Service above and beyond!
Slovenia
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May 8 - May 12, 2025
Guides were personable and were well informed, since they lived in the cities they were helping us to experience.
The two young men sent by ATET, the car rental service in Ljubliana,
I particularly commend. We were dropped off at the wrong dock in Venice, and our internet had gone down. We were getting pretty frazzled and more than a little frustrated. Luckily, we were able to briefly establish contact with Nikola, whom I believe contacted these ATET employees. These two young men told us not to move, they would come to us. They found us, and not only completed our car rental, but sought out an electronics shop that sold us a SIM card needed to solve our internet issues. They installed the card, giving us internet access back, and then provided an escort until we were on the correct highway to our destination. Exemplary service!
Nikola was in touch with us frequently throughout our trip to Slovenia, problem solving minor issues and providing recommendations and guidance.
Nikola is superb, and a huge asset to whomever he works with. Keep him happy, because he certainly kept us happy! Thank you, Nikola!
Hotel Reviews
Pension Berc is an island of elevated tranquility in an already sublime setting. From there, we were able to walk into downtown when the occasion warranted. We checked in very late our first evening, and were met by Rojer-aay. (My apologies for the phonetic spelling.) We were tired and rushed, but he made us feel welcome, checked us in, took our bags up and showed us our room, and then appeared as our waiter in the attached restaurant! (I secretly believe he was cloned, but he wouldn't admit to it.) The room was "quaint" as my wife put it, with a rustic appeal, and super strong water pressure. A remodeled farm; redone very effectively. Having the attached restaurant was a huge advantage. We intended to eat elsewhere the second night, but got so tired we defaulted due to being tired. Much of the menu was expensive due to it being a steak house, but the vegetable risotto and other menu items were reasonably priced and very tasty. All in all we were truly impressed, and would recommend Pension Berc to all travelers to beautiful Bled.
Our reservation was changed from Grand Hotel Union to Hotel Cubo. My review is of the Hotel Cubo, not the Grand Hotel Union. Hotel Cubo is a wonderful location, with easy access to the highway system and close to the river and the town center. It's modern/minimalist design is interesting, but the room decor is just starting to show some signs of wear and tear. Nothing awful understand, but just getting to the point of making an impression.
Activity Reviews
Larisa certainly knows Ljublana! Her knowledge and understanding are impressive. Having been trained as a historian, I truly appreciate the historical details she provided. Suggestions for improvement, and please understand they are minor: it took her awhile to understand my wife's slower traveling pace, but once she understood why, she was most accommodating. I didn't have enough time to take pictures from the watchtower atop the castle, but this was due to scheduling friction between a video presentation and the extra time picture taking would have demanded.
This is an incredible cave system! We were truly impressed! Just warn travelers that there is a considerable degree of walking involved, over uneven and wet surfaces. The enforced trip through the gift shop was a minor detraction, but is not an abnormal state of affairs in Europe.
Nina, our private guide, really knew her Bled. Her father was past president of the boat pilots association! She actually lives near our hotel in the old village. Initially, she had difficulty with my wife's slower pace of mobility, but quickly adjusted, and helped her climb the 99 steps to the church on the island without a stop!