HIDDEN GUEST: Hotel Vander

Vander stretches through four old houses of 20 rooms by the tiny Krojaška (tailor) street in the old town. The story of the hotel was written by its owners – a Slovenian architect and an Australian economist – who upon their return to Europe embarked on a project of the transformation of the flats into a superior hotel. In addition to engaging world-class architecture and design they have also managed to get themselves amongst the company of the 200 best hotels with a great story befitting the Design Hotels chain. With a superb restaurant the hotel has quickly established itself as one of the best hotels in Ljubljana and it is also increasingly the heart of both social and corporate events.

The boutique hotel is hidden right in the bosom of the old town and if you do not know what you’re looking for you can quickly miss it. It is nestled in the narrow Krojaška (tailoring) street, just a few steps from the Ljubjanica river in an area that is defined by a cluster of cozy cafés and restaurants. The old part of the town where the hotel is based is closed to traffic, but for guests coming by car, parking space can always be found in the nearby garage at the Congress Square.

The hotel was designed by the architectural duo of Sadar and Vuga, and thanks to them this is the first true design hotel in Ljubljana. On the one hand, it appears very Ljubljana-like, while at the same time also very cosmopolitan with its minimalist interior. The architects have achieved the feeling of space with the use of mirrors. The hotel is extremely functional and despite its relatively small size, it is richly furnished. The specialty of the interior reaches a peak on the ground floor with the paving made of various types of marble, reminiscent of the old Venetian palaces. Beyond this, the architecture is dominated by concrete, glass, natural wood, mirror, and stone, which tie together the four houses that make the Vander hotel a logical whole.

One of the best Slovenian chefs, Frenchman Benjamin Launey, is a sure bet for superb cuisine. His dishes consist exclusively of locally grown ingredients, followed up by fusion principles applied to the interpretation of traditional Slovenian dishes. The menu changes throughout the seasons and is accompanied by one of the best wine lists in town coming from the hotel’s own wine cellar.

The food here is a pure pleasure and an experience, complemented by a top team who bring a smile and a high level of professionalism.

The rooms in their purple-blue-gray shades are very modernly equipped and reflect how the architects have toyed with the combination of soft and reflective. Guests sleep under bedding from the luxury brand Frette, whilst in the bathrooms, the top cosmetics of Molton Brown are there to freshen you up. On top of that, the furniture is from the Moroso brand, with specificity in the box of wishes something that Sadar and Vuga architects have designed especially for the hotel.

The space for organising events includes a smaller conference room on the hotel roof and a large terrace. For this reason, the hotel is an attractive location for cocktail receptions al fresco and other showcase events.

DESSERT – Additional facilities

Superb cuisine of chef Benjamin in the gourmet restaurant that offers “Deep Dish” weekly menus and creative suggestions for a la carte dinners.

FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES

Tight corridors and a somewhat claustrophobic elevator.

TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES

The charming terrace with a swimming pool in the middle of the roof and a stunning view of Ljubljana Castle and the old town rooftops.

This urban oasis offers tranquillity right in the heart of Ljubljana’s Old Town. The hotel is a modern reflection of the city and a completely new hotel experience unprecedented in Ljubljana. Just what kind of a hotel we are talking about is best confirmed by its recognition and classification on the prestigious list of the 154 best hotels in the world by the Conde Nast Traveller magazine. Design, superior architecture and culture are the inspiration for the ultimate experience in one of the best hotels in Ljubljana.

FINAL GRADE: 4.76 SILVER BOUTIQUE MEETING HOTEL

GOLD final score from 4.81 to 5.00
SILVER final score from 4.61 to 4.80
BRONZE final score from 4.41 to 4.60