Best hotels in Slovenia: where to stay, from Lake Bled to the coast

Tito's summer residence

Vila Bled was the summer residence of the Yugoslav leader Tito and stands in a large park on the south shore of the lake. It has its own jetty and bathing area, and the view of the island and castle is among the best on the lake.

This is our romantic pick, for travellers who want peace and history. The interiors keep much of their 1940s and 50s style, and some rooms are simple for the price. Take a rowing boat from the jetty and cross to the island early, before everyone else.

A thermal pool by the lake

Grand Hotel Toplice has stood at the water's edge in Bled for more than a century, looking straight across to the island and the castle. It has an indoor pool fed by thermal water and its own lakeside bathing area.

This is our family pick, with a central spot on the promenade and swimming indoors and out. The style is classic and somewhat old-fashioned. The promenade outside is busy by day but quiet in the evening.

The view from the hill

Triglav Bled is a small hotel in a restored early 20th-century house on the slope above the lake, near the parish church. From the terrace and many rooms you look across the lake to the island and the castle.

It suits couples who want a personal hotel with good food and a little distance from the promenade. It is a short, steep walk down to the water. The restaurant uses produce from farms nearby.

Wellbeing on the promenade

Rikli Balance sits on the lake in central Bled and is named after Arnold Rikli, the Swiss natural healer who turned Bled into a health resort in the 19th century. It has a large spa with pools and saunas, and many rooms have a balcony facing the lake.

It suits travellers who want to combine walks around the lake with long afternoons in the spa. It is a large, modern hotel with little charm from the outside. Its spot on the promenade, though, is hard to beat.

Art nouveau by Prešeren Square

Grand Hotel Union opened in 1905 and is one of the city's finest art nouveau buildings, right by Prešeren Square and the Triple Bridge. It has an indoor pool and a grand cafe on the ground floor.

This is our first-timer pick, with the old town on the doorstep. Rooms in the oldest wing have the most character. Cross the Triple Bridge in the evening, when the riverside cafes light up.

A rooftop pool in the old town

Vander Urbani occupies four old houses in the old town by the river, with modern design inside and a small rooftop pool. Its restaurant is well reviewed.

It suits travellers who want to be in the thick of riverside life. Rooms are small, and weekends can be noisy from the street. The roof terrace is the place for a drink before dinner.

Clean-lined design in the centre

Cubo is a design hotel in the centre, with clean lines, dark tones and large windows. It is a few minutes' walk from the old town and the river.

This is our design pick, and guests rate its service and breakfast highly. There is no spa or pool. In return, the whole city is within walking distance.

The view from the top

InterContinental is the city's tallest hotel, with a restaurant and bar on the top floors and views to the castle and, on clear days, the Alps. It has a spa and large, modern rooms.

It suits travellers who want familiar standards and a view. It is just outside the old town, around ten minutes on foot. Have a drink in the top-floor bar at sunset.

The palace by the sea

The Palace in Portorož was built in the early 1900s and has been restored, with a new wing, a large spa and pools. It sits on the seafront promenade, and Piran is a short trip along the coast.

It suits travellers who want a few days of coast and spa. Portorož is lively in summer, with beach clubs and a casino. Walk or cycle to Piran in the afternoon and stay for the sunset.

Medieval roots and lace

Kendov Dvorec is a manor house with medieval origins in a small village near Idrija. Rooms are furnished with antiques and local lace, and the garden looks out over the valley.

This is our pick for peace, for a couple of nights in the countryside between Ljubljana and the Soča Valley. There are few rooms and little to do in the evening beyond dinner. That is exactly the point.