IDEAL ALPINE INCENTIVE FAIRYTALE
LOCATION
Kranjska Gora is as dazzling in the summertime as in wintertime. The legendary ski resort is the most famed Slovenian ski destination, the heart of Slovenian Alpine tourism and a hiking epicentre. About four kilometres from the tourist hustle and bustle lies Gozd Martuljek, an enchanting scattered village. The hotel’s location is captivating, surrounded by photogenic views of snow-covered mountain peaks of the Martuljek mountain chain. Penzion Špik once operated in the same place but slowly decayed over the years. The hotel’s new image was designed by Kranj-based entrepreneurs, Matjaž and Polona Tičar, owners of DomTrade company. Now thoroughly renovated, the hotel still exudes its old charm, complemented by a new building with a spa. Thus, the hotel has shone in a new light, enriching the destination’s varied offer. Its location is perfect for actively exploring the most cosmopolitan Slovenian ski resort.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Upper Sava Valley is relatively easily accessible by car and public transport. Guests arriving by car can reach the motorway in Italy (Tarvisio), Austria (Villach) or Slovenia (Karawanks tunnel) in just thirty minutes. The train connections are just as close, and the Ljubljana Airport is 65 kilometres away (one hour drive). A spacious parking lot reserved for guests stretches in front of the hotel. Cyclists can expect a charming park box waiting for them. That is unsurprising, given numerous enthusiastic cyclists pass by the hotel on the famed cycling route from Jesenice to Tarvisio. Kranjska Gora is generally well-connected with public transport, as befits a renowned tourist destination. Several buses from Central Slovenia go to and fro Kranjska Gora. Ultimately, taxi service and car sharing is always an alternative.
COLD STARTER - Architecture and aesthetics
During the renovation phases, the hotel retained its distinct triangle form and original size, yet all the rest had to be redesigned. The architects added an annexe to the original building, reminiscent of a barn. Here, four apartments await guests. The result of the renovation is a meticulously ornate interior that evokes the feeling of home. The omnipresent wooden interior and countless details, including the walls and exquisite hotel cosmetics, contribute to the general well-being. The fluid central space stretches from the restaurant to the lounge, reception and hotel corridors. Its centrepiece is a lounge area where a giant boulder with a built-in fireplace appears imposing. This space embodies the soul of the hotel, where we kept returning.
Architect Primož Hočevar envisaged the renovation and ensured the hotel seamlessly blended with the pristine nature around it. You can understand his approach best while sitting on the terrace, which coexists with nature – it is cosy and hedonistic all at once.
WARM ENTRÉE - The staff and the culinary experience
The staff is kind, dedicated, diligent and proud to work in the hotel. We swiftly noticed the owners motivate their employees, who, in return, reward guests with professionality and expertise. Guests can thus be grateful for the excellent service. More importantly, we can thank Jon Zupan and Luka Tratnik, two young chefs, for their gastronomic masterpieces. They both spend time honing their skills under the watchful eye of Uroš Štefelin, one of the best chefs in the region. The hotel’s spring menu is short but rich, catering to all tastes. We relished the veal entrecote and the trout. We could taste the freshness of local ingredients, a result of the philosophy to use locally-sourced produce, as the waiter explained. The dishes go hand in hand with a world-class wine list featuring select Slovenian wines. The grand finale was a modern twist on an Alpine classic – the Kaiserschmarrn.
The culinary symphony continued during breakfast, which combined a self-service and à la carte offer. Just like dinner, unique plating made the breakfast experience exquisite. A stylish breakfast stand is served to each guest and features fresh bread, croissants and butter. It is no surprise to see visitors outside the hotel flock to the restaurant. Triangel Boutique Hotel is more than a hotel – it is a dining establishment. Umami!
MAIN COURSE – The meetings offering at the hotel
Hotel rooms
What catches the eye when stepping into the room are the peaks of the Špik mountain chain, visible from the pleasant balcony of the room. All rooms are named according to the mountain peaks you can see from your balcony. We stayed in the Široka Peč room. All rooms embody a design known as Alpine high fashion. It includes elegant wooden furniture in the colours of spruce. The elevated and comfortable bed is top-tier, complementing the imposing wooden background. Bed lining is just as impressive, ensuring guests get a good night’s sleep. We also found the designer loungers and the tiny rustical details charming, alongside the pleasant vinyl flooring. What makes the room truly unique is the photo and explanation behind the mighty mountain peak the room takes its name from. The bathroom is roomy, refined and utterly functional. Sustainable hotel cosmetics add the final touch. Indeed, guests cannot deny that rooms in Triangel Boutique Hotel are stylish and boast spectacular views.
Meetings centre
The smaller conference hall awaits events in the middle glass building. It can capacitate up to thirty attendees and serves smaller meetings best. It is perfect for demanding incentive groups who can network in the central area or chat on the outdoor terrace. The intimate experience, coupled with exquisite cuisine is a recipe for success. The hotel also offers the possibility of privatisation. Thirty-six guests can stay at the hotel at the same time.
DESSERT – The extras
The well-being centre welcomes guests in the basement below the new building. It offers four saunas, a fitness centre and a relaxation area.
FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES
Even if we sought flaws meticulously, we would not find any in this hotel. We only wish there were more similar hotels in Slovenia that actually realise the idea of five-star experiences.
TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES
The admirable management of guests in the wellness centre is a guarantee the spa centre is never too crowded. Thus, all amenities and services work flawlessly, and guests feel relaxed.
SUSTAINABLE ENDEAVOURS
The hotel offers Prija sustainable cosmetics in the rooms. Moreover, the hotel uses its own thermal generator for heating and is highly energy efficient. Best of all, the cuisine is based on local ingredients only. It is no wonder Triangel Boutique Hotel has earned the Green Key sustainable certificate.
FINAL IMPRESSION AND CREDIBILITY
Triangel Boutique Hotel is a discreet, superb boutique hotel. Its exterior does not turn heads but instead elegantly incorporates into the stunning ambience of Triglav National Park. The essence of the hotel is hidden behind the Alpine facade. Triangel Boutique Hotel can easily compete with the competition over the northern border in terms of staff kindness and professionality. The owners have proven that people are what make the tourism industry so captivating. Their choice to enable young chefs and staff members to prove themselves is praiseworthy in and of itself. The hotel is a prototype of a boutique incentive hotel that all event organisers dream of. Everything is functional and reliable and where one expects it to be. The hotel is glamorous, not only because of its appearance but its quality.
FINAL GRADE: 4.93 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
