The history of the Hotel Elizabeth in Trenčín dates back to the end of the 19th century, when an inn called K červenéj hviezde stood in its place, intended mainly for business travelers. However, with the development of the city, it ceased to meet the demands of modern times. Its owner, Baron Armin Popper, therefore decided to demolish the original inn and build a new, representative hotel. The new two-story hotel opened its doors on January 1, 1902.
One of the first tenants of the hotel was a waiter from Budapest, who named it Hotel Elisabeth (Erzsébet Szálló) in honor of Empress Elizabeth, the wife of Emperor Franz Joseph I, also known as Empress Sissi. Since its inception, the hotel has become an important center of cultural and social life in Trenčín. Balls, dance parties, carnivals and performances by domestic and foreign artists were held here, thanks to which the hotel became a meeting place for the local social elite.
The hotel was one of the most technologically advanced buildings of its time. As early as 1907, gas lighting was replaced by electric lighting and electric motors were installed for ventilation. Since Baron Popper was an avid gambler, the hotel also included a casino. After Popper lost his fortune, the hotel passed into the ownership of his father-in-law, the court knight Samuel Hahn.
During World War I, the hotel served as a warehouse and accommodation for soldiers, which significantly affected its condition. In 1919, the hotel was purchased by Tatra Banka, which renamed it Hotel Tatra. Under the leadership of the experienced hotelier Ján Franek, the hotel managed to once again reach the high, pre-war European level. The hotel once again became an important cultural center - theatrical performances of the Slovak National Theatre from Bratislava and the National Theatre from Prague were held here. Famous literary quarters also had their place here, where personalities of Slovak literature such as Ján Smrek, Milo Urban, Emil Boleslav Lukáč and others met.
From 1987 to 1994, the hotel was closed for extensive reconstruction. After reopening, it surprised guests with its preserved historical atmosphere and renewed Art Nouveau architecture. In 1991, Hotel Tatra became the property of the city of Trenčín and its operation was gradually taken over by the Slovak-Canadian hotel company Atlific, s. r. o.
Since 2006, the hotel has been privately owned by the Slovak company Synot Gastro Slovakia, s. r. o. In the years 2010 to 2012, it underwent another extensive reconstruction, which transformed it into a modern business and wellness hotel, meeting the requirements of today's clientele. The hotel has preserved its original architectural elements, Art Nouveau character and unique historical atmosphere.
After the reconstruction, the hotel returned to its original name, Hotel Elizabeth, thus continuing its rich history and continuing the tradition of an important social and cultural place in the city of Trenčín.
A historical reference from 179 is one of the few Roman written references that confirm the presence of the Romans in Central Europe. A Roman inscription on the castle rock below the Trenčín Castle celebrates the victory of the Romans over the Germanic Quadi.
"The victory of the emperors and the army, which was based in Laugaricium, numbering 855 soldiers of the II. Legion, was made by M. V. Maximianus, legate of the II. Auxiliary Legion."
The Roman inscription on the castle rock of Trenčín Castle is accessible exclusively from Hotel Elizabeth. The elevator next to the reception will take you to the 1st floor, where you will find it.
