, the section of road between Gorica and the Hungarian border and the Mura bridge between Croatia and Hungary have also opened, making cross country road travel more efficient in Croatia.

Croatia's 1,100-plus islands are a well-documented topographical fact, but it wasn't until Google Earth began to map land masses from the sky that one of them, Galesnjak Island, emerged as a haven for lovers -- the tiny mass of white sand and trees in the Zadar Canal is configured in the shape of a heart. Not even the island's owner, Vlado Juresko, knew his property looked like a perfect heart from the sky. He found out when he was inundated with calls from couples wanting to visit his island for a romantic getaway.

Planning Your Trip to Croatia

There still are no direct flights to Croatia from North America, but getting to Croatia from more European hubs should be easier with the announcement that several European carriers will be adding flights to Dubrovnik for the 2009 tourism season. Check out Easy Jet, Norwegian Air, Clickair, Iberia Air, Croatia Air, and Aerlingus for details.

Dubrovnik

A new Valamar resort will open in May 2009 on the Baban Kuk peninsula near Dubrovnik's Old Town. The Valamar Lacroma Resort will add 401 units to Dubrovnik's hotel scene as well as convention facilities, 2 pools, sports facilities, and restaurants. Premium double rooms with balconies will start at 235€ per night in summer and from 113€ per night other times. Rates include a daily buffet breakfast. Other Valamar properties include the Dubrovnik President and Valamar Club Dubrovnik. For more information, go to www.valamar.com/valamar-lacroma-dubrovnik.

Split

The walls of Diocletian's Palace encircle just a handful of small hotels in central Split. Now comes the Hotel Marmont (www.marmonthotel.com), a gorgeous boutique hotel opened in 2008 and outfitted with accoutrements fit for an emperor. Besides a sophisticated dining room and bar area, the owners have tucked added luxury touches like wireless Internet, flat screen LCD TVs, and glamour baths, in all of its 21 rooms. Cost of a double is 250€ per night and includes breakfast.

Split may be considered Croatia's crossroads, with its huge ferry port and its position midway between Zagreb and Dubrovnik, but this former Roman seat of power is notorious for its dearth of decent hotel rooms. That may soon change. Hotel Marjan (www.hotel-marjan.com), which overlooks ACI Marina, is in the final phase of a two year renovation that completely transformed the formerly dowdy socialist-style tower. It now features 320 rooms and suites, restaurants, a pool, and convention facilities. Once an economical stop for package tours, the Marjan is expected to raise its rates skyward now that it is in the running for 5-star status. A July 1, 2009 opening is scheduled.

Korcula & Brac

A new luxury accommodation on the island of Korcula will open in June 2009, next to the building where Marco Polo is reputed to have lived. The Lesic Dimitri Palace (www.lesic-dimitri.com) occupies an entire 18th century bishop's palace in the heart of the Korcula Town. All rooms have been faithfully restored and furnished in keeping with the palace's heritage, but modern conveniences like high speed wireless Internet, plasma TVs with satellite, iPod docks, and air-conditioning have been added to cater to the most discriminating guests. Prices range from 995€ per night for the 4-bedroom Korcula residence in peak season to 295€ per night for the 1-bedroom Ceylon residence.

Inland Croatia

As of Spring 2009 visitors to Ilok and the surrounding wine country can use one of six luxurious apartments as their base for visiting area vineyards and historic sites. The restored summer house and farm buildings in Principovac overlook the Danube and the magnificent vineyards of Ilocki Podrum, Croatia's oldest winery, which dates from the 15th century. The units still are under construction, but as soon as they are finished, Ilocki Podrumi will spend up to 40 million kuna on the complex by adding 20 more apartments, tennis courts, cycling paths, restaurants, and other facilities. Rates for the new accommodations have not yet been determined. For more information contact Ilocki Podrumi at www.ilocki-podrumi.hr.

Kvarner Gulf

A brand new hotel has opened near the entrance of Krka National Park outside the seaside town of Sibenik. The Vrata Krke Hotel (www.vrata-krke.hr) is comfortable, rustic, and conveniently located for exploring Krka's nature trails or historic Sibenik. The hotel has a restaurant featuring Dalmatian cuisine as well as a coffee bar, a pizza café, and a snack bar. Doubles, which have Internet access and satellite TV, start at 1,000kn per night in July and August and 640kn other times. Rates include breakfast.

What's New in the Czech Republic

In 2009, as the country prepares to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its peaceful "Velvet Revolution", the Czech Republic has assumed the rotating presidency of the European Union for the first half of the year. As part of several official events, the Czech government invited President Obama to an EU -- US Summit in Prague in early April.

The recent global has caused the Czech koruna to weaken against the dollar, and tourists will find services in the city a bit more affordable than last year. Although a member of the E.U. since 2004, the country is not prepared to accept the euro yet. The economic downturn and expected regulations are likely to threaten the conditions for euro adoption. As of August 2008, all the Czech cent coins, known as hellers (1 koruna=100 hellers) are out of use.

According to statistics, tourism to the Czech Republic slowed in 2008. Restaurants, particularly very expensive ones, have been closing more often in this economic environment, as their main clients, businessmen, are cutting back on meetings. The renowned English chef Gordon Ramsay closed his Maze restaurant, which he established just a little over a year ago in the Hilton hotel in downtown Prague.

Hotels are offering special deals constantly. Check their websites for actual pricing. Maybe the increased competition will lead to improving services to visitors. One of the best-rated hotels in Prague, the Aria, recently won the Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice 2009 award for the best luxury hotel.

What's New in Poland

Like many countries in Central and Eastern Europe, Poland has been hammered by the global economic crisis. Until well into 2008, the economy was humming along at historically high growth rates. Suddenly, toward the end of last year, the brakes were slammed on and at press time, Poland is teetering on the edge of recession. Travelers are not likely to notice much of a difference in the level of services. Towns like Kraków, Gdansk, Warsaw, and Wroclaw have poured millions of dollars into cleaning up their central squares and improving tourist facilities, and the gleam still shows.

Indeed, the crisis may even have had a silver lining. Poland's currency, the zloty, once one of the high flyers on international markets, has been brutally brought back to earth. With the rising zloty (and falling dollar) in 2007 and 2008, Poland had gone from a moderate to expensive destination for American travelers. Now, as this book lands on store shelves, the zloty has dropped dramatically, and prices in dollar terms are around a third lower than listed in the guide. As with any currency prognosis, however, this must be taken with a grain of salt. The situation could easily reverse itself in a few months.

Kraków

Kraków continues to shine as Poland's premier tourist destination. Each year it seems the city's Old Town gets better and better, with new cafes, bars, restaurants and clubs opening up (and older ones closing down) all the time. This guide has tried to incorporate many of the newer places, but inevitably (especially in such a rapidly changing city) some properties listed will be closed or have different phone numbers or other details. The best advice is simply to take it all in stride and nose your own way through the Old Town's atmospheric back streets.

Kazimierz, Kraków's former Jewish quarter, is continuing its development from an evocative but somewhat run-down part of town to a premier tourist site and center of the city's nightlife. It remains to be seen how the economic crisis will affect ambitious plans to refurbish the area, but the crisis may actually help matters in some respects. Many of the plans involve building controversial, high-priced residential units and luxury shops, at the risk of altering the quarter's character. For the moment at least, and as long as the economy stays depressed, Kazimierz remains as authentic, gritty and thoroughly engaging as ever.

In one welcome change, it looks finally like city authorities are moving to renovate Oskar Schindler's (of Schindler's List fame) former enamel factory, adjacent to Kazimierz. The factory, which employed hundreds of Jewish workers and helped more than 1,000 people to survive during World War II, had languished abandoned for years. Most days, the factory gates were locked, though sometimes you could enter for an impromptu (and possibly illegal) tour. A recent visit to the site in February 2009 revealed a fresh coat of paint and a plaque proclaiming plans later this year to open a museum on Krakow during the Nazi occupation. Stay tuned.

What's New in Slovakia

Slovakia officially adopted the euro as its currency on January 1, 2009, and the transition is running smoothly, with only a few hiccups. For most of the rest of this year, prices will be marked in both euro and Slovak crowns, but be advised this is simply to aid consumers in making price comparisons. Hotels, restaurants and merchants only accept euros. If you do find yourself holding crowns, some banks will still exchange them for euro. Ask at tourist information offices for more details.

Slovakia had one of Europe's most dynamic economies heading into the global economic downturn, and as of March 2009, the economy was still holding up reasonably well. Experts are expecting the Slovak economy to eventually slow, in step with the global economy, but on Bratislava's bustling streets, life goes on as usual. Even the gleaming new malls around town are still filled to the brim with happy shoppers. The good news for travelers is that the euro has weakened against the U.S. dollar since this book was researched in late 2008. While currency markets can turn on a dime (and time will only tell if the dollar retains its vigor), for the moment prices (in dollars) in Slovakia are about 10-20 percent lower than quoted in this guide. Keep your fingers crossed.

Bratislava

Bratislava's charming Old Town continues to evolve. Every month, new shops and restaurants open and others close in the capital's most prestigious and tourist-friendly district. While this guide has attempted to keep up with the latest Old Town trends and in-spots, be prepared for the occasional property closures and disappointments. On the bright side, the area is relatively small and filled with excellent restaurants, pubs and bars, so it's usually just a matter of scouting around to find a suitable replacement.

Bratislava's hotel scene has improved dramatically in recent years. New properties have opened, many existing hotels have changed ownership and/or have been renovated, and lackluster places have shut down. This guide incorporates many of the most exciting developments in lodging in the past year. One not-for-the-better change may have occurred at Bratislava's Hotel No. 16, which was recommended under the Bratislava hotel listings as a splurge. A recent visit turned up small problems with the hotel's Wi-Fi connection and in the freshness of the breakfast. Management handled the problems relatively well, and hopefully they will have it all sorted out by the time of your visit.

Talk with fellow Frommer's travelers on our Bulgaria, Poland, Czech Republic, Croatia, or Slovakia Forum today.