Antiq Palace Hotel & Spa

True to its Antiq Palace moniker, the property is as historic as it is regal, and beautifully preserved interiors here pay homage to 16th-century palatial origins. Think lots of carved stone, wall moldings, and vaulted ceilings over tapestry rugs amid floral centerpieces. A Leonardo da Vinci-esque wall panel catches the eye in the chandelier-clad lobby, where clustered wingback chairs in gold velour form an intimate bar spot, and elegant artworks add contemporary touches. Lush greenery nestles padded wrought-iron seating in the charming outdoor courtyard, although classical music from a nearby academy may prove serene to some, or a nuisance to others. Overall, this is an excellent classically upscale pick that sees mostly couples, though still many families, business travelers, and groups of friends.

The hotel sits in Ljubljana's historic heart. Bars and restaurants surround the hotel, but note, this district is pedestrian-only, although the hotel permits vehicle pick-up and drop-off. Its residential street runs parallel to the river, where the Tromostovje Triple Bridge is a five-minute walk. It's the same distance for historic Mestni (Town Square), while Gornji (Upper Square) is three minutes farther. Nearby busses are available to shorten the 20-minute walks to Ljubljana Castle and beautiful Tivoli Park. Boutiques beginning at Preseren Square are five minutes away on foot, and continue along Trubarjeva's colorful street. Joze Pucnick Airport is a 25-minute drive, or 80 minutes by public transport.

Gustavian-style rooms are outfitted in Belle Epoque whites in the clawfoot furniture that sit on hardwood floors, and chandeliers in some grace striking original fresco ceilings. Though decor varies a bit by room, they are all elegant and classically styled. Some add blue-and-gold bed runners, antique rugs, and gold-framed artwork. Petite Rooms measure 194 square feet (18 square meters), while larger Business and Deluxe Rooms come in at 376 square feet (35 square meters). Amenities include phones, desks, satellite flat-screen TVs, minibars, electronic safes, and kettles for tea- and coffee-making. Vast apartment-style Suites have living rooms and full kitchens, plus some have two bedrooms and are split-level. Gold and marble-accented bathrooms are certainly on the upscale side, but worn tiling and fixtures show their age. Note, students practicing classical music begins early, although many find the daytime serenading romantic. Only top-floor rooms have AC, and fans are provided in others. Rooms can be fitted with cribs. Note, while the hotel has an elevator, some rooms are only reached by stairs.

Antiq Palace Hotel & Spa has a solid range of leisure facilities on-site, though it lacks a full restaurant. Breakfast, however, is offered for a fee and consists of typical continental fare, smoked salmon, caviar, and made-to-order eggs. Fresh-squeezed juices, tea, and coffee are also provided. The lobby bar has a menu of Slovenian wines and spirits, accompanied by coffees and soft drinks. Both breakfast and bar menus can be delivered to rooms. Buddha-clad lounge areas at the spa's entrance advertise its Swiss La Prairie products, but access is at a fee, and requires advance reservation. A Finnish, Turkish, and infrared sauna are here, as is a conservatory-style room housing a small whirlpool. Massages and facials can be booked in elegant treatment rooms, and a small (free-to-use) gym has limited TechnoGym machines. An alluring and peaceful courtyard garden has potted plants, ivy-clad walls, and umbrella-shaded seating. Lounge and courtyard spaces can be used for functions. A vehicle is generally unnecessary here, but hotel-owned street parking is available, for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout.