Hotels in Slovakia:

Country information Slovakia:

Exceptional scenery and a rich cultural heritage, combined with natural, warm hospitality – this is what awaits visitors to the young Republic of Slovakia.

In January 1993 former Czechoslovakia was replaced by two independent states, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, in a peaceful process – since that time, Slovakia is an independent republic and separated from the Czech Republic. Today Slovakia disposes of an upcoming economy and a large industrial base, and is a part of the European Union since May 2004.

Slovakia offers the visitor a multi-faceted and enchanting country. It possesses a rich cultural and historical patrimony, as witnessed by the sites protected by UNESCO. It is, however, the beauty of nature, which - first of all, strikes visitors.
The West and the East of the country are dominantly taken by mountains and hills with broad river valleys. The Carpathian Mountains, with the appropriate Tatras, assign the scenically picture in the North. The densely wooded High Tatras are the worldwide smallest high mountains and offers the whole alpine repertoire on the smallest space.
On an area of only 780 square kilometer – 550 m² account for Slovakia, the rest for the neighboring country Poland – there are 25 peaks with more than 2.600 meters and stark cliffs change with tender valleys. Towards the South, the Lower Tatras and the Slovakia Erz Mountains follow.

In winter, because of abundant snowfalls, skiing becomes a favorite sport. The exceptional natural environment of the Tatras is an insider’s tip among skiers from neighboring countries as well as Western Europe. Last but not least because of the very reasonable prices, the Slovak regions can compete against the traditional alpine regions better and better. Long slopes with optimal gradients promise marvellous ski-runs and on the wide net of cross-country ski runs the beauty of skiing can be perfectly savoured.
Another activity enjoyed in the mountainous regions of Slovakia is hiking which allows the visitor to discover the impressive landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains and to take advantage of the national parks and state nature reserves with their treasures of flora and fauna.

On the Slovak territory, there are furthermore 4.000 caves and ice caves. Some rank among the biggest publicly accessible ones in Europe and should not be missed.
Also the numerous castles and palaces, which are picturesquely spread as contemporary witnesses over the whole country, are worth a visit. The most famous construction is the Castle of Zips (Spišský hrad) – the biggest castle in Central Europe.

The touristy figurehead par excellence is the capital Bratislava, which is, due to its closeness to Austria and Hungary, also a popular goal for day trips.

The altogether six Best Western Hotels are located in interesting cities or quaint vacation regions and offer perfect starting points for holiday and recovery.

Facts Slovakia:

Capital: Bratislava
Area: 49.040 km2
Inh.: aprox. 5,3 mio
Int. Dialing Code: +421

Daylight savings time (CET +1): 28. 3. – 31. 10. 2010

Currency:
Euro (€) divided into 100 Eurocents

Rate of exchange:
1 US$ ~ 32,30 SKK 1 SKK ~ 0,030 US$
1 € ~ 38,9 SKK 1 SKK ~ 0,025 €

All rates are quoted in Euro (€).
Invoices will be in SKK at the applicable exchange rate at that time.

Road subject to toll: on highways and expressways a toll sticker (vignette) is obligatory (available for 1 or 7 days, 1 month or 1 year)

Helpful links:

• International Airports in Slovakia: Bratislava (12 km from city center, www.airportbratislava.sk), Košice (6 km from city center, www.airportkosice.sk)
• Automobile club: www.satc.sk
• Train timetables: www.zsr.sk
• Cruises on the Danube: www.lod.sk
• Rental cars: www.hertz.sk