Ljubljana, Slovenia Direct flights from London Gatwick with Easyjet, +386 1 308 70 00 email
When Rob and I started planning our winter getaway in Slovenia, the first step we took was to decide where to stay in Ljubljana – and it wasn’t as easy as I thought it was going to be. I wanted something modern, luxurious and with a good breakfast (as far as we’re concerned, that’s one of the most important things!), and it was a good hour’s worth of searching before I found Hotel Lev. I knew immediately I was on to a winner. This 4 star hotel is perfectly located just a few minutes’ walk away from the Old Town, contemporary and luxury, but not too ‘corporate’ – there were plenty of business meetings going on while we were there, but it didn’t feel at all like a business hotel.
We arrived in Ljubljana at around 9pm, and after an incredibly smooth airport exit and transfer, we arrived at the hotel to a warm welcome. The moment we entered our room we were blown away – the hotel knew it was our anniversary, and had welcomed us with a couple of bottles of Slovenian fizz, a personalised letter and a few gifts – a truly lovely gesture.
We had a few glasses to celebrate before making our way to the Old Town, a five-minute stroll through some beautiful squares and shopping streets. The hotel’s restaurant was still serving quite late, and the menu was very appealing, but we had enough energy and only a few days in the city, so decided to eat out.
The bars lining the Ljubljanica river were still buzzing, so we had a few drinks and a light snack while we took in the atmosphere, before returning to our super-cosy, super-comfortable, super-stylish and super-spacious room for a great night sleep. Does it sound like I was impressed? I was impressed.
The room
Our room was very generously proportioned. The living area with a sofa and chairs was separated from the sleeping area by sliding doors, and each section had a large full-width window for great views. Unfortunately my photos are a bit dark as it was night-time when I was shooting, but it hopefully gives you an idea of just how beautifully done the room is.
The view over Tivoli Park from our bedroom at the Hotel Lev
Next morning, I got all geared up and headed to the hotel’s newly refurbished gym, which is located by the spa. Unfortunately I didn’t have time for a treatment (next time!), but a gym workout was a great start to the day, and as I was about to find out it’s a good thing I got rid of all those calories as the buffet breakfast was one of the best I’m yet to have. Rob, by the way, would like you to know he also went to the gym, honest.
Breakfast
I had read that the breakfast at Hotel Lev was good, but really it was outstanding! A huge variety of cold meats, eggs three ways, cereals, fried bacon and sausages, two types of pancakes and the most wonderful cakes you could imagine – they had it all! Oh, they also had a very healthy section with lots of grains, yoghurts and fruits too – but just look at these cakes!
The lowdown
Hotel Lev is a 4 star hotel with 146 rooms, 16 of which are suites, an award winning restaurant, and a gym, and quite honestly one of the best hotel breakfasts I’ve experienced. The staff were always friendly and very professional, and made us feel at home at all times. I highly recommend it.
nb: our stay at the Hotel Lev was complimentary, but as always all opinions are our own.
