Grand Hotel Toplice

Description:

• Built in 1931, Bled's most opulent hotel is an ivy-covered stone building right at the water's edge. In summer, guests flock to the wooden deck that hovers over the water and affords immaculate views across the lake and up to the castle. Interiors are styled with antiques and Persian rugs, plenty of carved wood, and crystal chandeliers. You simply must reserve a lake-facing room (which all have balconies behind shuttered doors) to make the most of the most awesome setting in town. Indeed, the setting -- and that staggering view (which also accompanies breakfast) -- is what earns this fading grande dame a star. Sadly, service standards have fallen in recent years (and some of the public areas could do with an injection of vitality), but that doesn't detract from the sublime views. Although bedrooms aren't enormous, they're well proportioned, with parquet floors and air-cushioned mattresses, and decor signals an earlier era in luxury travel; suites are beautiful, with solid antiques. There's a full on-site spa, with naturally heated indoor pool fed by thermal waters and a drinking fountain with mineral water tapped straight from the earth.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010