MODERN HOTEL OASIS
LOCATION
Rožnik Hill represents Ljubljana’s green lungs, where locals escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Ivan Cankar, one of the most prolific Slovenian writers, found his writing inspiration amid the green oasis. At the foot of Rožnik Hill, one restaurant became synonymous with homemade grilled delicacies and heartfelt hospitality. Gostilna Čad has been serving excellent cuisine in an inviting ambience since 1889. This year, the family Čad’s long-standing wish came true when the boutique Hotel Čad opened its doors next to the restaurant. Combining a modern design and the heritage of Gostilna Čad, the boutique jewel has enriched the hotel scene in Ljubljana. Hotel Čad seems ideal for active exploration of the surrounding Tivoli park or urban expeditions to the city centre of Ljubljana.
ACCESSIBILITY
Set near the city centre, Hotel Čad is easily accessible by car. Hotel guests are greeted by numerous parking spots next to the hotel or the original restaurant. Given Ljubljana Airport is only 25 minutes away, guests arriving by plane usually opt for it ahead of airports in Trieste and Zagreb. The hotel offers rentable electric vehicles for guests wanting to explore the region’s landmarks. Even though public transport in Ljubljana is slowly improving, the bus and train stations are relatively far away. Guests arriving by train will thus have to opt for the taxi service. Given the vicinity of both Tivoli Park and Rožnik Hill, Hotel Čad is an excellent starting point for hiking and biking.
COLD STARTER - Architecture and aesthetics
Generously illuminated, Hotel Čad strikes the eye with its minimalist white facade intertwined with the old wooden building. The architects from Arhitektura 2211 Studio decided to rekindle the spirit of the original building by embellishing the exterior with pillars made of spruce wood that go hand in hand with the design of the neighbouring villas. In addition, they decided to preserve a piece of history by incorporating wooden trams from the original building, dating to 1860, into the interior design. The hotel corridors feature a slick black design with ornate details, such as the golden labelling of rooms. Guests will find ambient lighting within the hotel, exuding the feel of secludedness and exclusivity. A combination of blue, gold and black is the golden thread of the interior design. Unlike numerous boutique hotels that have recently opened their doors and feature eclectic designs, Hotel Čad’s unified image appears subtle and inviting.
WARM ENTRÉE - The staff and the culinary experience
The hotel exudes a feeling of genuine hospitality. The staff at the reception was incredibly professional and kind. The receptionist kindly explained the legacy of the building that once served as a wooden barn. The personnel pulls out all the stops to ensure the well-being of their guests. However, the staff at Bistro Čad appeared somewhat disorganised. Guests were left waiting for half an hour or more. To make the experience unforgettable, the personnel in the Bistro will have to improve in the future.
Unlike Gostilna Čad, serving traditional grilled specialities, Bistro Čad offers a refined modern menu. The ambience is incredibly inviting, with pictures of Ljubljana at the turn of the 20th century crowning the walls. The succulent lamb chops were fantastic. It seems the two restaurants have perfected the art of grilled meat. We dare say that dining in one of the two restaurants is a must for meat lovers visiting Ljubljana.
MAIN COURSE – The meetings offering at the hotel
Hotel rooms
The hotel offers 18 designer rooms that range from a standard double room to a duplex apartment and suite for two. All rooms boast modern elements, including bright industrial lighting and designer pieces of furniture. At a glance, the interior appears utterly refined, minimalist and well thought-out. A quality bed with a blue headboard crowns the room. Business guests will appreciate the spacious writing desk that is suitably illuminated. The black marble tiles in the bathroom and La Bottega Votary cosmetics ooze the feeling of luxury. What makes the hotel stand out from the competition is the coherent and holistic use of colour patterns that makes the Čad brand immediately recognisable. Considering the spaciousness of the rooms and the high-speed internet connection, Hotel Čad can serve as a safe haven for digital nomads.
Meetings centre
Due to its boutique design, Hotel Čad does not offer classic meeting rooms. Nevertheless, Bistro Čad transforms into an inviting and warm event space. Comfortable loungers and modern furniture surround the centrepiece – an imposing fireplace. The venue can transform into an ideal meeting space for weddings and smaller conferences in the summertime.
DESSERT – The extras
Adjoining the new building, the legendary Gostilna Čad has long been a favoured restaurant among locals. A culinary experience like no other gives visitors an insight into the tradition of the iconic restaurant at the foot of Rožnik Hill. We recommend trying their legendary grilled dishes. Mouthwatering!
FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES
Even though Gostilna Čad is famed for its hospitality and authenticity, the staff at Bistro Čad lacked professionality. Considering the immense potential of the newly-opened hotel, the personnel must improve to satisfy the needs of modern business travellers and event organisers.
TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES
The hotel offers Icelandic horseback riding at the Rožnik Riding Club. The remarkable experience can be complemented with a visit to the Ljubljana ZOO, a stone’s throw away from the hotel.
SUSTAINABLE ENDEAVOURS
Labels in the bathroom remind guests to help save the environment by reusing their towels.
FINAL IMPRESSION AND CREDIBILITY
In the embrace of tranquil nature, Hotel Čad has found a winning recipe with its boutique design and combination of traditional and modern. Continuing the heritage of Gostilna Čad, the hotel seamlessly blends with its surroundings. Although the staff could be more coordinated, we believe the hotel has a bright future. The hotel encapsulates the brand created by the family Čad. Above all, the hotel will captivate guests who want to be in touch with nature and value quality design. The varied additional offer and distinct character are the hotel’s core advantages. Conceptually, the hotel may be the best boutique venue in Ljubljana, wowing guests with a convincing story of family tradition.
FINAL GRADE: 4.81 GOLD 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
