The reconstructed Danube hotel at Hviezdoslavovo square in Bratislava’s Old Town has stirred strong controversy following the unveiling of its new facade. Renowned Bratislava architect Ingrid Konrad strongly criticized the new design of the hotel, saying it spoils a prime location in the city. She asked the construction office to investigate if the facade complies with the construction permit. She also said that the investor, Russian company Omega Investments, did not need a planning permit for the reconstruction since it only intended to insulate the facade, according to Trend.sk. The conservation office said that the investor did not discuss the facade with it. The mayor of the Old Town, Radoslav Ševčík, said that the hotel will not get a use permit and hopes the design can still be changed. Omega Investments bought the hotel from BRC Property in 2013 and originally planned to tear it down and build a mixed-use scheme called Bratislava River Center on the site.
