There are over 1000 hotels in Slovakia. Prices compare very favourably with Western hotels, though services and facilities are often more limited. There is a shortage of accommodation in the peak seasons (May to October, but especially during July and August), and it is wise to pre-book. As yet, a relatively small portion of the hotel network is made up of intermediate and top-class establishments. At present, higher-standard hotels are to be found primarily in Bratislava, in regional towns (such as Banská Bystrica and Kosice), in spas of national and international significance and in major tourist resorts (such as the High Tatras). Future developments and investment will result in upward reclassification of many establishments. The international 5-star system has recently been introduced for hotel classification. The present system is: 5-star, 4-star, 3-star, 2-star and 1-star. Visitors can expect rooms with a private bath or shower in hotels classified 3-star and upwards.

Motels can be split into four classes. In cheaper motels, every room is provided with central heating and a washbasin with hot and cold water; on every floor there are separate bathrooms and WCs for men and women. The more expensive motels are provided with the following extras: a lift, a bathroom or shower with every room, a radio receiver and, in some cases, a TV set. Car parking facilities are available in both types.

The Slovak Union of Rural Tourism and Agrotourism can arrange stays in private houses in the Slovak Republic throughout the year.

Chalet communities in many parts of the country are available in three categories. The cheaper chalets offer drinking water, WC and heating in winter. Some may provide meals. The more expensive chalets have the following extras: electric lighting, flushing WC, washroom with running water, laundry facilities and an outdoor recreation area.

There are a few hostels (mainly in Bratislava) affiliated to the International Youth Hostel Association in the Slovak Republic.

Campsites are split into four classes and have all the usual facilities such as showers, cooking amenities, shops and, in some cases, caravans for hire. For further information, contact the Federation of Camping and Caravanning in the Slovak Republic. Camping outside official sites is limited. Car camps: In the lower classes these have a car park, fenced-in campsite, 24-hour service, washroom, WC, drinking water and a roofed structure with cookers and washing-up equipment. Car camps in the higher classes are provided with the following extras: sale of refreshments, toiletries and souvenirs, showers with hot and cold water, flushing WC, laundry facilities, communal sitting room and a reception office.

Slovak Association of Hotels and Restaurants
Námestie Slobody 2, 974 01 Banská Bystrica, Slovak Republic
Tel: (48) 414 4669.
Website: www.zhr.sk/ang

Slovak Union of Rural Tourism and Agrotourism (Information on Private Houses)
Safarikovo nam. 4, 81102 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
Tel: (2) 365 185.

Slovakia Youth Hostel Booking
Vysoka 32, 81445 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
Tel: (2) 5273 1024.

Federation of Camping and Caravanning in the Slovak Republic
Tel: (43) 589 8122.

Information on Hotels and Camping Accommodation online
Website: www.travelguide.sk

Bratislava Hotels
Website: www.bratislavahotels.com

International Youth Hostel Association in the Slovak Republic
Website: www.ckm.sk