How to Find Luxury Hotels in Slovakia

Spectacular mountains and natural caves make Slovakia stand out in central Europe. Brimming with medieval towns and castles dating back as far as the Neolithic period, Slovakia's Old World charm regularly steals the spotlight from its more famous neighbors. World travelers agree that any spot that can outshine neighboring Austria, Poland and Hungary is well worth a visit. Follow these steps to start planning yours.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access for making reservations

Book Your Lodging in Slovakia

1. Book your accommodations in Slovakia by calling the Slovak Tourist Board at 011 ([phone], or by visiting their Web site (see Resources below).
2. Live like a Soviet dignitary for a day or two when you stay at the famous Hotel Kyjev in the center of Bratislava. Its distinctive Soviet idiosyncrasies create an atmosphere of luxury and intrigue.
3. Secure mid-range accommodations in the center of the Slovakian capital to enjoy convenient access to the city's many medieval castles.
4. Splurge on luxury accommodations just outside of town to enjoy panoramic views of Slovakia's mountain ranges, lakes and castles.
5. Discover the luxury of staying in one of Bratislava's signature Slovakian hostels. First-class accommodations in other cities won't surpass the hospitality of these affordable hidden treasures.

Know Your Destination

6. Know that the Slovakian landscape plays host to some of the most striking mountain vistas and crystal-clear lakes in all of Central Europe.
7. Realize that while the summer and fall in Slovakia are remarkably comfortable, winters will require rain and snow gear.
8. Expect the majority of over-30 locals to speak Slovak exclusively, except in the capital city of Bratislava where English and German are fairly prevalent.
9. Enjoy the ease with which euros and American dollars are exchanged for the koruna, Slovakia's national currency.

Organize Transportation

10. Fly budget airlines into Slovakia at Bratislava's M. R. Stefanik International Airport. Bratislava's excellent public transportation system will take you from the airport to downtown in a hurry.
11. Enjoy major airline service to nearby Vienna International Airport, which is less than 40 miles from Slovakia's capital city.
12. Know that in Slovakia you must purchase your bus and tram tickets before boarding--drivers do not sell them.

Tips & Warnings

• International phone numbers here include the U.S. international prefix "011." When calling internationally outside the United States, substitute that "011" with "00."
• All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.
• Understand that it's a common (though illegal) practice for Slovakian hotels and mountain chalets to charge "foreigners" a higher rate than locals.
• Avoid poor exchange rates outside of Slovakia by buying your koruna after you arrive.
• Tread lightly when discussing the nation's history with Slovakians--their status as citizens of an independent country is quite new. Some locals are more sensitive about it than others.
• Buy train tickets between Slovakia and Austria in Slovakia, not Austria (or pay double the price).
• Bus and tram ticket vending machines accept Slovak coins only.