The Grand Hotel Toplice is located at Lake Bled in Slovenia, an area famous for its natural springs, historic castles, and mild alpine climate. Since its founding as the Hotel Luisenbad, the hotel has attracted high-profile guests as well as luxury travelers. As a member of the Small Luxury Hotels chain, Grand Hotel Toplice offers five-star service and accommodation in the middle of this fairytale land.
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Lake Bled and the history of Grand Hotel Toplice
In the 17th century, natural springs were discovered in the area of Lake Bled. It wasn’t until the 19th century, though, that the residents and visitors created baths and spas out of the baths. And it wasn’t until later in the 19th century that there was any accommodation in the area.
The local postmaster opened an inn, naming it after his wife, Louise, and improved the natural springs and baths. Following World War I, a local woman, Jula Molnar, purchased the property. She renamed it Toplice, which means thermal baths. Jula also built a bathhouse, which stands on this property today in its original design.
Jula’s father helped create the initial model of tourism in Slovenia, and so learning from her father she knew how to make her hotel a leading hotel in the area. Within just a few years of her purchasing the property and making some changes, it attracted the leading VIPs and diplomats of the day. Some of her most important clients were the famous chess players of the mid 20th century, including the famous Bobby Fischer. Jula also paid attention to the trends of the day and created the first golf course in Bled.
Today, there are guests who continue to return to the hotel with their family year after year, often in the summer and again in the winter during the festive season.
Location of Grand Hotel Toplice
Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most popular tourism destinations. Known primarily for its famous medieval Bled Castle, central alpine setting, and charming village, as well as outdoor activities and healing waters, the area attracts thousands of visitors each year. It is located in the north of Slovenia, near the Austrian border.
The Grand Hotel Toplice is located on the eastern side of the lake, a short walking distance from the centre of the town. It is also only a half hour’s drive from the Ljubljana airport. My husband and I stayed here during our recent trip to Lake Bled.
Rooms at Grand Hotel Toplice
Grand Hotel Toplice boasts only 87 rooms and suites, ensuring discretion and exquisite attention to detail. There are five categories of rooms at the Grand Hotel Toplice. We had a double room with a lake view, which is the second category of room. There are also lake view suites and one presidential suite. Singles can be accommodated in a single room.
Each double room features a large double bed, writing desk, and a side chair. Bathrooms are equipped with either a shower or bathtub, hairdryer, and luxurious toiletries. The lake view rooms come with a spacious balcony and outdoor seating area, perfect for enjoying an evening glass of wine.
Restaurants at the Grand Hotel Toplice
There are four different restaurants and bars on the property at Grand Hotel Toplice, all with a distinct style and menu. However, they all focus on local ingredients and traditional flavors. At the Julijana Restaurant, head chef Simon Bertoncelj changes the menu daily to reflect the seasonal offerings. Guests can enjoy panoramic views from the Panorama Restaurant or linger over a last glass of wine at the Jezero Lounge.
Breakfast is served in the salon. Here, guests will find an excellent selection of cheeses, cured meats, smoked fish, homemade bread and pastries, local honey and jams, fresh coffee and tea, hot eggs with sausage or bacon, and more. It is the best place to start your day.
Bled Cream Cake
No visit to Lake Bled is complete without trying the infamous Bled Cream Cake. This wiggly puff pastry and cream concoction is a delight to all visitors. It was first created in 1953, and even today they stick closely to the original recipe. The home of the delicious cake is the Hotel Park Cafe on the Bled promenade, although you can taste the same cake at the Grand Toplice Hotel.
Activities and Amenities at Grand Hotel Toplice
As the premier hotel in the area, the Grand Hotel Toplice boasts its own spa and sauna as well as a lido and a private boathouse. The pool house, which is the original from Jula’s time as owner of the hotel, is the only one in the area in which the water enters the pool directly from the spring, preserving its healing qualities.
Guests also have access to the spa, which offers massage treatments, hydrotherapy, and other wellness options. It is located within the pool house. Grand Hotel Toplice also has an extensive art collection, which can be enjoyed on a self-guided tour of the property.
My husband and I really enjoyed our stay at this boutique hotel at Lake Bled. The combination of charm, history, and modern luxury made it a delightful stay. I definitely recommend this hotel to travelers wishing to experience the wonders of Lake Bled, Slovenia.
For more information:Grand Hotel Toplice
Cesta svobode 12, 4260
Bled, Slovenia
+386 4 579 10 00
I was a guest of Grand Hotel Toplice, but as always opinions are my own.