Turist Hotel, Ankara

Advantages: Cheap, reasonably cheerful, one of the city's better hotels
Disadvantages: Eastern Europe and Western Europe still differ a lot

...I went to visit Slovakia for a short break when I was living in Vienna, spending 3 nights in Bratislava, staying at the Hotel Turist (read on to see why the op’s called Hotel Filmstar). I was in quite a good mood when I arrived as my taxi had only ended up costing me 50p more than the hotel had said it should – quite an achievement I thought considering I don’t speak a word of Slovakian. The first thing I realized when I arrived, though, is that websites can lie. You probably knew this already, but I was a naive little teenager at the time and I thought that if a website said something, then it must be true. The following quotes come from their website ( www.turist.sk/ ). “Hotel Turist offers comfortable accommodation for favourable price in 99 double and triple rooms, which are equipped with bathroom, toilet... Read review

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Advantages: Something for everyone; easy to get around
Disadvantages: Very cold in winter; wine is expensive and can double the cost of your meal

...We have been travelling to Ankara at least twice a year every year for nearly nine years now, and I have grown to love the city even more than Istanbul. Ankara is very, very different to Istanbul and, in many ways, it is unfair to compare the two. So, why do I love Ankara? Basically because it provides all the things I want in a city (given that I'm not really a "city person"). Truly, it has something for everyone. If you want history, it's got it - from Roman ruins, to the Citadel (Castle), to Ataturk and the War of Independence, which lead to the founding of the modern Republic of Turkey. If you want grandeur, it's got it - even if you don't know the history, who can fail to be moved by Anitkabir, the imposing mausoleum built to honour Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. If you want iconic, modern buildings, it's got them... Read review

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Advantages: Good location, nice breakfast
Disadvantages: Poor maintenance

...I visited Ankara last summer (August) for 2 nights and stayed in this hotel. It was booked through Expedia and they state it is a four star hotel; well I haven't stayed in many hotels but surely in a four star hotel light switches should be properly attached to walls?! Anyway… Best Western International is the world's largest hotel brand with over 4,200 hotels in 80 countries. They are known for good standard hotels and service. In my short travels this is my second experience of a Best Western Hotel - the first was in Istanbul which I prefered. Getting there; I was travelling with 2 other people and we had come by coach from Istanbul - a long but wonderful trip due to scenery and service on the coach. Arriving at the coach station we were willing to take a bus to the hotel but with our limited Turkish and being tired out from... Read review

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