In September Mrs JJ and I will be transiting Bratislava and Poprad (about 3 1/2 hours North by train) to visit Mrs. JJ family's ancestral home.
Any FT'ers have any recommendations on hotels and or restaurants in either city? Thanks for the help.

From my own website: Bratislava Info

In Bratislava, I've stayed at the Radisson SAS Carlton, which is ideally located in the heart of the old city, near many of the attractions including the Opera House, Cathedral, and castle. The room was large and very comfortable and I was very happy with my stay. I'd recommend the hotel.

Jersey Joe,

If you must stay in Poprad, the only decent choice is Aqua City outside CBD. But then CBD is a three-block street accessible only by foot. There are alternatives other than Poprad: 15-20 minutes away by car or train from Poprad-Tatry station is the High Tatras/Vysoke Tatry. There are several excellent hotels in the Tatras: Grand Hotel Stary Smokovec, Grand Hotel Praha, Hotel Kontact, Hotel Patria, etc.

In Bratislava, besides SAS Radisson there is the Danube and Devin Hotels, both of them are next to Austrian and US embassies.`

It is possible to fly directly to Poprad from London Stansted. Poprad is served twice weekly by SkyEurope.

JJ, if there is any way possible, skip the hotels and stay in the home of some locals. I don't think it can be stressed enough that this is the only way to truly have the Slovak cultural experience. I agree with the posters above that Slovakia is becoming more of a tourist destination (which is good for Slovakia) but at the same time the country is becoming more, how shall I say, internationalized. It's becoming harder and harder to find real Slovak food in restaurants, and it is certainly not in the hotels like the Radisson, though it may be a nice place to stay. That's just one example.

I really enjoy the culture here. There's so much more to it than sightseeing in the Stare Mesto (old town). Be sure and meet some of the people and get a real sense of who they are, though you, like me, already have a head start by deciding to be with one on a regular basis

I also recommend staying in Stary Smokovec rather than in Poprad. There's a fun gypsy restaurant in Stary Smokovec and the hotel should be able to point you in the right direction. I bought much of my crystal service in Stary Smokovec.

Just saw this thread. I agree with the Stary Smokovec recommendation.

In Bratislava I recommend Hotel Marrols very highly. It is a superb, cozy hotel with a wonderful staff and a great location. http://www.hotelmarrols.sk It's by far the preferred hotel among those I know who come here on a regular basis. But it can be pricey. If you stay here you and the Mrs. should check out the private spa. It's your personal retreat for 2 or 4 hours - you can order in the masseuse, there's a large whirlpool, dry sauna, wet bar, lounge chairs.