Boutique Hotel Portorose

“Excellent smaller hotel with a big impression.”

I booked and stayed at this hotel for two nights as part of a multi-stop self-built itinerary. I had often wished to visit Slovenia and our previous stop was Trieste in Italy just over an hour away, so it seemed the fitting that the next step on the itinerary was to travel to Portoroz. We took Fli… more

I booked and stayed at this hotel for two nights as part of a multi-stop self-built itinerary. I had often wished to visit Slovenia and our previous stop was Trieste in Italy just over an hour away, so it seemed the fitting that the next step on the itinerary was to travel to Portoroz. We took Flixbus from Trieste which stopped off on the outskirts of Koper before arriving in Portoroz just after 10am. From the bus-stop it was a short flat twelve minute walk to the hotel. First impressions of Portoroz were very positive. The hotel sits slightly out of the main centre, but that is what gives it a peaceful and stand-out setting in it's own right. The hotel isn't large, but looks quietly elegant and imposing as you approach it from the centre, situated on a curve in the road which gives a good view point from the terrace at the front towards and down the road and the sea beyond. First impressions of the hotel were very good. It has a grand circular driveway which showcases the vintage cars on display with a fountain at the centre. We arrived into the wonderful smelling reception area well before check - in time but the male receptionist (after he finally was able to hang up the phone and greet us), was able to check us in and give us a room straight away - which we did not expect. We were given room 202 which is actually between the 1st and 2nd floor and looks across the roof garden at the rear of the hotel. Yes the views were better higher up or front facing, but I was pleased to have a room in the main building and not the annexe, and the room itself was very large, spacious and decorated in a contemporary and fresh/clean way. I really liked the room. The only issue is since it is between floors, you would struggle if you had mobility issues as this floor had steps up or down to the lifts, but not an issue really for us. The room had twin beds, plenty of power sockets, patio doors onto a sizeable balcony with table and two chairs. There was a dressing table/desk with chair and plenty if wardrobe and drawer space. The wardrobe also had a stocked minibar, and free electronic safety deposit box. The bathroom was massive. The shower cubicle itself could have contained all the bathroom ammenities. It was immaculately clean and featured all the complimentary toiletries and accessories we could need. I will say that some of the towels appeared a little frayed and probably needing replacement, but that is all. I really liked this room and the hotel from first impression. We were never disturbed by noise or the cleaners, it was a really peaceful and comfortable stay. We had breakfast on our next morning, and the selection seemed to be quite extensive. Hot omelettes made to order and delivered to the table, different juices and pastries. I thought it was all very good. There were various areas you could sit, both in and out. The terrace at the front was possibly the best option. The hotel does appear to have a separate a la carte dining area for evening meals, but we didn't eat in the hotel apart from breakfast. The public area in reception also had a lounge bar with waiter service, again you could take drinks on the terrace at the front rather than inside. The bar man was very friendly and knew our order by the following day. The hotel appears to offer different levels of accommodation aside from the main building, there was an annexe building, then what looks like larger suites overlooking the pool in two storey blocks as well as some wooden lodges in the gardens at the far side of the pool. Access to the pool was through the changing area or the gardens at the far side, but you had to walk through a foot bath either way, so make sure to wear sandals or go barefoot. The pool terrace had lots of different types of sun loungers, some were regular loungers, some were more luxurious with padding, there were even Balinese style beds with curtains, and unlike some resorts these appeared to be available at no extra cost on a first-come basis. The whole area was kept very clean and was watched over by a lifeguard. There is a pool side bar which is also accessible from the street outside, so it can be used by all. There is a pool for smaller children, but the majority of guests were adults, which was quite nice. The main pool itself was deep enough to swim in, and most average adults would be able to stand up across the length of the pool. Not a problem unless you like to dive. The pool was fitted with what looked like a couple of thalassotherapy style features, namely two waterfalls and a submerged seating area with air jets, but sadly none of these were seen to be working during our stay, but it did not detract from the two afternoons spent taking in the poolside views, gardens and swimming. Outside the hotel and just a minute away to your right is the bus-stop to Piran which is only around twelve minutes away, you can pay on the bus with card, it was very easy and I'd definitely recommend a visit to Piran in the evening at sunset. The bus will stop opposite the hotel across the road on its return. Portoroz itself is a lovely medium sized resort with lots of pavement cafes, and bars/restaurants. It isn't really a night club style place, however there is the casino which goes back to the days when Portoroz was the domain of the rich, glamorous and famous. The Palace hotel definitely has that Cote d'Azur feel to it - old glamour. This was only a short visit, but I'd definitely like to return some day, such a nice alternative to the coastal areas of the Mediterranean that end up losing their identity to mass tourism. Yes, Portoroz is touristy, but not in that brash in your face way. We had. Very early bus to catch from Portoroz to Ljubljana on our check-out, the night receptionist was still manning the desk, and he struggled to produce an itemised bill. I should have settled everything the evening before - less stress for everyone. In the end I could not delay, so I left my email and number so I could catch my bus. Within an hour I had copies of the invoice on my email and via WhatsApp. All things considered, with towels not being the best or the pool bot having all its features working or a lift direct to my floor, I still think this is an amazing hotel for the money. The staff were all very obliging and polite. In general I found Slovenians all to be extremely helpful and they spoke English just about everywhere. If you have a fancy for seeing some of the Slovenian coastline, you would do well to base yourself here at the hotel. I really enjoyed my stay.

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