"Detailed Review of Radisson Blu Carlton"

2025-11-19

This is a written version of a video review made to youtube and tiktok. Intro For our home abroad, we usually choose Radisson hotels thanks to our VIP status and all the perks it includes, like free breakfast and room upgrades. In Bratislava, Slovakia, we decided to stay at the Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel, a luxurious four-star property with a long and fascinating history. The site where the hotel now stands has hosted various forms of hospitality for centuries, starting with an inn called The Swan back in the 13th century. Alongside it operated another establishment named Three Green Trees. The owner, Ján Löw, had grand ambitions to transform his modest inn into a first-class hotel. With the help of architect Ignác Feigler Jr., he reconstructed the building and expanded it into a much larger, more elegant property. He later leased it to Jakub Palugyay, who renamed it The Green Tree. Under Palugyay’s leadership, the hotel quickly gained recognition across Europe. Fast forward to 1912, after the owner’s passing, the hotel underwent a major expansion and merger, rebranding as Carlton–Savoy, a name that still lives on today despite multiple ownership changes. Through the years, the hotel has seen both highs and lows, even closing for a time during the Soviet occupation, leaving the once-grand building to deteriorate.  Fast forward to 2001, it reopened after extensive renovations under the Radisson brand and has remained part of it ever since. Over the decades, its rooms and walls have hosted countless famous guests, including Thomas Edison, Alfred Nobel, Albert Einstein, and various royals, presidents, film stars, and rock legends. Lobby The lobby exudes old-world elegance, with chandeliers, columns, and an elegant white color scheme that gives the space a bright and clean look. A few art pieces decorate the walls, but the design clearly follows the less is more philosophy. While it’s not as grand as the lobbies of some Radisson Collection Hotels I’ve seen, it’s still beautifully executed. I especially loved the brown wooden reception desks that radiate timeless luxury. My only surprise was the limited seating, there’s no real lounge area, just a few chairs and tables for waiting guests. The hotel itself houses 169 rooms, a fitness and wellness center, conference facilities, a restaurant, and last but not least, the luxurious Mirror Bar, ranked among the Top 25 bars in the world, which I highly recommend everyone experience. Check-in was smooth and quick; the young receptionist was friendly and welcoming, and before long we were heading to our room. It wasnt a long stroll as our room was just a few steps away from the elevators. Premium Room - 615 - As soon as we stepped inside, we noticed how bright and spacious the room was. My wife immediately pointed out how nice it smelled, which is always a good sign. Another pleasant surprise was the thoughtful welcome gift: a bottle of sparkling wine, a banana, an apple, and a few breadsticks. A lovely gesture that instantly made us smile. The queen-size bed was a bit of a surprise since Radisson usually offers a king in this category, but it was comfortable, with soft sheets and a quality mattress that ensured four peaceful nights of sleep. The minibar was fully stocked with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, along with two complimentary water bottles. The room also included a capsule coffee machine, and since we had requested slippers (my wife refuses to walk barefoot on hotel floors), we found them along with bathrobes in the closet. Note that slippers and robes must be requested in advance unless you’re staying in a Junior Suite or higher, which was unexpected, as many Radisson Superior rooms include them by default. The bathroom was impressively spacious for a historical hotel, featuring a bathtub-shower combination and all the essential toiletries. As is common nowadays, the shampoo and body wash were in large refillable bottles. One of the crown jewels of this room was the stunning view from the French-style balcony. Overlooking Hviezdoslav Square, the largest square in Bratislava’s historic centre, you could see the Slovak National Theatre to the right, Bratislava Castle in the distance, and St. Martin’s Cathedral, the city’s oldest church. You simply can’t get much better views than this in Bratislava. All in all, it was a spacious, bright, and clean room. While you can tell it hasn’t been updated in quite some time and could use a little facelift, it was still well-maintained, and we enjoyed our four-night stay thoroughly. Mirror Bar This bar feels like another world, an experience worth having even if you’re not staying at the hotel. In a way, it’s a Bratislava landmark of its own. Ranked among the Top 25 bars in the world, it’s clear why. Upon entering, you’re greeted and escorted to your table, adding a sense of exclusivity from the start. The interior is breathtaking. If the lobby embraces minimalism, the bar goes in the opposite direction, it’s lush, dramatic, and immersive. The interior was designed by architect Lucia Ortutová, who led its renovation in 2019. Dark tones, historical ceilings, wooden frames, mirrors, and soft, moody lighting create a deeply atmospheric space. The most striking element is the full-size decorative tree in the centre, designed by florist Róbert Bartolen, the heart of the bar’s nature-inspired identity. Forest-green walls, hanging plants, deep wood panels, and botanical touches make the bar feel alive. Everything is thoughtfully designed, down to the smallest detail. Nature isn’t just a decorative theme, it’s part of the bar’s philosophy, reflected in the cocktails themselves, which use natural materials, aromas, and storytelling to engage all the senses. Each cocktail is both a taste and visual experience. They’re served with flair and often come with a short story from the server about the inspiration behind the drink. One arrived under a miniature bonsai tree; another came enclosed in a mossy glass box filled with smoke. It feels less like ordering a drink and more like watching a small performance. I have to praise the staff, who were outstanding. On our first visit, after waiting about ten minutes, I asked whether we should order at the bar. The server kindly told us to wait, and a few minutes later, she returned with a plate of snacks and two glasses of sparkling wine, apologizing for the short wait. That level of attentiveness is A++ service! She was warm, friendly, and professional, making us feel truly welcome. The next day we returned, and another server told us how much he loved working there, and it showed in his enthusiasm. The whole team radiated passion and pride. Gym The gym and wellness center were renovated recently, and it clearly shows. The design is modern and aesthetically pleasing, with stylish round ceiling lights and brand-new machines and weights. That said, I was surprised by the limited number of cable attachments, a small shortcoming for such a new facility. Still, there’s a solid selection of equipment for both upper- and lower-body workouts, plus the usual treadmills. The limited space is cleverly used, fitting a good mix of machines and free weights. The maximum dumbbell weight was 25 kg, which was perfectly fine for me since I usually lift around 26. There’s also a water dispenser for refreshment between sets. It’s not the most spacious hotel gym I’ve seen, but it’s modern, clean, and ideal for maintaining your fitness routine while travelling. Breakfast Breakfast was another highlight of our stay a pleasant contrast to the limited selection we recently experienced at Radisson Graz. Here, it was the complete opposite. Right upon entering, we noticed a few bottles of sparkling wine, a small touch that instantly adds glamour to the morning. The sweet section was rich, cakes, croissants, pain au chocolat, and muffins, along with plenty of fruits, cold cuts, and cheeses, including a Slovak specialty string cheese from Orava region. An interesting addition I’d never seen before was a DIY miso soup station, and even salmon, which is rare to find at hotel breakfasts abroad. The hot options were equally impressive, two kinds of sausages, bacon, beans, hash browns, eggs in various forms, and fried tomatoes. There were also warm pancakes for a sweet finish, and the breads tasted soft and freshly baked. This was one of those Radisson hotels offering an à la carte menu, which shows how much they value the breakfast experience. You could order freshly made dishes like avocado toast, eggs any style, porridge, or pancakes straight from the chef to your table. We especially loved the porridge, it was like heaven in your mouth. The breakfast room itself matched the hotel’s old-world charm, with high ceilings, chandeliers, and elegant curtains complemented by modern touches. It elevated the entire experience and made breakfast feel truly special. Overall, the breakfast was everything you could wish for, delicious, filling, and wonderfully varied. Of course, it can’t quite compare to the extravagant lunch-style buffets you find in Asia (like at Radisson Batam), but within Europe, this easily ranks among our top five Radisson breakfasts. Conclusion Our stay at the Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel Bratislava turned out to be everything we hoped for, a refined mix of history, comfort, and character right in the heart of the Slovak capital. From the moment we entered the elegant lobby with its chandeliers and white columns, we felt the timeless atmosphere of a place that has hosted travelers for centuries. The service was professional yet warm, setting the tone for a memorable stay. Our Premium Room combined historical charm with modern comfort. Spacious, bright, and well-kept, it offered one of the best views in Bratislava, a sweeping panorama of Hviezdoslav squqre and some of Bratislava’s most beautiful landmarks. While the interior could benefit from a light update, its cleanliness, comfort, and thoughtful touches, such as the welcome gift, more than made up for it. The Mirror Bar was undoubtedly the soul of the hotel, a destination in itself. Its dark, nature-inspired design and dramatic atmosphere created a perfect setting for some of the most creative cocktails we’ve ever tried. Every drink tells a story, served with both passion and precision. It’s no surprise it’s ranked among the top 25 bars in the world. Whether you’re a guest or just passing through Bratislava, this is a must-visit spot. The recently renovated gym and wellness facilities were another pleasant surprise. Though compact, the gym was equipped with everything needed for a solid workout, featuring new machines and a stylish design. We didn’t have time to visit the hotel’s spa this time, but it’s worth mentioning that it has also been newly refreshed, offering saunas and relaxation areas for guests seeking a full wellness experience. Finally, breakfast was a standout highlight, generous, varied, and beautifully presented. The buffet and à la carte combination made mornings something to look forward to. The extensive variety, from local specialties like Slovak string cheese to refined details like sparkling wine and a miso soup station, shows the kitchen’s dedication to quality and creativity. The classic dining room with its chandeliers and tall windows added a touch of grandeur that matched the hotel’s historic spirit perfectly. In the end, the Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel Bratislava is far more than just a place to stay, it’s a part of the city’s living history. It captures the essence of old Bratislava while offering the comfort and service expected from a leading international brand. Whether you come for a romantic getaway, a business trip, or simply to enjoy a cocktail at the Mirror Bar, this grand hotel continues to deliver the timeless elegance that has defined it for generations.

"Comfort and Luxury"

2025-11-18

Everything is perfect about this hotel. Location, staff at reception and also at the back end. Breakfast experience was amazing, room upgrade made my stay even more comfortable. I would love to come back and enjoy my weekend.

"The place to be in Bratislava!"

2025-11-17

Absolutely the best place in town. Fantastic team on duty, super professional & friendly. They know the business of hospitality a lot!

"Excellent stay"

2025-11-04

The reception team Natalia, Laura, Victor and Anita, Jasmin has always been incredibly efficient, professional, friendly, and welcoming. From check-in to check-out, the attention to detail and seamless handling of requests makes the entire process smooth, relaxing and stress-free. It is a pleasure to be greeted by such a friendly and dedicated team at the start of every stay.

"Wonderful stay"

2025-11-01

We stayed at the Radisson Blu for 3 nights in October. Arrived at the hotel early in the morning and our room was ready which was great. Staff at the check in desk were friendly and helpful. Room was spacious and clean and overlooked the square. Breakfast was lovely, lots of choice and again the staff were so polite and helpful. The hotel is within walking distance to pretty much everything you want to see. It was a shame you had to book to go into the bar in the hotel and couldn't just drop in when you got back after your evening out, because of this we didn't visit the bar. Would recommend staying here in beautiful Bratislava.