Hotel Story
Hotel Elizabeth had its predecessor, an inn called K červenéj hviezde, which was used mainly by business travelers. Towards the end of the 19th century, it ceased to meet the requirements of the developing city. The owner, Baron Armin Popper, decided to demolish the inn and build a new, modern, two-story hotel, which began its operations on January 1, 1902.
One of the first tenants was a waiter from Budapest, who chose the unique name of the hotel Elisabeth (Erszebet Szalo) in honor of Empress Elizabeth, the wife of Emperor Franz Joseph I, also known as Empress Sissi. The grandeur of not only the name, but also the building itself ensured the development of cultural and social life in Trenčín. Thanks to the regular organization of dance parties, balls, carnivals and performances by foreign artists, the hotel became a meeting place not only for the local elite.
The continuous development of the hotel is also indicated by the fact that in 1907 the gas lighting was replaced by electric and electric motors were also installed, which were used for ventilation. Since the owner, Baron Armin Popper, was a passionate gambler, he also had a casino built in the hotel. After losing all his property, Popper's father-in-law, the court knight Samuel Hahn, became the new owner.
During the First World War, the hotel was used primarily as a warehouse and accommodation for soldiers, who soon devastated the hotel. It was not until 1919 that Tatra Bank bought it and renamed it the Tatra Hotel. With the help of the experienced hotelier Ján Franek, the hotel managed to reach the pre-war European level again. Not only dramas and operas of the Slovak National Theatre from Bratislava, but also of the National Theatre from Prague were organized here. We must not forget the literary quarters, where important Slovak authors met, such as Ján Smrek, Milo Urban, Emil Boleslav Lukáč and many others.
Hotel Reconstruction
The hotel was closed from 1987 to 1994 for extensive renovation work. When the doors finally opened, guests were pleasantly surprised by its exceptional historical atmosphere. This comprehensive renovation further enhanced the beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. In 1991, the Tatra Hotel became the property of the city of Trenčín and over time, the Slovak-Canadian hotel company Atlific s. r.o. began to operate it.
From 2006 to the present, the hotel has been privately owned by a Slovak hotel company called Synot Gastro Slovakia s.r.o. From 2010 to 2012, the hotel underwent extensive reconstruction into a modern business and wellness hotel that will appeal to even the most demanding business clientele while preserving the original charm of Art Nouveau architecture and a unique historical atmosphere. After reopening, the hotel was given its old name - Hotel Elizabeth, to further promote its important role in the city of Trenčín.
