Hotel AquaCity Mountain View

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Honestly, when I first rolled up to Hotel AquaCity Mountain View on Sportova street, I wasn’t expecting much – the name sounds a bit generic, you know? But this place actually surprised me in the best way. It’s tucked right in the heart of Poprad, which is perfect because you’re literally walking distance from the main square and all those little Slovak restaurants that tourists usually miss. The mountain views from the upper floors are legit too – on clear mornings you can see the High Tatras peaks stretching out like they’re posing for postcards.

What I really appreciated was how the staff seemed to get that most guests are either heading up to the mountains or coming back down exhausted. Check-in was smooth (they speak decent English, which helps), and they actually give useful advice about which trails are worth your time versus the tourist traps. The rooms are solid 4-star quality – nothing fancy, but the beds are comfortable and the bathrooms are modern enough that you don’t feel like you’re roughing it. I mean, after a day of hiking around Spiš Castle or dealing with the crowds at Štrbské Pleso, you just want a hot shower and a quiet room, right? The sound insulation is pretty good too, though you might catch some street noise if you’re facing Sportova directly – it’s not terrible, just the usual small-city sounds.

The restaurant downstairs serves surprisingly good Slovak food alongside the usual international stuff, and honestly, their goulash is better than some places that have been doing it for generations. Plus the breakfast spread is generous without being overwhelming – they know how to do proper European breakfast with local touches. What really won me over though was the location’s practicality. You’re close enough to walk everywhere in old town Poprad, but when you want to head up to the mountains, the train station is just a few minutes away. Parking was straightforward too, which anyone who’s tried to navigate European city centers with a rental car will appreciate. The hotel sits at that sweet spot where you feel connected to the local scene but not overwhelmed by it – you can grab morning coffee at the café next door and chat with locals, or just head straight out for your mountain adventures. For the price point and that solid 8 rating, it delivers exactly what it promises without any pretense.