Amongst the sumptuous hotels I’ve had the good fortune to stay in is the InterContinental of Ljubljana. It was in 2017 that the group opened the first five-star hotel in the Slovenian capital. Its glass front sparkles in the heart of a shopping district that is ideal for browsing. The hotel is located a few minutes on foot from the railway and coach station, and from the iconic sites of the River Ljubljanica, the gardens of the Tivoli Park, and Ljubljana Castle. It’s only 45 minutes by car from Lake Bled, one of the great tourist locations of Slovenia.

I adore the luxury of the interior decor. It combines wood and marble, with many authentically Slovenian touches, in a modern and sophisticated style with quite a masculine feel A more feminine style awaited me in my sumptuous room with panoramic view, where pastel colours unite with touches of blue and gilt, with satin, with suspended bedside maps, with lovely cushions and pretty abstract paintings, all bathed in a very relaxing ambient light. In the bathroom I could choose, according to my mood, between either a bath or a separate shower. The rooms also have smart TV; and I’m sure I don’t need to say that everything was irreproachably clean and neat.

Breakfast is an important start to the day during a hotel stay, and in my life in general. Here, it is a gargantuan buffet served in the B restaurant (I’ll tell you more bout that in a moment). The pastries, fruits, cereals, pancakes and the fine menu have something to satisfy every taste and every appetite.

The B restaurant – the name is a reference to the Carnolian honey bee which came originally from Slovenia – is located on the 20th floor, and the view over the city and towards the Alps is stunning. The gourmet menu devised by Alfredo Russo, Michelin-starred chef, offers a combination of traditional Italian recipes and Slovenian products. Just next door, in the B-Bar, more than 30 sorts of gin and honey-based cocktails await you. If, like me, you are looking for lighter and less sophisticated meals, you will love the Bloom Lounge on the ground floor, which offers snacks, salads and sandwiches.

I adored staying in this hotel. I will long remember the luxury and comfort of its rooms, its perfect location in the city, and a lovely general ambience to which, without any doubt at all, the kindness and professionalism of the staff contributed.

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