We’ve stayed at many 5-star hotels around the world, but Zlata Ladjica in Ljubljana was truly the most exceptional. Located in one of the city’s oldest buildings, this boutique hotel combines world-class service with authentic Slovenian charm and pride. With just 15 individually designed rooms, each with its own unique story, the hotel feels intimate and deeply personal. The staff was excited to share the history behind each space, and their genuine warmth made us feel like honored guests from the start. Everyone remembered our names and preferences, and it often felt like we were the only ones there. When our original room had an HVAC issue, the staff moved us without hesitation. Our luggage was delayed by the airline, and the team stepped up immediately—calling the airport daily until it arrived. Sensing our stress, the concierge arranged a private 2.5-hour spa experience for us at a discounted rate. We had the cozy basement spa entirely to ourselves, which features two saunas, a cold rain shower, a Zerobody weightless bed, and a serene relaxation area. Detox tea, water, and fresh fruit were provided. We also enjoyed two excellent on-site massages, which made us feel completely restored. The hotel’s location is perfect—in the heart of old town, right on the river, surrounded by restaurants, shops, and cafés. Every detail was thoughtful: a handwritten welcome note, daily Slovenian chocolates, top-notch local food, and seamless valet service with the concierge walking us to and from our car. From the luxurious beds to the heartfelt service, Zlata Ladjica felt like home—only better. We didn’t want to leave and can’t wait to return.

We stayed at Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel for three nights. It has only 15 individually designed rooms and is ideally located right by the river, in the heart of Ljubljana’s pedestrian-only Old Town. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a high-quality, characterful stay in lovely Ljubljana. The hotel is perfectly situated on the riverside promenade. Everything in the city center is within walking distance. Since cars aren’t allowed in the Old Town, you’re dropped off just outside and walk a few minutes to the hotel. Transfers from the airport are possible via shuttle, taxi, or public bus. We stayed in Room 15, which offered views of both the castle, the river, and the lively outdoor terrace. The room was bright, modern, and thoughtfully renovated. A standout feature was the Jura coffee machine – a first for us in a hotel room, and it was great to enjoy freshly brewed coffee whenever we liked. There are two distinct dining experiences: A casual pub-style space with a terrace, featuring an extensive beer selection and light meals – great for a relaxed afternoon or a pre-dinner Aperol Spritz. A restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner in a more elegant setting. Breakfast was a highlight, with several sweet and savory set menus based on local and seasonal ingredients. Additional à la carte options like eggs, porridge, and muesli were freshly prepared. The service was incredibly friendly and professional – the team speaks excellent English, and some also speak German and Italian. The private spa is small but beautifully designed, with a steam room, sauna, and the option to book massages. It’s available for exclusive use, meaning you have the entire space to yourself during your session – a very relaxing experience.

Everything was just perfect!

The location, staff, food, service, drinks, and experience were truly exceptional! When one can even comment on the butter being AMAZING, you know you have found a special place and unique experience. The breakfast was wonderful and more food than one could even eat. The drinks were delicious with wonderful touches of heart shaped ice cubes. Hugo is a must. The dinner and wine pairing with Nate was a once in a life time experience. Each touch by each staff member was kind, thoughtful and with love. WHAT AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE!!! We have celiacs and we felt totally safe with all of our exceptional meals. Thank you so much!!!

I loved everything.

Stunning location in the pedestrian area of the old town. Everything was in walking distance and yet the rooms were extremely comfortable and quiet. The staff were more than helpful and spent time giving us advice on different activities and explaining what was going on in the city ( the wine festival was on whilst we were there as were the Friday night food stalls near the market area). They provided bikes, which was a great way to see further afield. I appreciated the contact prior to our arrival, offering spa treatments (which we didn’t try) and checking our arrival plans. Be aware cars can not drive to the hotel so you need to advise when you are 15 minutes away and they will meet you. They also offered airport transfers and arranged a taxi to our car hire collection at the end of our stay. The included soft drink mini bar was v a nice touch and if you fancy a beer they have a really nice outside bar, overlooking the cobblers bridge with a variety of drinks including over 30 (from memory) Slovenian beers and lagers. Breakfast was prepared personally with a selection of fruits/ cheeses/ meats/ cooked items including eggs and I would recommend their sausage. Everything sourced from Slovenia. We didn’t try the restaurant but the menu looked very good. Great stay thank you

Difficult to find something I disliked. This hotel is all about location and exclusivity in order to provide great service. It is pricy but you are paying for a special place.

This was a stay for the ages. It was beyond what can be grasped by looking online. Nate and Gregor, along with the rest of the crew were instantly available to make you feel like the only guest there. They arranged and prepared a customized six course menu on our first night to sample the best of Slovenia, and even treated us to their local orange wines. The orange transport for us on the day and on the day out, and even gave us great tips around the city. The place itself is very central, and close to all the main attractions, Has great view of the river. It was even featured on my food tour. The food is exquisite and the breakfast has a reputation throughout the city as one of the best.

Nothing at all, it was exceptional.

I can’t remember when was the last time I was satisfied with my accommodation and service as much as I were with this place. There was not single person in the staff that I found even slightly impolite, everyone was always on their best and happy to help. Room was very comfortable with a great, big bed, perfectly clean. Their breakfast is phenomenal and so is the rest of the food that we have had there. Slovenian beer and wine selection if huge, and nicely chosen, if I might add. Small, presents every day were a really nice touch, and a toy dragon that I daughter got was an exceptional move. I will definitively be back!

The only downside is that parking is not physically a part of the hotel, but I can’t hold it against them since the hotel is in the pedestrian area. Their valet parking is so perfectly organized that you don’t even notice that your car is in a remote parking, since they bring it to as close as possible to the hotel.

The attention to detail in every aspect of the hotel’s design was probably the best I have I ever seen, everything thought-through for maximum ease and comfort. And the quality of the staff was of the same standard: welcoming, professional, preempting needs. (I fell and bruised my leg and before I had finished explaining what had happened I’d been offered an ice-pack, meds and a doctor if necessary. Fortunately the icepack was all I needed.)

I honestly cannot think of a thing.

Excellent location in terms of being right in the city centre but also a 90 min drive from the coast or alpine attractions. Exceptionally friendly and helpful staff who also handled the car hire and return and provided excellent recommendations for restaurants, trips out of town and picturesque spots, how best to navigate places, etc.

Most people don't tend to stay long in Ljubjiana so limited wardrobe space and/or drawers in the room. But other than that the rooms were beautifully decorated with a space bathroom and we had a lovely little private balcony.

During summer we were already in Ljubljana and noticed the hotel which has great reviews, so we decided to celebrate my 50th birthday there. The reviews - even so they're great - don't do the hotel justice as it just exceeds expectations. The overall experience was exceptional. The staff was very friendly and helpful and made our romantic stay a special experience. Every room has it's own story and is lovely designed. The breakfast matches the fantastic service. We also tried the tasting menu and the young chef is very talented and upcoming. It was delicious. Thanks again for an unforgettable weekend to Robert and the Team at Hotel Zlata Ladjica.

Staff were all lovely! Hotel is beautiful and in a great location. Attention to detail was superb, treats in the room, turndown service arranging our pyjamas! Use of the building’s history is very impressive. Food was very good. Ac in the rooms very effective without being noisy.

Minor issue - coffee machine didn’t work, tea filter didn’t work for the tea provided. Noisy in the evenings although windows do a good job of blocking most of it out.