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Photo Credit: Dvorec Gregorčič

LOCATION

Dvorec Gregorčič sits at the heart of the idyllic Šmarjeta village, across the church of Saint Marjeta. The renovation of the birth house of the explorer and expert in ornamentation, Jože Karlovšek, was envisaged by the entrepreneurial family of Gregorčič. Before their extensive remodelling, the house was home to the Cviček restaurant and, later, the Žura restaurant. Forming the centre of village activities with its fountain of Cviček, a renowned local wine sort, the mansion shares a holistic bond with its surroundings. In addition, the boutique hotel complements the destination’s rich tourist offer, spearheaded by Šmarješke Toplice.

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Photo Credit: Dvorec Gregorčič

ACCESSIBILITY

There is no other way to reach Šmarjeta than by car. When exiting the highway, you only have to travel five kilometres before arriving at the authentic hotel. There are numerous parking spots for hotel guests in the centre of the village. Guests arriving in Slovenia by plane can choose between two larger regional airports, Zagreb Airport (70 kilometres away) and Ljubljana Aiport (103 kilometres away). Sustainably-minded guests can, alternatively, board a train and travel to the nearby traffic crossroads in Novo mesto. Šmarjeta is an ideal starting point for pleasant hiking trips and biking whilst admiring the rolling hills of Dolenjska amid vineyards and orchards.

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Photo Credit: Dvorec Gregorčič

COLD STARTER - Architecture and aesthetics

Dvorec Gregorčič comprises a baroque building and a modern extension, where a genuine Anuška landed – a plane where guests can opt to stay the night if they happen to be aficionados of peculiar airglamping. The exterior of the original building was meticulously restored, seamlessly blending with the baroque church and renovated square. Likewise, the new building appears elegant and harmonious. The plane fixed on the roof stirs opinions, yet, it most certainly catches the eye. Jože Karlovšek’s bust greets guests when glancing at the facade, while his ornaments per excellence sway the interior. Traditional furniture elements intertwine with ultra-modern and elegant furniture inside. Overall, the hotel oozes a feeling of luxury, thus perhaps deserving a star more given its architectural excellence.

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Photo Credit: Dvorec Gregorčič

WARM ENTRÉE - The staff and the culinary experience

It is evident that the hotel staff comes from far and near. Their common denominator is kindness and, on occasions, clumsiness, which will improve with a bit of practice. The restaurant’s offer is diverse and includes hand-picked meat and fish products, vegetarian dishes and local cuisine. We were impressed by the tasteful dishes. However, we missed a wine list and a better representation of the seemingly forlorn local cuisine, which is otherwise incredibly rich. Thus, as the region’s tradition dictates, we opted for the safe choice of the local Cviček by Cvelbar. We were surprised by the reasonable prices. The average breakfast did not enthral us, though. We expected a slew of local products in a region famed for its meat, excellent cheese, honey and dried fruit. Saving money on this part of the offer will tremendously disappoint guests who prefer boutique hotels. Luckily, they do not have to look far for inspiration within the region. In our opinion, the hotel can significantly improve its breakfast offer.

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Photo Credit: Dvorec Gregorčič

MAIN COURSE – The meetings offering at the hotel

Hotel rooms

All rooms are unique, and it is hard to write a general evaluation of the rooms. Everything depends on the room you will get. If you wish for a particular type, it might be best to reserve the preferred one via their website. All rooms boast minimalist styles, world-class beds and original lighting. The loungers are incredibly fascinating, reminiscent of designer pieces by famous Slovenian designers. In our room, marble was perhaps a tad too omnipresent. Albeit welcome during the summer heat, it appears cold and sterile. Hence, make sure to book a room that suits your taste and thus avoid surprises. We also expected a slightly roomier shower and a cosmetical detail here and there.

Meetings centre

Even though the hotel does not offer conference capacities, the restaurant can be transformed into a smaller hall, thus creating space for 40 attendees. The hotel offers a compelling offer for incentive groups. They can indulge in gastronomic delicacies in the fine-dining restaurant or relish the wine room. Combined with an impeccable gastronomical offer, Dvorec Gregorčič is among the most exciting Slovenian boutique incentive hotels.

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Photo Credit: Dvorec Gregorčič
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Photo Credit: Dvorec Gregorčič

DESSERT – The extras

The inviting square of Šmarjeta occasionally surprises guests with live concerts. It is also home to the wine fountain of Cviček. For 8 EUR, guests receive a tasting glass with a chip for four tastings. Moreover, guests can try various products made by local providers in the shop nearby.

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Photo Credit: Dvorec Gregorčič

FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES

We wish the hotel offered products from the collection of Jože Karlovšek as business gifts.

TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES

The pool on the hotel terrace is a welcome addition that enables relaxation and refreshment on hot summer days. We also recommend visiting the Wellness Ornament.

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Photo Credit: Dvorec Gregorčič

FINAL IMPRESSION AND CREDIBILITY

The brilliantly envisaged hotel was renovated flawlessly. Yet, the best boutique hotels are recognisable for their superb gastronomic and additional offer. The hotel is splendid, but there is room for future improvement.

FINAL GRADE: 4.75 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

CATEGORY 4****
OPEN FROM 19 June 2021
MEETINGS STAR Boutique meeting hotel
STANDARD Hotel with conference facilities
NUMBER OF ROOMS 14 rooms
MEETING ROOMS1
TOTAL EVENT SPACE90 sqm (indoor – within the restaurant)
MAX. CAPACITY THEATRE40
INTERNET PRICE65 – 100 EUR (single use) / Booking, June 2022
ADDRESS:Dvorec Gregorčič
Šmarjeta 51
Šmarješke Toplice, Slovenia


T: +386 (0)7 29 27 220
E: info@dvorec-gregorcic.si  
W: https://dvorec-gregorcic.si/

FACILITIES
    • Air Glam
    • Terrace pool
    • External terrace/smoking area
    • Fine dining Restaurant
    • Wine room and bar
    • Wellness
    • Brandy room
    • Gastronomy garden
SPECIALS Ornaments made by Jože Karlovšek, a tireless explorer of cultural art and ornaments, are breathtaking. Researched and collected by Karlovšek throughout his life, the ornaments now embellish the interior.
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Photo Credit: Dvorec Gregorčič
RESULTS MARKS
1. LOCATION 4.83
2. ACCESSIBILITY 4.62
3. FIRST IMPRESSION4.83
4. LOBBY4.62
5.  EMPLOYEE ATTITUDE4.83
6.  RECEPTION 4.85
7.  HOTEL ROOM 4.80
8.  HOTEL BED 4.91
9. BATHROOM AND RESTROOM4.63
10. HOTEL BREAKFAST 4.64
11. BARS AND RESTAURANTS 4.74
12. CONGRESS HALL 4.59
13. ADDITIONAL OFFER  4.82
TOTAL:   4.75

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