AS Boutique Hotel, Ljubljana

Pros

• You won't find a better location in Ljubljana—tucked into a courtyard off Preseren Square and just steps from the Triple Bridge.
• Climb to the rooftop terrace for postcard-worthy views of the city's hilltop castle, plus a shallow wading pool and Jacuzzi.
• The stylish rooms are full of thoughtful details: think USB ports in the safe to charge your electronics, smart mood lighting, Nespresso machines, and a magic switch to darken the glass bathroom walls for privacy.
• You'll have three dining options to choose from, including elevated Slovenian fare at the renowned Gostilna AS and creative fusion flavors at Jaz by Ana Roš, helmed by a Michelin-starred chef.

Cons

• The rooftop Jacuzzi and wading pool are only open from March to November.
• There's no spa, but you can choose from a menu of in-room treatments (the Russian scalp massage is a hit for melting away post-flight tension). 

Authenticity

AS Boutique Hotel opened in late 2023, but it's already a modern Ljubljana landmark, with an innovative, basket-like facade that looks woven almost organically around the remains of the original 19th-century building. The local owners' ties to this spot stretch to the early 1990s, when chef and winemaker Svetozar "Pop" Raspopović became a pioneer of Ljubljana's culinary scene with his acclaimed Gostilna AS restaurant, still located under a stone arched ceiling on the ground floor. Today, his son owns the hotel, and you'll find two more restaurants and a cocktail bar on-site, plus stylish interiors by architect/designer Janja Bulc that incorporate vintage finds with Slovenian contemporary art.

Location

Blink and you might miss the hotel's main entrance, reached through a small passageway that opens into an oasis-like garden and the small, glass-fronted lobby. The location puts you at the epicenter of Old Town, tucked between the Lubjlanja's main shopping street and a leafy courtyard lined with open-air restaurants. Turn right and you're just feet from the city's famous Preseren Square, the Triple Bridge, and the riverfront. You can easily explore the rest of the pedestrianized center on foot, and it's just a 15-minute stroll to the train station. The airport is a 40-minute drive, and private paid parking is a 5-minute walk away (staff are happy to pick you up in a golf cart with prior notice).

Rooms & Bathrooms

Thirty rooms are spread across the hotel's upper stories, all offering herringbone wood floors, king beds, premium Frette linens, and fluffy down duvets. Velvet headboards, brass fittings, Turkish rugs, and fringed lampshades add a touch of vintage style, while walls are framed with decorative moulding and hung with colorful pieces from Slovenian artists. Deluxe rooms are compact and face the inner atrium; upgrade to a Premium or Twin for more space, a balcony or terrace, and a partial castle view. The marble bathrooms are just as design-forward as the rooms, with glass walls that darken for privacy with the touch of a button, plus rainfall showers, vessel sinks, and Molton Brown toiletries.

Amenities

Guests gather on the hotel's rooftop terrace in warmer months to cool off in the shallow paddling pool or relax in the Jacuzzi with 360-degree views over the Old Town and castle. In brisker weather, head to the Finnish-style sauna, or fit in a workout with new Technogym equipment. Dining options are some of the best in the city—try elevated Slovenian classics like grilled meats and Adriatic seafood at Gostilna AS, or join a younger, stylish set at Jaz by Ana Roš, helmed by a Michelin-starred chef. Pops Aperitivo is a more casual spot for pizza and Mediterranean small plates, and the AS Aperitivo bar slings craft cocktails alongside glasses of Slovenian orange wine and pear brandy.

Family-Friendliness

Children are welcome here, though the hotel tends to attract mostly couples and single travelers. There are no specific kid-focused amenities, but the largest Suites are a good choice for families, sleeping four comfortably with a king bed and sofa bed. Babysitting services are available, and cribs can be added to rooms.