Bratislava has emerged as a new hot stag and hen weekend destination for the British about-to-be-wed crowd.

With the ascent of low cost flights through Bratislava-based Sky Europe and since November 2004, EasyJet Bratislava has received more attention as a stag market with UK operators and local tour operators introducing the destination and specialised Slovak stag tour operators emerging.

The Independent's February 2004 prediction that "All the ingredients for Slovakia's capital to become the latest party destination are in place," has be proven right. Increasingly groups of twenty to thirty-something gents and ladies are packing the London Stansted and London Luton to Bratislava flights to indulge in Bratislava's rich yet cheap hospitality scene.

Unlike businesses in Prague, Budapest or Amsterdam, Bratislava hotels, pubs, bars, restaurants have not yet had enough bad experiences with rowdy English stag dos to treat them with bans other harsh tactics.

Most hotels still welcome stag business - perhaps a sign of the immaturity of the accommodation services market.

There are certainly genuine bargains to be had on the hotel front, entertainment front and last but not least the price of beer front. Even after recent strengthening of the Slovak crown and price rises, which were expected to accompany EU accession in May 2004, a pint of lager can still be had at around 50 pence even in the picturesque and posh baroque Old Town.

Reputation of Slovak women's beauty and approachability by western men is no small boost to the city's attractiveness. Likely, as the destination continues receiving rave reviews in the international press and hordes of frolicking stags grow, the market will mature and be more cautious of stag weekend goers.

Better try for yourself before it's too late...

About the Author: Andrej Salner co-founded and contributes to two of Bratislava's largest tourism websites, www.bratislavahotels.com and www.bratislavaguide.com. Unsurprisingly, he lives in Bratislava, Slovakia.