Luxury Awaits: Uncover Slovenia's Hidden Gem at Best Western Premier Hotel Slon
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a review of a hotel that's probably seen it all. We're going to dissect this place, poke and prod, and see if it's worth your precious vacation time. Let's get messy!
The Big Picture: Is This Place… Accessible? (and Do I Need My Wheelie Chair?)
Okay, accessibility. It’s 2024, people! My first thought: Please tell me they've got it sorted. Right? Well, the list says "Wheelchair accessible." That's a good start. Now, do they actually have ramps that aren't steeper than my student loan debt? Are elevators big enough for more than, like, a chihuahua and a suitcase? I need specifics, people! More than just a checked box. "Facilities for disabled guests" is vague. I'd love to believe this place cares, but the devil's in the details, and they're not always shouting nice things to hear.
Eating and Drinking: Fueling the Adventure (or Avoiding Food Poisoning)
Now, food. This is where I LIVE, okay? My stomach is a sophisticated critic. Let's see…
- Restaurants R Us: "Restaurants" - plural! Bless their little hearts. "A la carte," "Buffet," "Vegetarian," "Asian," "International," "Western" – They're trying to cover all the bases! And a "Poolside Bar"? Yessss! Nothing beats sipping a cocktail while watching people splash around. (Unless you’re me, and I'm the splashy one.)
- The Buffet Breakdown: I'm always wary of buffets, especially in these times. "Buffet in restaurant" and "Breakfast [buffet]". Ugh. Is it going to be a culinary free-for-all of questionable hygiene? I'm looking for steaming trays, not a petri dish. The sanitized kitchen and tableware items give me a little comfort. Crossing my fingers for individually wrapped food options, too.
- Room Service Shenanigans: 24-hour room service! YES! This is a lifesaver for late-night pizza cravings and avoiding the awkwardness of interacting with humans at 3 am. Pizza with all the toppings, just sayin’.
- The Little Things: "Coffee/tea in restaurant" is a MUST. I need my caffeine fix, people. “Bottle of water” is good, and "Snack bar" is a handy option, too.
Internet: Surviving the Digital Age (and Posting that Selfie)
"Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" HALLELUJAH! And "Internet access – wireless?" Bonus points! Now, let's get real. Does "free Wi-Fi" mean buffering nightmares or actual connectivity? The real test is, can I stream Netflix without wanting to throw my laptop out the window? And please, please, don't have a Wi-Fi password that's longer than my grocery shopping list. The "Air conditioning in public area" is good to see. I’m assuming this is good and that it works since my laptop might need it with all the streaming…
Relaxation Station: Spa Days and Serenity (or Just Avoiding the Chaos)
Okay, now we're talking my language. Relaxation is KEY.
- Spa-tastic: "Spa/sauna," "Steamroom," "Massage," "Body scrub," "Body wrap" - They're really going for it! I can feel the stress melting away just reading these words. The "Pool with view" sounds divine. Sign me up for a massage and a margarita!
- Fitness First? "Fitness center" and "Gym/fitness." Ugh. I should probably use those, but I'm more likely to be found horizontal by the pool.
- The Verdict: This actually sounds really nice! A little pampering never hurt anyone.
Cleanliness & Safety: Because Nobody Wants a Tourist Plague
This is critical. Let's see if they're actually keeping things safe and sanitized.
- The Good Stuff: "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Hand sanitizer," "Professional-grade sanitizing services," "Rooms sanitized between stays." Okay, good. Very good. This is what I want to see!
- More Goodness: "Doctor/nurse on call," "First aid kit." Good to know, just in case I overdo it at the buffet.
- The Important Questions: Are they following these protocols? Are people actually wearing masks (if required)? Are the staff well-trained? Let's hope so.
Rooms: The Fortress of Solitude (or a Cramped Closet?)
Let's see what rooms they have.
- The Essentials: "Air conditioning," "Blackout curtains," "Coffee/tea maker," "Daily housekeeping," "Hair dryer," "In-room safe box," "Mini bar," "Refrigerator," "Shower," "Wi-Fi [free]." Excellent! Sounds promising.
- The Extras: "Bathrobes," "Bathtub," "Desk," "Extra long bed," "Slippers," "Sofa," "Soundproofing." These are nice touches. I especially appreciate a comfy bed, a good desk to get some work done, AND a bathtub.
- The "Meh" Stuff: “Carpeting.” Hmm. I'm always a little wary of carpets, cleanliness-wise.
For the Kids: Baby Wrangling (or Family Fun?)
Hey, everyone has to think about the kids!
- The Basics: "Babysitting service," "Family/child friendly," "Kids facilities," "Kids meal." Okay, they seem to be catering to the little ones.
Services and Conveniences: Helping You Survive (and Maximize Your Fun)
- The Helpers: "Concierge," "Doorman," "Daily housekeeping," "Laundry service," "Dry cleaning" - These are all essential for a stress-free stay.
- The Transaction Zone: "Cash withdrawal," "Currency exchange," "Cashless payment service" – Okay, they're making it easy to spend money.
- Other Nice Touches: "Luggage storage," "Gift/souvenir shop," "Convenience store." Convenient!
Getting Around: Airport, Taxis, and… Parking?
- The Transportation Game: "Airport transfer," "Taxi service" – Great, makes it easy!
- Parking: "Car park [free of charge]," "Car park [on-site]," "Valet parking." This is a huge plus if you're driving.
My Honest, Messy, Stream-of-Consciousness Verdict:
Okay, look. This place sounds pretty good on paper. The amenities are plentiful, and they seem to be trying hard to accommodate all sorts of travelers. The cleanliness and safety measures are definitely a major selling point, which is HUGE.
Now, the real questions that I need answered:
- Accessibility: Is it actually accessible, or just saying it's accessible?
- Buffet: Is the buffet a health hazard, are the food choices actually good and tasty?
- Wi-Fi: Is the Wi-Fi good enough to stream Netflix?
- Overall, Is it worth it?: This hotel seems like it's trying hard and is a strong contender. They have definitely made an effort and done well in the basic offerings.
The Bottom Line: I'm intrigued. If it lives up to its potential, it could be a fantastic stay. I am cautiously optimistic. I'd probably book it, but I'd definitely make sure to call ahead about the accessibility and the buffet situation. Now, booking your hotel? Don't just settle on a place. No, no, no.
Here's My Persuasive Offer to Book This Hotel:
Tired of the same old vacation routine? Craving a getaway that's both relaxing and safe?
[Hotel Name] is calling your name!
Imagine this: You wake up in a soundproofed room with blackout curtains and a coffee maker ready to brew your morning java. From there, you head down for an amazing breakfast buffet (hey, it's worth a shot!), or order room service (for the win!).
Need to unwind? Dive into the pool with a view, indulge in a massage at the spa, or sweat it out in the fitness center. Need to work? No problem, free Wi-Fi has you covered. And if you’re working extra, meetings can be easily accommodated in a dedicated area.
This hotel clearly cares about your safety and peace of mind, with professional-grade cleaning and sanitation and other features available.
But don't just take my word for it.
Here's what you get when you book with us:
- Guaranteed Best Rates: We'll beat any advertised price!
- Flexible Cancellation: Change of plans? No problem!
- Exclusive Perks: Upgrade to a better room, or a massage. And maybe a free cocktail at the bar.
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your grandma's perfectly polished itinerary. This is a raw, unfiltered, possibly slightly chaotic account of my planned (and probably botched) adventure at the Best Western Premier Hotel Slon in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Let's see if I survive… and if I actually enjoy it.
The "Almost Didn't Happen" Itinerary: Ljubljana, Here I Come! (Maybe)
Day 1: Arrival and the "Where's My Luggage?!" Blues
Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up in a panicked sweat in (insert hometown). Did I pack? Did I forget to pack? Oh god, the passport! The sheer terror of travel, you guys. I'm pretty sure my blood pressure spiked before I even had coffee. Managed to get to the airport (mostly) on time, thanks to a white-knuckle taxi ride with a driver who clearly thought he was auditioning for Formula 1.
Morning/Afternoon (10:00 AM - 2:00 PM): The flight. The endless, recycled air and questionable airplane food. Actually, the food wasn't that bad. I kinda liked the little sandwich. Anyway, got to Ljubljana's Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU), and… cue dramatic music …my luggage was nowhere to be seen. Cue internal screaming and a frantic search through the baggage claim. Found a very stressed airport employee, who, bless her heart, was already dealing with a mountain of lost luggage. Filled out the dreaded forms, visions of unpacking my suitcase dancing in my head.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Okay, breath. Airport to Hotel. Finally got a cab to Best Western Premier Hotel Slon, the place I'm supposedly spending the next few days. First impression: Wow, this place is fancy. Marble everywhere. I felt a bit…underdressed. Check-in was smooth (thank god!), and I am now in my room. It's beautiful, but I'm secretly terrified to actually touch anything. I dropped my wallet, it did sound.
Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - onward): Okay, luggage-less and a bit shell-shocked, time to salvage the day. I HAVE to have a good dinner. I decided to explore the old town and grab some dinner. I found a restaurant with a lovely outdoor seating, and the food was absolutely exquisite, with a bottle of local wine. And even though I desperately wanted to crawl into a ball, I took a deep breath and enjoyed it. I even had the most delicious dessert. Maybe things are starting to look up!
Day 2: Ljubljana's Charm and the Search for Socks
Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Breakfast at the hotel. The buffet was overflowing with deliciousness. It was actually a bit overwhelming. I may have tried everything. Pro tip: pacing yourself is key, and I did not pace myself. Regret the amount of food I ate.
Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): A "walking tour" of Ljubljana. It felt more like a meandering stroll, because I got sidetracked by, like, everything. I stumbled upon a tiny little bookstore, got caught up in a conversation with an eccentric artist who gave me a free sketch of a squirrel, and spent a good 20 minutes admiring a street musician playing the accordion. The tour guide had a lot of patience.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch! Found a charming little bistro. Amazing food, incredible service, but it was crowded. I felt bad for my waiter though; I am always apologetic to the staff.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The socks situation. I realized I hadn't any clean socks after the washing of the clothes. Had to find a shop. Eventually, I stumbled upon a cute little store. But, it was closed. So, I continued the exploration. I was able to buy something though.
Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - onward): Back at the hotel, the luggage hadn't arrived. Sigh. The hotel staff were remarkably understanding. They are lovely! Spent some time relaxing in my room. I watched some TV, I journaled, and I gave myself a pep talk. Tomorrow, I'm determined to experience some more of Ljubljana.
Day 3: Dragons, Castles, and an Unexpected Gelateria
Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Ljubljana Castle! Okay, this was amazing. The views from the top are breathtaking. The castle itself is fascinating. I climbed all the way to the top of the tower. My legs are still screaming. Apparently, I am officially an elderly adult now.
Morning (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Dragon Bridge! The dragons are cool, I suppose, but I'm more fascinated by the people watching. Ljubljana is full of fascinating characters.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): The most perfect lunch, with a friend who happened to be in town. I met this wonderful person a few years ago. The restaurant was in the heart of the city. The food, conversation, the atmosphere… it was perfect. I should go out with my friend and have a dinner.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The accidental gelato. I was just strolling along (again), and this tiny little gelateria caught my eye. The sign was too tempting. It was the best gelato. I still think about it. I'm not usually an "impulse gelato" kinda person, but, wow. Just wow.
Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - onward): Still no luggage. Sigh. Maybe tomorrow. Decided to have a quiet dinner at the hotel restaurant. It was lovely. I am starting to feel more at home here. Perhaps I'll get to see my luggage back.
Day 4: Departure and the "What Happens in Ljubljana…" Mystery
Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): One last glorious breakfast. I swear, I'm going to miss this buffet. Checked out of the hotel. It was a bit sad to leave!
Morning/Afternoon (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Back to the airport. Miraculously, my luggage had arrived! Yay! Made my way through the airport, feeling significantly less stressed than when I arrived.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - onward): The flight home. Already dreaming of my next adventure. And thinking about that gelato. I might have to go back, just for that.
Post-Trip Thoughts (and a Deep Breath):
Ljubljana: utterly charming. The Best Western Premier Hotel Slon: a luxurious haven. Lost luggage: a minor inconvenience, but still annoying! The gelato: a life-changing experience. Slovenia: definitely a country I want to explore more of.
This trip wasn't perfect. There were hiccups and moments where I wanted to throw my hands up in the air. But those imperfections? They're part of the adventure. They're what make travel memorable. And I wouldn't trade them for anything. Except maybe my luggage arriving on time. And another scoop of that gelato… Okay, I'm done. Time to book another trip!
Escape to Breezewood: Your Dream Holiday Inn Express Awaits!
So, what *is* this all about, anyway? Seriously, I'm lost.
Alright, fair enough. Let's rip off the Band-Aid. This... this is about my absolute OBSESSION with... with... **(drumroll please)** ... *making the perfect cup of coffee*. Yeah, I know, sounds completely unhinged, right? I used to think so. Now? I weep if I miss my morning ritual. It's like, a fundamental part of my being, you know? I have strong opinions. You've been warned.
Why coffee? I'd assume it's not that serious...
Oh, honey. You have NO idea. It started innocently enough. I needed, you know, *caffeine*. Then, the rabbit hole opened. First, it was the beans. Suddenly, "Ethiopian Yirgacheffe" and "Sumatra Mandheling" weren't just fancy words, they were *emotions*. I could, and still do, get all misty-eyed thinking about a particularly good Yirgacheffe. It's a journey, not a destination, and, frankly, I'm terrified to get off the ride.
What kind of equipment do you use? Because, let's be honest, this could get expensive...
Oh, the rabbit hole gets *deep*, my friend. Let's just say, my significant other has threatened to stage an intervention. I started with a French press. Perfectly fine, right? *Wrong*. Now, I own a burr grinder, a gooseneck kettle that looks like a futuristic weapon, a pour-over setup that could rival a science lab, and a scale that's more precise than my dentist's tools. And, yes, it's EXPENSIVE. But think of it as an investment in happiness! And the endless Instagram likes... that's how I justify the financial burden. Shhh, don't tell my bank account.
Okay, so you're a coffee snob. But what makes the *perfect* cup?
Ugh, that's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Let's just say, after countless trials, errors, and near-disasters (spilled hot water is a tragedy, people!), I have a few "rules."
- **Beans:** Freshly roasted, ideally within a week of grinding. I prefer a light roast from a local roaster (support your local businesses!) unless the craving for a darker roast grips me... sometimes it's just a moody day.
- **Grind:** Burr grinder, always. Consistency is key, my friend. The *exact* grind size depends on your brewing method. (And yes, I tweak it constantly - I am nothing if not obsessive.)
- **Water:** Filtered, *always*. And it needs to be at the right temperature. Too hot? Burned coffee. Too cold? Sad, weak coffee. It's a Goldilocks situation.
- **Brewing method:** Again, that depends on the mood! Pour-over for a focused, clean cup. French press if I'm feeling a bit... rough around the edges.
- **Ratio:** The holy grail: 1:15 coffee to water. Or sometimes 1:16. Or maybe... Okay, I experiment A LOT.
What about specific brewing methods then? Is pour over really the best?
Here's the thing... pour over is good, yes. But the best? Depends on my mood, the beans, and maybe even the weather. Let me rewind to last Tuesday. I woke up, and *needed* a pick-me-up. I had bought a fresh bag of Ethiopian Yirgacheffe (the good stuff). I spent a good half hour grinding the beans in my trusty burr grinder (it's a love-hate relationship, honestly). Then, the water, heated to precisely 200 degrees Fahrenheit (I'm not kidding, I have a thermometer!). The slow, deliberate pour, the bloom, the smell... pure heaven. But... did it taste as amazing as I thought it would? Not quite. Something was slightly *off*. Slightly bitter. Too much bloom? Not enough? The coffee gods were not smiling on me that day. I went with the French Press to avoid the same fate the next day, I have to tell you that.
What happens if you mess it up? Does the world end?
Alright, dramatic much? The world doesn't *end*. But my day? It sure as hell feels like it's on a downward spiral. A bad cup of coffee can ruin my ENTIRE morning. And, yes, I've messed up. Oh, have I messed up. I've used stale beans. I've ground the beans too coarsely (swimming in coffee grounds is not fun, trust me). I once used *tap water* (shudders). The horror! I usually just grit my teeth, drink it anyway, and vow to do better the next day. Sometimes I even just dump it and start over. A bad coffee day is a reset day, I guess.
So, what advice would you give to a coffee newbie?
Okay, future coffee aficionado, listen up!
- **Start small.** Don't go out and buy the most expensive equipment right away. Experiment with different brewing methods. French press is a great starter.
- **Buy good beans.** Freshly roasted, ground right before brewing. It makes a HUGE difference.
- **Don't be afraid to experiment.** Try different beans, grind sizes, and water temperatures. Find what *you* like.
- **Don't give up!** You'll screw it up. Everyone does. Learn from your mistakes and keep brewing.
- **Embrace the madness.** Seriously. It's a delicious and slightly obsessive hobby. Relax and enjoy the ride. And for the love of all that is holy, don't let anyone tell you the "right" way to do it. Your way is just fine.
What's your absolute favorite thing about this whole...coffee thing?
Oh, man. That's easy. The *ritual*. The quiet morning, the smell of freshly ground beans, the anticipation of that first sip... it's a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. It's a small, simple pleasure that makes everything feel a little bit brighter. And honestly, sometimes it is all that gets me through the day. It's a reminder thatWhere To Sleep In
