HIDDEN GUEST: Radisson Blu Carlton Bratislava

A storied institution has been welcoming weary travellers and globetrotting politicians since the 13th century amidst Bratislava’s historical centre. Once a humble inn, the iconic hotel includes three buildings that once operated separately. The hotel was pompously inaugurated as the Carlton-Savoy in 1912 after the three buildings were merged. The renowned Slovak architect Milan Michal Harminc’s masterpiece boasts one of the city’s most recognisable Art-Noveau facades. The opulence drew guests such as Thomas Alva Edison, Alfred Nobel and Theodore Roosevelt. After WWII, the building fell into decay until reopening in 2001. The legendary hotel institution enjoys a prime location, within spitting distance of the National Theatre. Still today, Radisson Blu Carlton Bratislava is connected to the vibrance on the street. Its cafe, once a haven for writers and poets, still serves as a hub for convening. Thus, guests can walk out onto the street after breakfast on the breezy terrace. Carlton is the perfect address if you are particular about a hotel’s central location.

Bratislava enjoys one of the best locations in Central Europe, tucked in the East of Slovakia, just a half-hour drive from the Austrian and Hungarian border. Airports are close, too, with most travellers opting for the Vienna Airport, which has excellent connections to the rest of the world. From there, you can take a bus or train and elegantly reach the Slovakian capital within 30 minutes. Bratislava Airport, although less busy, is an even faster option. If you travel by car, the motorway from Vienna or Budapest will lead you directly past the city. As the hotel is in the strict centre, parking is not affordable. Hotel guests will have to pay 29 EUR per day. Thanks to the Danube, once the main artery for traffic across Central Europe, you can still reach the city by river. Numerous ferry lines operate from Vienna and Budapest, taking you to one of the central pontoons. Once at the hotel, you can take a brisk walk and see most of the landmarks. The cycling infrastructure in Bratislava could be revamped. Most cycling paths are not marked, and pedestrians often share their lanes. Regardless, the hotel has an incredible location in the heart of the pulsating centre.

The hotel has an unmistakable exterior. Its facade was meticulously renovated according to original plans from Milan Michal Harminc. Upon stepping foot in the lobby, the zeitgeist of the 20th century is apparent. The gold-plated chandeliers, elegant dark wooden furniture, and select tapestry ooze luxury. A similar style follows in the hotel corridors and restaurants. The architects paid homage to the original design whilst modernising the space during the hotel’s renovation two decades ago. Bratislava was home to numerous musicians and composers who found a place in this hotel. Artworks with their names hang from the walls. Radisson Blu Carlton’s design successfully evokes the time of Europe’s grand hotels at the turn of the century.

Quality service sits at the heart of great hospitality. At Radisson Blu Carlton Bratislava, they have mastered sincere, genuine service for their guests. Upon arriving, we were positively surprised by a kind, welcoming and young receptionist, who, despite being a trainee, masterfully guided us through the registration. The staff at breakfast was equally friendly. The gastronomy at Carlton Bratislava is focused on serving international classics. Although diverse, it does not feature local products. The management should consider highlighting authentic local dishes and their origin. As many ingredients are sourced locally in nearby restaurants, this could be among their first sustainable initiatives. The Mirror Bar is an experience in and of itself. With stylishly selected furniture in dark blue shades that pair with the greenery on the walls, the designers rendered it chic and modern. A hidden door opens up a new space, almost like a speakeasy. Many guests only come to Bratislava to taste the incredible creations at this otherworldly bar. To gain a competitive advantage in the future, the hotel will need to consider making its gastronomy more sustainable.

Hotel rooms

The former layout of the rooms is still evident today. The room’s high ceilings, spacious bathroom and quality furniture would befit any grand hotel. Upon stepping foot in the room, we were immediately impressed by the elegant dark furniture, typical of Radisson hotels, and the centrepiece, a comfortable bed with quality linen. The room’s trump card is its spaciousness. Even the basic rooms far exceed the average for city meeting hotels. Another highlight in the room is the pleasant illumination, especially around the work desk. The rooms facing the main street boast views of the lively main square, while the other rooms overlook the central inner courtyard with a zen garden. We were somewhat disappointed by the room’s wear and tear. After a decade since the last renovation, the rooms could do with an uplift. The bathroom, in particular, has a few rugged edges. The air-conditioning was unusually loud. Apart from that, the room is all one expects from a four-star hotel.

Meetings centre

We could easily see the hotel had been a meeting place for luminaries in the past. The halls, adorned with golden motifs and stucco elements, still appear majestic today. Six meeting halls are equipped with the latest and greatest in AV. The largest hall can accommodate up to 600 attendees in a theatre setting. One of the halls has a ceiling replicated after the Titanic. Event organisers can also host their event in the spacious restaurant, extending onto the terrace.

DESSERT – The extras

The hotel’s recently renovated spa and fitness area hopefully heralds the direction the hotel will go. Contrastively to the timeless design of the rooms, the sauna features bold, dark grey and black shades that pair seamlessly with the greenery of the tiny pine forest in the courtyard behind the glassed walls.

FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES

Although functioning well, we were still disappointed by the air conditioning. The management should strive to modernise the rooms, as they feel outdated. Our mini-bar was empty, which was unusual. Perhaps the hotel can consider creating a self-service bar.

TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES

The hotel service is impeccable. During breakfast, the staff strives to satisfy every guest. Perhaps because of their multitude or because they feel privileged to work in a hotel with such an illustrious history, the personnel exude sincere kindness.

SUSTAINABLE ENDEAVOURS

We did not come across any concrete sustainable activity in this hotel. We could not notice even the basic slogans to save water. Worse still, they use small shampoo bottles instead of dispensers in the bathroom. Sustainability seems to be the last priority here. In a time when numerous city meeting hotels are innovating and rolling out solar panels and energy-efficient devices, Bratislava’s premier hotel seems rooted in the past, where abundance and commodity were prioritised above sustainability.

There is no denying that Radisson Blu Carlton Bratislava is a classy historical hotel. However, the outdated rooms need an urgent revamp. What the hotel may lack in modern style, it makes up for with impeccable service. The staff are excellently trained and always willing to help or share advice. That is the essence of this hotel – reviving the golden era of hospitality when guests were treated as royalty.

Although not the most modern, Radisson Blu Carlton Bratislava can still rival city competitors thanks to its superb location, hotel service and respected history as a hotel institution. For those reasons, it remains one of the best choices when staying in Bratislava, particularly for event organisers, who can host events with a lofty touch. The spirit of the past is well-alive in this hotel.

FINAL GRADE: 4.77 TWO MEETING STARS ** City Meeting Hotel

3 MEETING STARS *** final score from 4.81 to 5.00
2 MEETING STARS ** final score from 4.61 to 4.80
1 MEETING STAR * final score from 4.41 to 4.60