Bratislava

I shuddered as I read mixed reviews about our next hotel, Bratislava’s Kyjev Hotel. I couldn’t help but want to stay there at its discounted rates but after belatedly reading reviews I began to question the intelligence of this decision. From the outside the building looked more a communist relic that a hotel, a giant grey building that overlooks much of the neighbouring streets of Slovakia’s capital.

Fearing the worse we entered the room and although it had its flaws, at the price we really couldn’t complain as it was after all a cheap place to get our heads down and an opportunity to save some money in the process. For any young people passing through the hotel is ideal, I just wouldn’t recommend the place to honeymooning couples. The WIFI, pool, impressive breakfast and cheap bar all added bonuses.

Again, arriving at a destination on a Sunday evening wasn’t planning perfection. With the large Tesco complex next door shut, we were once again forced into the hands of Ronald Mcdonald.

Looking out our sixth floor window was a beautiful view of the city’s skyline with the bright lights of the castle shining forth looking down on the streets below. To the left drab communist housing blocks still stand strong and to the right the beautiful orange roofs of the cities old town. Once again the conflicting identities of a cities past standing side by side.

A short walk into the Old Town and we were dazzled. Tidy apartments overlook the quaint cobbled streets lined with cafes and restaurants. The rush of the city is nowhere to be seen as people saunter from cafe to cafe at their whim. On the edge of the beautiful Old Town stands the castle. A magnificent structure rebuilt in the 1960s after the old one was destroyed by fire. The castles location, perched on top of a hill offers some stunning views across the city. Numerous other churches and landmarks also exist across the old town.

Although the Old Town only accounts for a fraction of the cities area, it definitely makes the city worth a visit. Bratislava is right up there with other European cities in terms of beauty spots, a real gem.