Slovakia - Eastern Europe - page 625

in the hills. Most of Z ilina's restaurants are clustered around the Mariánske nám. in the
older part of town. Though they all have different names and slightly different menus,
they all serve the same nondescript food.
Astoria Similar to the Grand in terms of basic amenities and price, but perhaps a
tad less “grand.” Like the Grand, it's an older hotel dating from the early 20th century
that's been given a modern makeover. The Astoria's slight advantage might be location,
especially if you're coming from the train station, which is just down the road. Ask for
a room that fronts on the park or toward the rear to avoid busy Národná.
Národná 1. & 089/624-711. Fax [phone] units. 2,500 Sk ($83/£46) double. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities:
Restaurant; limited room service. In room:TV, minibar, hair dryer.
Grand A nicely refurbished, charming, older hotel just off of the Mariánske nám.
A thorough modernization in 2004 added the unexpected touch of Jacuzzis and air-
conditioning (rare for these parts) in some of the “Lux” rooms. Given the shortage of
good places to eat, the restaurant is fine for a meal. The rooms themselves are bright
and airy. The helpful reception staff can help you with basic directions if you arrive
on the weekend, when the tourist information office is closed.
Sládkovicova 1. & 041/564-3265. Fax [phone]. www.hotelgrand.sk. 43 units. 2,600 Sk ($87/£48) double;
3,000 Sk ($100/£55) Lux. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; limited room service. In room:Some A/C, TV, data-
port, minibar, hair dryer, Jacuzzi in some.
Trattoria Pepe This is the warmest, cleanest, and most inviting place to eat in
the center of Z ilina. Unlike the restaurants that line Mariánske nám, this small, fam-
ily-run Italian restaurant honestly cares about the food and the service. The pizzas are
Malá Fatra National Park
Though it lacks the natural drama of the High Tatras to the east, the Malá
Fatra highlands feel more rustic and relaxed. The pristine park is one of the
most popular in Slovakia for weekend mountain walks, bike rides, and in
winter cross-country and downhill skiing. If you have a few days to spend,
and are not rushing to those other mountains (the High Tatras), plan on
spending a couple of days here. The administrative center of the region is
Terchová, a long narrow village about 25km (15 miles) east of Zilina. Here
you'll find the main tourist information office (Ulica sv. Cyrila a Metoda 96;
& 041/599-3100; www.ztt.sk) as well as dozens of pensions and private
rooms. The tourist office sells hiking maps and can help book rooms.
The European Union has provided funding for an extensive network of
bike trails aimed at cyclists of all abilities. Throughout the region, you'll find
chaotic, downhill “adrenaline” rides as well as more level trails for simply
puttering around and enjoying the views. Pick up the pamphlet On the Bicy-
cle Across the Jánosík Region, available at the tourist information office
in Terchová. You can rent bikes at the Pension Malá Fatra in Terchová
(Druzstevná 176; & 041/569-5413 ).