If you’re looking for a highly underrated European destination, look no further than the picture-perfect Slovenian capital Ljubljana. It’s a dynamic destination, perfect for off-the-beaten-path travelers searching for a new adventure in the Balkans. 

Surrounded by alpine mountains, gorgeous countryside, and beautiful central European scenery, Ljubljana is a center for outdoor activities as well as a destination for history, art, and culture lovers. You can hike out to mountain refuges in the summer, cross-country ski in the winter, and enjoy excellent food and drink sourced from local farms and vineyards throughout the year. 

Ljubljana might simply sound like an unpronounceable European destination – it’s pronounced lyoo-bly-ah-nuh – but with its impressive castle, emerald green river, and colorful street art, it’s a city that you’ll quickly fall head over heels for! To inspire your trip to the Slovenian capital, here’s our guide on where to stay in Ljubljana. 

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The Best Hotels in Ljubljana, Slovenia

Where to stay in Ljubljana

There’s no denying the fact that Ljubljana is an aesthetically pleasing destination to stay in. Red roofed townhouses line the beautiful banks of the Ljubljanica River, while the ancient towers and stone walls of Ljubljana Castle tower above the Old Town from its imposing position on top of the city’s highest hill. 

Stay in the historic hotels and boutique apartments of the Stari Grad (Old Town), and you’ll be immersed in centuries of history, culture, and romance, while you’ll also be within easy reach of the city’s most iconic sights and attractions. The most luxurious hotels in Ljubljana offer river views from private terraces or rooftop panoramas over the colorful cobblestone streets of Ljubljana’s oldest district. You can book elegant rooms in 16th-century mansions or rent out modern apartments in converted centuries-old townhouses.

Ljubljana is wonderfully compact! But if you want to be set away from the capital’s busy center, you can also find new hotels on the outskirts of the city offering style and high-tech facilities in peaceful surroundings. Best of all is the Metelkova District, one of the trendiest suburbs in Ljubljana. 

Once a Yugoslav military zone, you’ll be surprised to find that the area’s old warehouses and barracks have now become the center of Ljubljana’s most creative district. Like any artistically minded neighborhood, you can expect to find incredible boutique hotels dotting the streets of Metelkova.

From gorgeously refurbished boutique hotels in the Old Town to unique regeneration projects in the capital’s up-and-coming suburbs, Ljubljana is home to some incredible hotels. So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels in Ljubljana to help you plan your perfect getaway! 

The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Ljubljana 

1. InterContinental

The InterContinental is not only Ljubljana’s tallest hotel, but it stands proud as one of the best hotels in Ljubljana. This 5-star favorite towers above the city, and that means that even among the narrow alleys and cobblestone streets of the Old Town, you’ll never get lost on your way back home for the night!

The InterContinental’s impressive height and design also ensure that you’ll have the best views in Ljubljana from the top floors. When you arrive, take the elevator to the 18th floor, where you’ll find Serenity Wellness, a complete spa center offering glorious panoramic views of Ljubljana from the swimming pool. Unwind with a full body massage, sweat it out in the sauna, or look out over the Old Town while you run a few miles on the treadmill. 

The views continue at Restaurant B on the top floor. Here you’ll find local chefs cooking up Slovenian produce sourced from both the Julian Alps and the Adriatic Sea. The kitchen is open, but you might be too distracted by the outdoor terrace and excellent wine selection to watch the chefs in action.

Suitably relaxed and well-fed, you’ll love unwinding in your luxury room at the Intercontinental, where the focus is on contemporary comfort and stylish modern design. Enjoy the views from the tall windows, sink back into the super-soft bedding, and escape the world with a soak in your personal bathtub. 

2. Vander Urbani Resort

One of the coolest hotels in Ljubljana is the ever-popular Vander Urbani Resort. This unique boutique hotel is located right in the heart of the Old Town, with the river on one side and the castle looming over the resort from the other. Despite the historic setting, though, Vander Urbani Resort is one of the most modern hotels in the city. 

One of the coolest things about this hotel is that it has an outdoor rooftop swimming pool, an unusual feature for a Ljubljana hotel! When the sun is shining, relax on the lounge chairs and enjoy the views over the colorful rooftops of the Old Town. You’ll find a range of treatments and spa products available at the Vander Urbani Resort, so if the weather isn’t cooperating, you can unwind and relax with a massage instead of a swim. 

With just 20 boutique rooms, you’ll need to book the Vander Urbani Resort early. Rooms are either small or large, and you’ll have views of either the river or the castle. The concept is sleek and minimalist but undeniably comfortable. 

Make sure you book a table at Vander Urbani Resort’s restaurant in advance, too. The Haus Restaurant is wonderfully stylish, with wood floors and a wood bar creating a homey, Slovene-style setting that you’ll appreciate when you’re enjoying sharing boards of local meats and cheeses sourced from the surrounding countryside. 

3. Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel

From the outdoor terrace at Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel, you’ll have beautiful views over the unusually green waters of the Ljubljanica River and the historic architecture of the Slovenian capital’s Old Town. 

This charming boutique hotel has a long history. Located in an old townhouse, the building itself dates back to the 18th century. You’ll love how the interior has been lovingly renovated in a way that preserves the building’s heritage yet allows you to enjoy all the comforts of a modern, luxury hotel. 

Each room has been individually styled, and you might find yourself surrounded by sleek wood panels, rustic oak ceilings, or floral wallpaper. Bathrooms are tiled or finished with marble, walls are lined with funky paintings and artwork, and each room boasts a unique feature, such as a swinging chair or antique cabinets. 

The best rooms at the Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel offer private balconies overlooking the river, making this the perfect place for couples looking to embrace the history and heritage of Ljubljana in a romantic setting. 

Check Price & Availability on Booking.com

4. Antiq Palace

One of the most historic boutique hotels in Ljubljana is the Antiq Palace. Book a stay here, and you’ll be spending your vacation in one of the city’s oldest residences because the Antiq Palace is located in a mansion that dates back to the 16th century! 

You’ll also be following in the footsteps of European royalty and nobility because this was originally built to be a palatial home for one of Ljubljana’s most aristocratic families. Stroll through the centuries-old entranceway of this lavish townhouse, and you’ll be greeted by a revamped interior that’s managed to retain many of the original period furnishings and features throughout the lobby, corridors, and suites of the hotel. 

The luxury rooms at Antiq Palace evoke an age long since passed. Golden chandeliers shimmer from high ceilings while velvet drapes block out the light and sound of the city around you. 

There are wood floors, plush sofas and armchairs, and unique works of art in every room. Rooms have private bathtubs, but if you’re looking for a more relaxing spa session, book a massage at the wellness center. 

Explore this historic hotel, and you’ll find an open courtyard hidden away from the rest of Ljubljana. When night falls, the open fire is lit outside, welcoming you to enjoy a glass of wine (or two) under the stars. 

5. AB Ljubljana – The Residence

The Residence is one of the most unique hotels in Ljubljana, but with only four luxury apartments to choose from, there’s no doubt you’ll need to book this one way in advance! 

Located in Ljubljana’s Old Town, you’ll be staying in a repurposed and refurbished townhouse that was originally built in 1838. You’ll love how the 19th-century grandeur has been preserved in the antique furnishings and the delicate interior design of the apartments, making this an impressively luxurious yet atmospheric place to stay.

The four apartments at The Residence are all fully serviced and are all equipped with kitchens and dining areas as standard. Cook up meals in luxurious surroundings as you lay dinner out on an ancient dining table under golden chandeliers. 

Each apartment is individually styled by the renowned designers at AB Ljubljana. No matter which one you choose, you’ll appreciate the seamless fusion of old and new throughout this fantastic hotel. 

The Standard Residence has room for at least four people, while the larger Deluxe Antique and Deluxe Chic apartments have room for six guests. For the ultimate boutique stay, book the seriously spacious Penthouse, where you and five other guests can enjoy a taste of the high-life on the top floor of The Residence! 

Check Price & Availability on Booking.com

6. Urban Ring Hotel

The Urban Ring Hotel is designed for business travelers and digital nomads looking for a place to work and stay that’s also within easy reach of the city center. Part hotel and part co-working space, this is one of Ljubljana’s newest and coolest accommodation concepts.

If you’ve got emails to catch up on or just have a travel itinerary to plan, you’ll love the fully functional office space that you can rent out for a day or a month at a time. There are also large meeting rooms where you can meet your Slovenian clients in private.

The Urban Ring Hotel brings style to the outskirts of Ljubljana. Standard rooms have parquet flooring, colorful bedding, and equally vibrant wallpaper. For longer stays, you’ll want to book a studio room, where you’ll have a personal kitchenette at your disposal. 

You’re welcome to enjoy the complimentary breakfast in the restaurant, which also serves up tasty snacks throughout the day. Urban Ring Hotel aims to make your stay in Slovenia as easy as possible. You’ll even have access to a smartphone that’s preloaded with a local sim card and data for the duration of your stay. 

7. Four Points By Sheraton Ljubljana Mons 

If you’d like to escape the busy streets of the Old Town, then the Four Points by Sheraton is one of the best hotels in Ljubljana. This high-end hotel is found in one of the most scenic locations on the edge of the city. Plus, it’s beautifully positioned on a high hilltop, offering views over Ljubljana and the surrounding Julian Alps. 

The Four Points by Sheraton is a calming, peaceful retreat from city life. You’ll not only love how close you are to Slovenia’s beautiful natural attractions, but you’ll appreciate the relaxing spa facilities available at the hotel. Take a swim in the indoor pool, soak up the heat in the sauna, or let off some steam in the fitness center.

The floor-to-ceiling windows in your hotel room not only offer picturesque views but they fill the modern rooms with light. You’ll appreciate the spacious bathrooms, the comfy armchairs, and best of all, the large, plush beds that are just begging to be jumped on! 

The Four Points by Sheraton is designed to be an all-in-one hotel. That means you can have a buffet breakfast at the A2 Bistro, lunch and drinks at The Extra Mile Bar, and dinner at the Robin Restaurant. There’s no need to go into the city center when everything you need is at the hotel! 

8. Hotel Cubo

Stylish and suave on the outside and boutique and contemporary on the inside, Hotel Cubo is one of the best hotels in Ljubljana if chic design is high on your agenda. 

You’ll instantly recognize the distinctive Hotel Cubo when you arrive in the Old Town. The bright white facade stands out against the earthy colors of the surrounding townhouses, giving this boutique hotel a unique Mediterranean flair that you’re going to love!

There are just 26 luxury rooms at Hotel Cubo, and you’ll be able to choose from cozy single rooms, romantic double rooms, or super-spacious suites. The interior design complements the exterior design of the hotel, with sharp, contrasting dark and light colors creating a deep but bright atmosphere. 

You’ll be provided with a smartphone when you check-in, and you can use it to make your stay at Hotel Cubo both comfortable and convenient. Order room service, plan your itinerary, or just browse the internet! 

9. M Hotel

You’ll love how the M Hotel overlooks the green surroundings of Tivoli Park. This modern hotel is close enough to walk into the Old Town, but far enough away to have an almost countryside feel to its location. 

There are 145 rooms at the M Hotel, and each of them is minimalist in design yet outfitted with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Single rooms are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers, and you’ll be surprised at how spacious the beds are!

Doubles and twins are even larger. You’ll love how the large windows let the light flood into the rooms during the day. Triple rooms and junior suites are for families, while the deluxe suite is the most luxurious upgrade option available to guests looking to splurge.

All the rooms at M Hotel have smooth wood floors, walls, and paneling. When combined with views over the greenery of the nearby park, you’ll feel like you’re back to nature once again. A buffet breakfast is served every morning, and if you’re hungry, there’s a buffet lunch and dinner that’s served with views over Tivoli Park. 

10. ONE66 Hotel

Post-industrial designs await you at ONE66 Hotel. This eco-friendly hotel is located within a repurposed red brick warehouse that’s a 10-minute drive from the city center. Plus, you’ll love how much repurposing and recycling there is throughout this unique hotel.

Start your stay with a complimentary welcome drink at the Loft, where bartenders serve drinks from a refurbished shipping container. You can order up freshly cooked pizza prepared using the hotel’s farm-to-fork concept, or you can just sit back on a plush, antique sofa and enjoy the trendy atmosphere. 

On the way to your room, you’ll notice the artwork that adorns the walls of the corridors. This is the 166 Gallery – a “Live-in” art exhibition that livens up the hallways with modern works of art. 

Rooms at ONE66 Hotel keep with the industrial look. There are faux brick walls, vintage art posters, and retro telephones where numbers actually need to be dialed! 

Throw in a fully-equipped gym, a hidden outdoor terrace for guests, and an over-the-top number of neon signs, and you’ve got yourself one of the coolest boutique hotels in Ljubljana. 

Check Price & Availability on Booking.com

11. Hostel Celica

If you’re looking for the most unique hotel in Ljubljana, then look no further than Hostel Celica. Don’t be put off by the “hostel” factor because this is as much an art gallery and history museum as it is a place to stay. 

Hostel Celica is located in Ljubljana’s trendy Metelkova District, but for over a century, this was one of the most notorious political prisons in Yugoslavia. With independence in 1991 came the opportunity for new beginnings. 

Rather than allowing the building to simply be bulldozed to the ground, a group of artists decided to save the former prison. Over time, this ex-prison has evolved into an art gallery, a hostel, a museum, an events space, a restaurant, and more. 

Take a guided tour of Hostel Celica when you arrive, and you’ll be able to see more of the converted prison cells before spending a night behind bars. There are hostel-style dorm rooms for travelers on a budget, but it’s well worth upgrading to the private “prison cells” for the full experience. 

Each of the former cells has been painstakingly converted into a comfortable, artistically styled room by a different artist. Each room has a different theme to contemplate, and you’ll be surprised to learn that, in many cases, former prisoners with creative flair redesigned their former cells into boutique hotel rooms!

Every evening Hostel Celica’s restaurant and bar hosts a themed dinner, ranging from tortilla nights to all-you-can-eat barbecues, giving you the chance to embrace the social atmosphere of the hotel and meet other travelers during your stay in Ljubljana. 

Check Price & Availability on Booking.com

12. Hotel Nox

Hotel Nox might be a 20-minute drive from Ljubljana’s Old Town, but you’re going to love the beautiful views over the Julian Alps from your boutique hotel room. 

It’s well worth the journey into the city because Hotel Nox is one of Ljubljana’s coolest hotels. You’ll spot the new hotel from miles off because the outside architecture is not only unusual, it’s bright, it’s loud, and it’s a statement! Hotel Nox is essentially a showcase of Slovenian contemporary design, and each of the 34 rooms has been individually created and styled by leading local artists, architects, and interior designers.  

There are different themes throughout the hotel, but you’ll find that each room has been designed using locally sourced, eco-friendly materials – many of which have been traditionally used in local architecture for centuries. This traditional element is contrasted with luxurious and modern amenities. Plus, you’ll appreciate just how comfortable the beds at Hotel Nox are after a long day of sightseeing in the city! 

That completes our list of the 12 best Ljubljana hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Ljubljana? Comment below so we can add them to the list!

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