Staying at the 4-Star Crowne Plaza in Bratislava
I didn't even know where Slovakia was, so I asked a Czech colleague I could contact for a hotel recommendation, and they suggested just one place: the Crowne Plaza. Since I usually travel for leisure rather than business, I don't have many memories of staying in nice accommodations. After walking into the room, it was so spotless I almost worried if I was allowed to be in a place like this.
It's a 4-star hotel, and the last time I slept in a 4-star was eight years ago in Shanghai, China. But back then, a Shanghai 4-star wasn't your typical 4-star; it was more on the level of a 3-star or a motel in other countries. So, this was the first time I got to enjoy the thrill of staying in a true 4-star hotel since I started traveling.
It's just two bus stops from the train station, and the Old Town is right next door, making it a great hotel for sightseeing. Of course, I was here for work, so I was just grateful to have arrived at all, let alone go sightseeing, but I'd definitely want to stay here again if I come back.
These were all taken from my room. There's no spectacular view right outside, but that's totally understandable since we're staying in the cheapest room of a nice hotel.
That bridge far off in the center with the UFO-like top is actually called the UFO Bridge. Apparently, it got the name because UFOs were spotted there a few times, but the real reason tourists need to remember this bridge is that it's the stop for intercity buses (like the ones coming from Vienna). It's basically a transportation hub, so it's good to keep in mind.
They say UFOs were spotted or whatever, but that's not really my thing...
I haven't traveled everywhere, but one thing I've always felt is that you can get a sense of a place just by looking at the hotel breakfast or nearby morning eateries. If the hotel breakfast area is full of honeymooners or tourists, it's a pretty city where tourism is the main source of income. On the other hand, if there are a lot of business people, it's a place that's either pushing for economic and social development or has already fully grown and hosts lots of money-making meetings.
In Bratislava's case, though it's a small sample size, there were plenty of people waiting for breakfast while prepping for business. Everyone grabbed a seat and was either looking at their phones or reading the newspaper. I don't know the exact level of it all, but you can definitely feel that Bratislava is making a lot of economic efforts.