Hotel review: Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel, Bratislava

Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel, Bratislava
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01. Trip report introduction
02. Ryanair 737-800 economy class, Stockholm Skavsta to Niš
03. Hotel Sole, Niš
04. Exploring Niš
05. Ryanair 737-800 economy class, Niš to Bratislava
06. Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel, Bratislava
07. Getting from Bratislava to Vienna Airport
08. Austrian Airlines E195 economy class, Vienna to Oslo
09. Ethiopian Airlines B787 Dreamliner economy class, Oslo to Stockholm
10. Trip summary
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Location of Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel in Bratislava

After sightseeing for a couple of hours, I went to Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel, and my room for this night in Bratislava. What a difference from Niš! A cold receptionist handed me my room key without smiling, and tried to sell me breakfast for the next day (for another €18). I had only travelled an hour away from Serbia, but I was far from the Serbian hospitality. Maybe I would've been greeted in a friendlier way if I had chosen a smaller and more personal hotel instead of a chain. But I chose Radisson as the location was perfect - smack dab in the heart of the Old Town, and really close to the bus station where I would take the bus to Vienna early next morning. Another factor was that Radisson would give me a sizable bonus for my SAS loyalty program. (A bonus which I never received by the way, so that didn't really work out. Hotel Sole wins on walk-over against Radisson...)

I went to my room, on the seventh and top floor. I was hoping for some good views, but I saw on the floor plan that none of the rooms here had windows towards the square in front of the hotel.

The excitement is rising - what will the room be like?

730 - here goes!

This doesn't look bad! It sure seems spacious!

The first thing I noticed was that the room was really spacious, and the light was also a bit better than in Niš. The furniture was good as well. Comfortable bed, an armchair and a decent working space. There doesn't really have to be much more than that IMHO. There was also a minibar, a safe and instant coffee, but I didn't use any of it, since I was only here for one night (checking in late, and departing early the next day). I was tempted to try the room service for something to eat, since the prices weren't that steep. (Actually far from the €18 breakfast.) But I went out to a supermarket to buy a sandwich instead. Better save the rest of my budget for Norway... ;)

Comfortable bed!

From the other angle

That is one ugly armchair. But I had to try it out - it was actually really comfortable. 

View from the room - not that exciting...

Working space

A Gideons International New Testament - props to Radisson!

Looking back towards the hallway - let's take a closer look at that cabinet!

Minibar and coffee

Safe and hangers

The bathroom was nice and clean. I've stopped bringing my own shower gel and shampoo when travelling - it's a little exciting to see what the toiletries will be like, but at Radisson, they were perfectly fine and smelled nice.

The bathroom

I think this is the first selfie of this Europe Tour trip report - just want to make sure that you don't think I've outsourced the travelling and only do the writing ;)

One more picture of the sink. The shower is to the left here

Good shower. I was tempted to take a bath, but I resisted and headed out to explore Bratislava Castle instead

Good toiletries - especially the bath soap smelled nice

Just like in Dubai, the AC was a little noisy, but it wasn't a big problem. I had a good night's sleep, and the next day, I woke up early, checked out and walked to the bus station. The "hard product" of the hotel met my expectations. The soft product, on the other hand - the staff and the lack of loyalty points - was definitely sub-par. Would I stay here again? Doubtful. This hotel is cheaper than many other Radissons, but I'm certain there are other hotels in Bratislava that are both better and cheaper. You can't beat the location, though. 

Reception area