Park Inn Danube, Bratislava

In many cities, a place like the four-star Hotel Danube wouldn't make the EuroCheapo listings. Put plainly, it's not a cheap hotel by any stretch of the imagination.

Given the nightly rate for a standard "business" double, one might expect something amazing or at least edgy in room aesthetics. Disappointingly, the hotel’s 265 rooms are extremely average, not luxurious by any stretch. Expect gray and white wall-to-wall carpets, utilitarian bed units and grass-hued bedspreads. These furnishings are neither luxurious, but rooms do feature flat-screen TVs, direct dial phones, and free Wi-Fi. In place of a mini-bar, the Hotel Danube offers a mini-basket brimming with candy and other snacks.

The Danube's top-notch bathrooms save the day somewhat. There are lovely black stone sinks and counters, spotless tiling, and clear glass shower dividers. The bathroom lighting is also quite nice.

Why choose the Danube? Well, Bratislava is a city with a real dearth of moderately-priced hotels. In this context, the Hotel Danube has much to offer. It is stunningly well located—situated across the road from the Danube River itself at the foot of Staré Mesto. (It's also close to the departure point for the hydrofoil to Vienna.) And common spaces benefit from the hotel's many amenities, which include conference rooms, a fitness center, sauna and spa.

The hotel's breakfast is expensive. Note that air conditioning is centrally located, so to change the temperature you have to speak with the staff.