5 (very) stylish hotels in downtown Ljubljana

Discover our list of the best hotels in Ljubljana for a dream stay in the heart of Slovenia’s capital.

Ljubljana (pronounced « lioubliana ») is a European capital on a human scale, that of Slovenia, a small mountainous country in Central Europe. Ljubljana is a pretty city, reminiscent of Prague in its distinctive architecture. It is home to famous landmarks such as the Three Bridges, the picturesque Old Town, its castle and the bucolic Tivoli Park.

Visitors to Ljubljana enjoy free admission to many museums, a typically southern lifestyle and a mild climate all year round. Our team has selected the most beautiful hotels in Ljubljana to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Who knows, maybe you too will come and take possession of one of their luxury rooms on your next trip? We’ll introduce you to them right away, so follow the guide!

Intimate mansion in the center of Ljubljana

Photo credit: Booking

Let’s start with the Art Hotel, a charming three-star hotel in the heart of Slovenia’s capital. From the outset, you’ll be struck by the architecture of this period bourgeois house. The hotel has just ten rooms: forget the oversized complexes, here you’ll feel almost at home. The accommodation offers a high level of comfort and contemporary decor. In fact, it’s a pleasure to observe the artistic touches cleverly scattered around the place, giving it a certain cachet. The masterpiece of this maison de maître? The unobstructed view of the town’s castle, its most famous landmark. You can contemplate it while sipping a drink on the terrace of the Lobby, the cosy bar of this Ljubljana hotel. Cheers!

Easily accessible from the Ljubljana train station, just a fifteen-minute walk away, the Art Hotel is ideal for exploring the Slovenian city. And especially its jewel, the castle, which we suggest you visit. It has overlooked the city for 900 years: you can see it spread out from its observation tower or ramparts. The site also houses two museums: one dedicated to Slovenian history, the other to puppetry, the country’s cultural specialty. Art exhibitions and cultural events are regularly held in the building throughout the year. Don’t hesitate to discover them when you visit – they’re always fascinating.

Historic palace for aristocratic holidaymakers

Photo credit: Booking

The Antiq Palace is a very special establishment, occupying a 16th-century bourgeois residence on Gosposka Street. The building’s foundations are said to date back to Roman times, so it’s a real showpiece of authenticity. Now rated three stars, this Ljubljana hotel is also a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. It offers some twenty spacious suites and charming rooms luxuriously decorated in the purest classical style. Renovated in keeping with the architectural codes of the period, it acts as a veritable living museum. In terms of services, we were able to take advantage of the efficient concierge service available at all times. An outing, a request, a little whim? The staff will bend over backwards to satisfy you. After all, that’s what you’d expect when you book a palace.

The Antiq Palace Hotel is centrally located in the heart of Ljubljana. This remarkable building is within easy reach of Tivoli Park, for example. At 5km², this is the city’s largest park. Designed at the dawn of the 19th century (by a French engineer, Jean Blanchard), this fabulous green space is today a popular gathering place for city dwellers. Geometric pathways separate lawns dotted with statues and impeccably tended flowerbeds. We recommend a stroll along the Jakopič promenade, where open-air exhibitions are held. Then, if you like, continue on to the Rožnik hill and its country footpaths. It’s as enjoyable as it is Instagrammable, especially in spring and autumn. How about a selfie?

Exceptional historic palace in the heart of the old town

Photo credit: Booking

The Zlata Ladjica proudly displays its five stars on Jurčič Square, one of the most affluent areas of the Slovenian city. It is one of the city’s oldest establishments. Completely renovated in 2020, this hotel in Ljubljana caters to a discerning clientele, attentive to a high quality of service. Featuring fifteen uniquely designed rooms, the Zlata Ladjica stands out in particular for its trendy Slovenian-style gourmet pub. The restaurant features the poetic and succulent creations of chef Jakob Jerala. We were delighted by his reinvented Slovenian recipes featuring local organic ingredients. A true delight, especially preceded by a moment of relaxation in the saunas of the ultramodern spa. Try the amazing Zerobody zero-gravity floating bed, it’s a pure marvel.

This five-star hotel of excellence has its own fleet of free-access bicycles. They’re perfect for exploring Ljubljana, a reasonably-sized capital with a flat landscape perfectly suited to cycling. Its 230 kilometers of bike paths provide easy access to Ljubljana’s must-see sites. The hotel’s concierge staff will probably recommend a visit to the Dragon Bridge, Prešeren Square, St. Nicholas Cathedral or the famous Nebotičnik, a skyscraper that has dominated the city since it was built in 1933. Overlooked by a panoramic roof terrace, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and watch the sun go down. It’s all very well living Slovenian-style, isn’t it?

A comfortable apartment for an effortless stay

Photo credit: Booking

Imagine taking possession of your own fully-equipped apartment and feeling right at home… in the heart of Slovenia. That’s the promise of the NEU Residences, a four-star property with 54 sleek pied-à-terre apartments. The establishment relies on these comfortable spaces and numerous ancillary services to enhance the quality of the customer experience. These include a heated swimming pool on the panoramic rooftop, spa treatments and a gym. The adjoining NEUbar serves coffee and drinks from 7am to 5pm. The building itself is worth the detour, with its glass façade offering unrivalled luminosity… and a breathtaking view of the city.

The apartments for rent are varied in terms of space, decoration and, of course, budget. All have all the essential amenities, including a well-equipped kitchen. Take the opportunity to cook yourself some tasty meals after shopping at Ljubljana’s central market, a lively place where Slovenian-style good humor reigns. The lively Pogačarjev square is home to a remarkable organic market every Saturday. Don’t feel like cooking? No problem: every Friday from March to October at the same place, Slovenian chefs showcase delicious world food recipes. These small stalls provide an opportunity to sample typical Slovenian specialities. Among them, Karst prosciutto, Carniolan sausage and octopus salad are sure to delight your taste buds. Bon appétit, of course.

Exquisitely styled Renaissance townhouse

Photo credit: Booking

The last hotel in Ljubljana on our list… but not the least. The Hotel Heritage is a four-star hotel we found at the foot of the city’s castle. The building skilfully blends period architecture with contemporary stylistic elements. Completely – and superbly – restored in 2021, it is divided into 20 rooms spread over four floors. Volumes are generous, decoration meticulous and services top-notch. Designer boutiques and a café serving a superb continental breakfast are at guests’ disposal. If you’re lucky enough to be one of them, you’ll also have access to a bike and car rental service. Perfect for getting around easily and recharging your batteries in the heart of the surrounding countryside, don’t you think?

Let’s head for the Ljubljana Marsh, which boasts UNESCO World Heritage status. It’s home to unique flora and fauna, and lends itself well to a walk in the fresh air. Further afield (some 60km from the capital), we invite you to explore the 840km² Triglav National Park. With its magical lakes, spectacular mountains and valleys, this sublime site is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in Europe. The signposted trails that criss-cross the region are more than enough to quench the thirst of the average person for wide-open spaces. For the more courageous, there’s the 2,864-metre summit of Triglav, the country’s highest peak. Don’t forget your boots, and let’s go!

Slovenia’s capital may be a modest city, but it’s nonetheless a great – and beautiful – European lady. The Ljubljana hotel of your choice will ensure that you get 100% out of it. Which one did you choose, by the way?