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Among Europe’s most recommended tourist destinations can often be found cities such as London, Paris, Barcelona or even Rome. But certain cities located further East also attract their share of travellers looking for new and exciting experiences. A fascinating culture and history, unusual customs, foreign languages and a different pace of life: curious travellers have much to discover. The hotel price comparison website www.trivago.co.uk has put together a list of top-rated hotels in 10 of Eastern Europe’s most exciting and popular cities, with hotel prices starting as low as 15 pounds per night. From Tallinn and St. Petersburg to Bucharest and Sofia, travellers will be able to discover the serene charm of the East while staying in excellent hotels at unbeatable prices.
Here are the ten best rated hotels under 30 pounds in the most popular tourist cities of Eastern Europe, selected according to the ratings given by the travellers on trivago and its partner sites.
1. Hanza Hotel (Riga, Latvia)
The Hanza Hotel is an elegant city hotel in the centre of Riga. This former tenement building was originally built in 1901, and nowadays accommodates 80 individual rooms and suites. The hotel’s restaurant maintains the charm of an earlier era: sprawled across the massive stone walls are ancient maps recalling a time when Riga was still part of the Hanseatic League. The hotel’s advantageous location gives travellers easy access to Riga’s many cultural and historical monuments, as well as its exciting nightlife. By climbing the tower of St. Peter Church, located nearby, visitors will receive an unrivaled view of the city. In the evenings, after a relaxing walk along the banks of the Daugava river, travellers can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere of the city: between bar lounges, clubs and jazz cafes, there is certainly no lack of entertainment to be found.
2. L’Eremitage Hotel (Tallinn, Estonia)
L’Eremitage Hotel can be found in the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town. Modern building elements such as copper, glass, and steel form the essential design of the building. This three-star hotel and its natural surroundings are a perfect departure point for exploring the city: Tallinn’s Parliament Building is only a few minutes away on foot. This site should definitely not be missed, as travellers will receive a commanding view of both the city and its bustling port. In the evenings, the city comes to life, as tourists and locals mingle in the city’s restaurants, clubs, bars, and wine cellars.
3. Hotel Tilto (Vilnius, Lithuania)
Located close to the busy Gedimino Boulevard in Vilnius, Hotel Tilto combines modern furniture and rustic elements, such as brick walls, to create a particularly warm and inviting atmosphere. With only a few minutes walking, travellers will find themselves emerging into the main street of the Lithuanian capital, which is dominated by typical gothic and baroque building facades. A little further lies the Tower of Gediminas, the last remaining vestige of Vilnius’s High Castle ; from its summit can be enjoyed a panoramic view of the surroundings. At the end of the day, crowds gather in the Snipiskes district, where the curious will discover a large number of bars, theatres and clubs. And, once back at the hotel, they can enjoy one last drink at the hotel’s Guinness Bar before retiring for the night.
4. Hotel Venezia (Bucharest, Romania)
Hotel Venezia is a cosy little city hotel in the centre of Bucharest. The building was erected in 1928 and is comprised of 49 rooms. The warm colours and antique furniture are a highlight of this charming four-star establishment. Several of Bucharest’s most fascinating sights and attractions, such as the impressive Palace of the Parliament or the “Calea Victoriei“ boulevard, are located very close to the hotel. Not far away, at the end of the Kisseleff street, an Arc de Triomphe conjures an unexpectedly Parisian flair. To finish the day in style, visitors can enjoy a calm stroll through Park Cismigiu, one of the city’s greenest and most beautiful parks.
5. Hotel Vega (Sofia, Bulgaria)
Upon entering the modern four-star Hotel Vega in Sofia, guests are immediatly greeted by a grand and luminous hall. Beautiful leather furniture, bright colors and the carefully selected decor – such as black and white photographs on the walls – give the hotel a sophisticated, luxurious feel. Guests can reach the inner city via a nearby metro station, and a few minutes travel will bring them to the city’s most impressive attractions, such as the majestic orthodox Alexandre Nevski Cathedral or Boulevard Vitosha, which is famed for its many boutiques. A romantic candlelight dinner in the hotel’s elegant “Stara Sofia” restaurant promises the perfect denouement to a day in the Bulgarian capital.
6. 5th Corner Hotel (Saint Petersburg, Russia)
In the center of Saint Petersburg lies the 5th Corner Hotel – a historical building that dates back to the 19th Century and offers 49 individual rooms. The city is renowned for its numerous palaces and bridges, and the iconic golden cupolas of its towers. Not to be missed is the Nevsky-Prospekt, one of Saint Petersburg’s main arteries and one that combines historical charm with modern style. After a full day, guests at the 5th Corner Hotel can enjoy the fine dining and chic atmosphere of the hotel’s “Xren“ restaurant, where multicultural blends of Russian, European and Mediterranean cuisines are created.
7. Hotel Bristol (Budapest, Hungary)
Hotel Bristol les in the heart of the Hungarian capital. This four-star establishment benefits from an elegant yet familial ambiance. The esthetically pleasing building is comprised of white stones that are visible from the end of the street. Once inside, the hotel keeps its promise, with carefully chosen furniture and a beautiful chandelier in the lobby. There are countless sights and attractions to be found in this historic city, starting with the Danube river itself, but also Buda Castle or the striking parliament building. Bargain hunters will enjoy visiting one of Budapest’s many covered markets, while amateur photographers can immortalise the splendid illuminated bridges that criss-cross the entire city.
8. Falkensteiner Hotel Bratislava (Bratislava, Slovakia)
Visitors to the Falkensteiner Hotel Bratislava are immediately met with the trendy style of the hotel. The sleek design of the hotel is enhanced by sophisticated furniture, such as bright red leather couches that are inviting and comfortable. The hotel is located in a central part of the Slovakian capital, and is therefore an excellent place from which to explore the city. After touring the picturesque streets of Bratislava, travellers should definitely visit the medieval Michel gate and the gothic St. Martin Cathedral.
9. Hotel Haffner (Sopot, Poland)
The Hotel Haffner is located in the resort region of Sopot, in Poland. This luxurious four-star hotel includes a swimming pool, a spa with massage and beauty services, as well as an excellent restaurant, pub, and cafe. In Sopot itself, walking enthusiasts can enjoy the 512 metre-long harbour promenade, or the typically charming pedestrian avenues with their cafes and small boutiques. An amorous stroll along the beach is a wonderful way to round out the day. And for the more adventurous, the equally fascinating city of Danzig is only a dozen kilometres away.
10. Hotel Mons (Ljubljana, Slowenien)
Hotel Mons is a modern design hotel in Ljubljana. This four-star hotel is located in the western part of the city on a hill surrounded with vegetation. Thanks to the glass facade of the hotel, guests are always able to find a view of the natural environment. This ‘nature’ theme reflects itself as well in the conception of the rooms, in the choice of materials, and in the colours. The Slovenian capital offers its visitors many unforgettable experiences and attractions. A hundred or so steps are enough to reach the summit of the castle tower, from which the city vista reveals itself. In Ljubljana itself, dozens of cafes and bistros offer many places to stop and simply appreciate the calmness of Slovenian life. In the evenings, guests can sit back with a cocktail and watch the sun set over Ljubljana from the comfort of the hotel’s stylish “Atrium” bar.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
