You’ve enjoyed a few days exploring Ljubljana and are now ready to move on, but with so many sights and activities for tourists to choose from, where should you go next?
For most visitors that come to Slovenia, Ljubljana will be their first stop. With its relaxed, cafe culture along the banks of the Ljubljanica River that winds through the city centre, it makes for the perfect place to start a vacation. But once you’re refreshed and have finished exploring all the wonders this beautiful city has to offer, where should you go next? And, more importantly, where should you stay? Here’s our top five hotel suggestions from across the regions of this small but diverse country.
This beautiful castle-hotel stands on a small island in the middle of the Krka River, it’s accessed by two wooden bridges to the north and south sides. On site you’ll find a world-class restaurant serving exquisite dishes from the finest produce available, as well as wines from some of Slovenia’s best producers and further afield. Swimming and golfing facilities are close by back on the mainland and a beautiful park surrounds the premises on the island, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the peace and tranquility. The hotel offers a number of different room packages to suit your occasion and they can also cater for weddings and business events. With its stunning location and a history that dates back to the twelfth century, Grad Otočec is ranked as one of the most famous hotels in Slovenia.
Grand Hotel Toplice
No top five list could be complete without the mention of one of Slovenia’s most popular attractions; Lake Bled. The Grand Hotel Toplice sits on the eastern side of the lake giving the perfect vantage point for views of both the castle and the island. Part of the Sava Hotels and Resorts chain, they provide a unique personal service for their guests and have all the luxury facilities one would expect, including a thermal pool and wellness centre, and even their own private beach. With four dining options to choose from you will have a wide selection of cuisines at your convenience; from light bites to traditional Slovenian dishes. Be sure to try the Bled cream cake, which is still made to the original recipe, all the while enjoying some of the magnificent views of the Bled scenery.
Grand Hotel Primus
Ptuj is the oldest recorded city in Slovenia and there is evidence that it has been inhabited since the late stone age. It also provided a stop along the ancient trade route between the Baltic sea and the Adriatic. A prominent landmark in the city is the 12th century castle that was built on the hillside overlooking the town to defend against the Hungarians. The Grand Hotel Primus, named after the Roman Emperor Marcus Antonius Primus, has everything one could wish for within their spacious and immaculate grounds. Golf and cycling packages can be arranged, as well as romantic or wellness breaks for those wishing to escape and pamper themselves. If you plan to visit Ptuj early in the year then you may get to experience the ten day festival, Kurentovanje, which usually begins a week before Shrove Sunday.
Hotel Jama
Despite being discovered many years earlier it wasn’t until 1819 that Postojna cave was first opened to the public. Train rails were added in 1872 and the first trains were pushed along by the guides themselves. By 1884 the cave also had electricity and its popularity with tourists continued to rise. Today, and with the help of an electric train, some 600,000 visitors pass through each year, bringing the total for the cave’s history to a whopping 38 million. Hotel Jama is situated close to the cave’s entrance and just a 45 minute car journey from Ljubljana. Following its refurbishment in 2016 the hotel now offers rooms and suites that are both stylish and welcoming, with stunning views of the Postojna region and beyond. With its onsite à la carte restaurant Hotel Jama is the perfect choice for a peaceful and relaxing getaway, where you can enjoy exploring the famous cave and its beautiful surrounding areas.
Hotel Piran
Just five steps away from the sea Hotel Piran is perfectly situated to provide its guests with all the splendour that this pretty medieval town has to offer. From its rooms and suites you can look out onto the glistening waters of the Adriatic sea; and just around the corner, from the peninsular, you can see the distant shores of both Italy and Croatia. The hotel boasts a century of hospitality and plays host to events throughout the year such as, gourmet weekends and wellness getaways. The town centre is believed to have been built in the 7th century and some significant parts of the fortification walls remain well-preserved. Piran is the also birthplace of composer and violinist Giuseppe Tartini, whose statue stands in the main square.
