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The Carlton was founded in 1837 as the Inn at the Three Green Trees. Its modern history began with its 2001 renovation after years of dereliction under Communism. Now Bratislava’s premier business accommodation, it has become a focal point of social events as well, from conferences and political cocktails to diplomatic retreats. Eight meeting rooms range from a dozen seats around a table to a 380-seat theatre-style auditorium. The Opera Brasserie restaurant, open all day, serves a la carte and buffet-style meals, while the Mirror Hall bar immediately to the left of the reception area is a smoky haven for entrepreneurs looking for pampered privacy.
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The biggest hotel news in Bratislava in 2005 was the August re-opening of the former Forum Hotel under the Crowne Plaza brand. Following its £12 million renovation, the Crowne now offers 14 meeting rooms, many of which can be merged into a combined space for 300 people, and guestrooms with special orthopaedically designed beds. A casino, nightclub, cigar lounge and well-equipped sports centre make the Crowne almost a destination in itself, but given its proximity to the centre of town, across from the Presidential Palace, guests are advised to at least stroll around the block before retreating to the lap of luxury.
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Everyone knows what to expect from a Holiday Inn, part of the InterContinental chain—efficiency, comfort and a business-friendly array of services. The meeting and conference halls in this hotel can hold 350, while wi-fi is standard in public areas and in rooms on the second floor. One drawback is that the hotel isn’t central but about a 15-minute cab ride from the Old Town. However, given that so much of the Bratislava business district is now located in the nearby Ruzinov suburb, the Holiday Inn may be more convenient than it seems. Pets are allowed and kids eat free.
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Possibly the best services you will find at a Bratislava four-star hotel, from wi-fi to 24-hour room service and a superb Italian restaurant. The Danube offers six congress rooms, three of which can be opened onto each other to seat about 100. They also allow video-conferencing and the establishment of a virtual LAN network between individual rooms. The Danube is a stone’s throw from the river of the same [name], and shares the stunning Hviezdoslav Square with the US Embassy, the Slovak National Theatre and a strip of great bars and restaurants. The offices of the American Chamber of Commerce on the 5th floor are a fund of information about the Slovak business environment.
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