HIDDEN GUEST: Rikli Balance Hotel

Bled is the most powerful of Slovenia’s iconic tourist destinations and is the country’s leading alpine congress destination. Tourism in Bled began due to its pristine nature and beneficial sub-alpine climate, which today still remains an unforgettable part of the alpine experience. Slovenia’s tourism gem is beautiful year-round, and especially so in the spring and autumn congress seasons. A large number of events take place in the Rikli Balance Hotel, which this year underwent extensive renovation that has completely changed the character of this legendary Bled congress hotel. Rooms, reception and the hotel lobby were all renovated with a whole range of authentic details adding to guests’ comfort.

The hotel is located in the centre of Bled with easy access to all the main tourist attractions. It is 49km from Ljubljana and only 36km from the Jože Pučnik international airport. In terms of air access, therefore, it shares the fate of all other Slovenian destinations. The hotel’s car park offers enough space for smaller events, whilst for larger events parking can be arranged nearby. Access to the hotel is clearly marked.

The hotel’s design is an excellent example of modernist architecture and is nicely embedded in a natural area with a park and mighty trees. Such architecture is timeless whilst at the same time functional, since it combines the principles of modernist functionalism. Despite its size it doesn’t appear too overwhelming, to the contrary, its light facade, which is bisected with wooden balconies, beautifully blends in with the landscape. Guests particularly appreciate the lush hotel park, which offers shade and a place for outdoor team activities.

Rikli Balance Hotel is the cream of Sava Hotels and throughout its existence has provided a training ground for numerous of Bled’s tourism personnel. The hotel’s employees greatly contributed to raising the hotel’s name and recognition throughout the years, and part of that spirit and charm can still be felt today. Employees are exceptionally friendly and professsional, and some of them even exceed expectations. There is a very diverse selection of food at breakfast, which includes an interesting ‘green’ breakfast with food that is traceable and of local origin. The range of facilities is complemented by the superior congress catering service, which in recent years has been enhanced in accordance with the philosophy ‘Green for tomorrow’. Another new ‘must try’ in Bled is the best ice-cream in the world. The already legendary ice-cream, with a flavour of Bled’s famous cream cake slice (kremšnita), has now twice won the title in the competition for the world’s best ice-cream destination.

The architects designed the hotel’s renovation in harmony with nature as well as with a feeling for local tradition. Following renovation the hotel rooms radiate a new image which is inspired by typical motifs from the local area – Slovenian beekeeping, the tradition of iron forging from Kropa, wood, and the tradition of Lectar honeybread hearts from Radovljica. These features appear in the detail of the decor and the use of natural materials. Special emphasis has been placed on features for business guests, such as spacious working areas and storage areas.

The congress centre surprises with what must be one of the world’s best views. The hotel rooms are well furnished and clean, however, they are slightly tired in places in contrast with the expected standards of congress guests. The price to quality ratio is appropriate. All areas offer free wireless internet, which functions seamlessly.

The main added value of Rikli Balance Hotel is the Živa Wellness Centre. Its ambience is attractive, the water is clean, and the staff are friendly and efficient. Even more infrastructure ideal for incentive programmes can be found close to the hotel, including the Bled Adventure Park, a number of playgrounds and, best of all, glorious nature.

The hotel’s breakfast is the strongest part of its range of cuisine, however, there is still room for further improvement in quality and variety in this area.

Friendly and dedicated staff who take care of their customers’ well being. The project “Green for tomorrow” is gradually being introduced, which encourages guests to be responsible during their stay at the hotel. When organising events the hotel strives to produce as little greenhouse gas emissions as possible.

There are few hotels in Slovenia with such a long tradition and long-standing guests who frequently return to Bled. Following renovation, Rikli Balance Hotel is a classic hotel that gets under one’s skin for all the right reasons. The changes introduced by the recent renovation are welcome, but have not stripped the hotel of its spirit. This is an ideal hotel for sworn lovers of style and a place where time slows down and almost stops, which is perfect for those wishing to concentrate and carry out in-depth work at business events.

The hotel’s congress centre is the heart of Bled’s range of congress facilities. Numerous important events take place there, among them the annual Bled Strategic Forum. The hotel stands on a small rise above the centre of Bled and offers views of Lake Bled, Bled Castle, Bled Island, and the Julian Alps. Due to the large glass areas in the congress hall, participants feel as if the event is taking place in the middle of a Bled postcard and are amazed by the stunning views from the central Jupiter hall.