Bratislava has places that are deeply woven into its DNA. One of them is undoubtedly Crowne Plaza Bratislava on Hodžovo Square, directly opposite the Presidential Palace. A place that has shaped the standards of Slovak gastronomy and hospitality for decades has recently undergone a remarkable transformation. Following the celebration of its 20th anniversary under the Crowne Plaza brand, the hotel has revealed itself in its full glory – with completely renovated rooms and suites, redesigned public spaces, and a culinary concept that breathes international sophistication.
For many Bratislava residents, this building will forever remain “Forum.” Opened in the 1980s, Hotel Forum was a symbol of prestige and a window into the world of top-tier gastronomy. This rich history and high standards of service have remained at the heart of the property, even after it joined the global Crowne Plaza network two decades ago.
Today’s hotel, however, represents a step forward. The owners embarked on an ambitious, multi-phase renovation project aimed at bringing a fresh Nordic design language to Bratislava’s historic centre. In collaboration with the renowned Finnish design studio Vertti Kivi & Co, they succeeded in creating spaces that are minimalist yet warm and highly functional.
“This renovation was not about changing the appearance for the sake of change,” says Daniel Tomko, General Manager of the hotel. “It was about strengthening everything Crowne Plaza Bratislava has always stood for – a prime address, a strong service culture, and an experience that meets the expectations of today’s guest. We wanted to respect the building’s history while delivering a product that feels contemporary, relevant, and internationally competitive.”
The first wave of changes focused on the heart of the hotel’s social life – its public spaces. The breakfast restaurant Fresh! has been transformed into a bright, open venue where views of Bratislava’s awakening Old Town complement a modern approach to healthy cuisine. The true gem, however, is the redesigned Plaza Bar. Its flowing seating design evokes the movement of the Danube River, creating the perfect setting for both business meetings and informal networking.
The driving force behind the hotel’s culinary evolution is Executive Chef Lívia Danišová. Her signature style is now a bold fusion of Asian and local cuisine, enriched by a lifelong love of Italy. While bao buns were a recent favourite, Lívia is constantly searching for new inspiration and has introduced a concept that requires a healthy dose of culinary courage in a hotel setting.
“I enjoy combining things that would not normally be paired together,” explains the chef. “On our new menu, we currently serve beef tripe with an Asian sauce. In Asia, tripe is commonly eaten, while in Slovakia it is mostly known as a traditional soup ingredient.”
Lívia has fully embraced the nose-to-tail philosophy – the art of utilising cuts of meat and offal that have long been unfairly overlooked.
“At first glance, one might think that tripe, often perceived as an inferior ingredient, has no place on an à la carte menu. But it is precisely this search for potential in overlooked ingredients that fascinates me,” she adds.
For those seeking true tranquillity and discretion, the bar also houses a dedicated Cigar Lounge. Here, guests can enjoy a wide selection of premium cigars, whose aromas pair perfectly with carefully curated world-class rums and fine whiskies. It is a ritual that brings the atmosphere of old-world gentlemen’s clubs to Crowne Plaza Bratislava, reimagined in a contemporary design setting.
The greatest challenge came this year. While the hotel continued to welcome guests and operate at full capacity, an extensive renovation of all 224 rooms and suites was carried out behind the scenes. Undertaking such a project while remaining fully operational is a true test for any hotel team, but the results speak for themselves.
The new rooms have abandoned heavy decorative elements in favour of clean lines, premium materials, and a sense of calm that is so valuable in a bustling city centre. Every detail has been designed to support both productive work and deeply restorative sleep.
“The combination of design and our established hospitality standards ensures that the guest experience remains efficient, professional, and welcoming,” adds Daniel Tomko, noting that the modernisation of the physical spaces simply reinforces the hotel’s longstanding commitment to exceptional service.
The location of Crowne Plaza Bratislava remains one of its greatest assets. Guests are literally just steps away from the historic gateway to the city, within walking distance of the Presidential Garden and Bratislava’s main business districts.
Whether welcoming conference delegates taking advantage of its extensive meeting facilities or city-break travellers seeking four-star comfort, the hotel now offers a product that is perfectly aligned with its prestigious setting.
After twenty years under a global brand and decades as one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, Crowne Plaza Bratislava proves that it can age with grace. The renovation is more than an aesthetic upgrade – it is a promise that Bratislava has a hotel that honours its past while keeping its heart firmly focused on the future.
