This exceptional four-star property is Piran’s finest, brimming with the romance and intimacy of a boutique hotel while maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere.
Staff are courteous and welcoming, with a natural friendliness that complements the hotel’s intimate atmosphere. Facilities are minimal, with nature providing the main activities. Stairs just off the walkway lead directly into the sea; sunbeds and umbrellas can be hired in advance; and bicycles for hire make touring compact Piran exceedingly easy. Aromatherapy Boutique spa specialises in salt and mud therapies and aroma treatments, as well as massage, for those seeking a bit of pampering.
En suite rooms are relatively spacious for the area and pleasingly minimalist, with blonde wood furnishings and bright yellow accents. All have Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and minibar. Gulf-facing rooms have a small balcony or extra-large windows, while city-view rooms are quieter and more shaded, a bonus on balmy evenings when the windows can be left open.
Located on a pedestrian promenade in prime position in of Slovenia’s 28-mile Adriatic coastline, flanked by medieval structures and narrow, meandering streets. Waterside cafés line the seaside promenade, with a dozen more tucked along cosy alleyways. Historic Tartini Square is a three-minute walk, while it’s a 10-minute stepped climb to St George’s Cathedral for a spectacular view over the city.
An extensive complimentary buffet breakfast is provided in the Café, with hot and cold choices that reflect a diversity of European tastes, from cold meats and cheeses to hearty home-baked breads, crisp grilled vegetables, hot egg and meat selections, fresh fruits, and tempting pastries.
Definitely head for Heaven Terrace, the rooftop bar, for pre or post-dinner drinks, ideally as the sun sets over the bay. The hotel restaurant offers sumptuous Mediterranean and Slovenian cuisine, both price fixe and à la carte, with an emphasis on ocean-fresh seafood, meats and vegetarian options, plus an impressive list of local and international wines. Try the Black Polenta with King Prawns or the grilled octopus for a palate-pleasing treat.
The only slight niggle here is that visitors’ cars are not allowed in Piran. Parking is just outside the city, with complimentary shuttle service or a 10-minute walk to the hotel. Happily, the town is compact and getting around on foot is supremely enjoyable.
Exploring wonderfully walkable Piran can easily fill two days, but Sečovlje salt pans (5mi/9km) away, are well worth a visit for their world-class fleur de sel. Croatia is just eight miles (13km) away, while a trip to Venice is three hours by ferry. Venice’s airport is 119 miles (190km) by car, and Ljubljana’s is 88 miles (142km).
