Last time, we did our Intercontinental Ljubljana Review, and now is time for a heritage gem in a charming place. Hotel Kendov Dvorec (Kenda’s Mansion) is one of two Slovenian members Relais & Châteaux association. As you know, this association stands for the world’s rich diversity in customs and culinary experience. Its main focus is a unique experience. Now let’s check what is unique at Kendov Dvorec and dive into the Hotel Kendov Dvorec review.
About Hotel Kendov Dvorec
Kendov Dvorec dates back to 1377 when the first landowners managed a homestead above the Idrijca river valley. It is part of a small town, Spodnja Idrija, which is even older by a couple of hundred years. Some documents of its existence date back to 1156 and mention the Virgin Mary’s church.
You’ll see the expanded pilgrimage site from the Kendov Dvorec. Like the church, Kendov Dvorec went through an extension in which it became a boutique heritage hotel. Today, it has 11 rooms, a fairytale garden with an old apple tree in the center, topped with a magnificent restaurant.
Ambiance
A small town caught between hills, overlooking the river, is the perfect spot for a 5* hotel. Owners of the Hotel Kendov Dvorec know how essential nature is when it comes to hospitality, so they don’t act against it, but rather with it.
All that is apparent even before you reach the reception desk as the greenery surrounds the hotel. From the outside, the old building radiates the medieval charm and quietly promises a journey through time.
Hardwood and terracotta flooring with additions of Persian rugs, antique furniture, and iconic Idria lace on every step will easily delight you. On top of that, every guest gets a tour around the hotel, which ends with a delicious mocktail.
Our Room
We stayed at the master suite, which comes with an outstanding and unique feature – 120 square meters of terrace. The terrace is partly in the shade of a nearby tree and makes a perfect spot for leisure. Birds chirping might be the only “intruder” in your zen moment, although in our case, the weather was the real spoiler.
Regardless of the weather, indoors is very cozy with antique furniture crowned with handmade Idria lace. An item of admiration is also the mesmerizing crystal chandelier.
Just looking around the room and enjoying the views is an unforgettable experience. Only the bathroom has room for design improvement, but nothing disturbing as it has all the necessities you will need during your stay.
The Terrace
We all know how awesome it is when your hotel room has an attached balcony where you can get some fresh air. Usually, there are small but functional balconies, but here… Master suite has attached 120 square!!! meters of lovely terrace.
Here you can read a book under the giant tree or have your favorite tea in a colorful teacup. It’s kinda sad that Slovenia doesn’t have afternoon teas. Here it would make all the senses.
Amenities
In the bathroom, you’ll find Organic Aloe Vera toiletries by Relais & Châteaux spa line. We didn’t miss anything during our stay. They even have a sanitizer in every room. And not only that, you will get some home-made cookies when checking-in and chocolate truffles at turndown service – love it.
Facilities
Hotel Kendov Dvorec gives a chance to the exciting surroundings, so it is modest when it comes to facilities. Nevertheless, you won’t miss a gym after a day-long hike. On the other hand, you might be hungry, and we advise you to make a reservation for a locally inspired menu at the house restaurant.
Breakfast at Hotel Kendov Dvorec
In the morning, we were kindly greeted by caring staff and by the smell of freshly baked bread and croissants. The perfect match with the local goodies (two cheese varieties, prosciutto, salami) and fresh fruit.
Luckily we came in time for some incredible fresh figs and apples from the garden. Equally irresistible was the honey collection of chestnut, acacia, floral, forest samples. Besides that, we found a western “must-haves” and egg menu.
In-house Apple Tree
In the middle of the park garden, you will notice an old but firm apple tree. I bet whoever planted this apple tree, did not imagine that this apple tree would give apples for the needs of the hotel. You heard right! At Kendov Dvorec, they use these apples for their juice and some desserts.
Kendov Dvorec Restaurant
The lunch and dinner menu at the Kendov Dvorec restaurant is a regional gourmet experience made with local ingredients. Slovenia offers an incredibly rich culinary map for its size, and this old town has some delicacies.
To find out more about this delicious experience, check our Kendov Dvorec Restaurant Review.
Service
Service at Hotel Kendov Dvorec is just like it should be in every boutique hotel – warm, homely and friendly. The team is small and you will get along with everyone, probably even with the knight.
Conclusion
Hotel Kendov Dvorec represents everything that Relais & Châteaux is standing for. A unique experience is granted as soon as you will enter their portal. Affectionate service, cozy rooms and greenery on every step.
Slovenia is a green country for sure, so why not celebrate this and incorporate it in the hotel itself. The terrace of the Master Suite is a true relief, especially if you are coming from a busy city like us.
Any downsides for our Hotel Kendov Dvorec review? Well, if you are a hardcore gym freak, you might miss a proper gym. However, there are many activities around, so you can exhaust your body in different ways.
Our lux eye found some design failures, which would make this hotel even more fantastic. Another downvote is in lack of a super comfy bed, although you are searching for a pristine experience, aren’t you? But hey, these are small fails. Regardless of all, so far this is our favorite hotel in Slovenia!
Hotel Kendov Dvorec Review Card
- ATMOSPHERE – 9.5/109.5/10
- CLEANLINESS – 9.5/109.5/10
- ROOM – 9.3/109.3/10
- FACILITIES AND AMENITIES – 8/108/10
- FOOD AND BEVERAGE – 9.5/109.5/10
- SERVICE – 9.7/109.7/10
- VALUE – 9.1/109.1/10
Price and Location
Hotel Kendov Dvorec is located in Spodnja Idrija, which is a bit remote from bigger cities. However, this might be only a plus. The roads are likable and Slovenia is small. You can easily explore it from here. For easier navigation, here is a link to the location. However, rooms start at 170 USD. Master Suite like ours is about 300 USD, including breakfast and an unforgettable terrace.
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