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 hotels, represented by the Relais & Châteaux association. This union stands for the world's rich diversity in customs and culinary experience. Now let's what is unique at Kenda Mansion and dive into the Hotel Kendov Dvorec review.
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Relais & Châteaux and Michelin Plate award.
About Hotel Kendov Dvorec
Kendov Dvorec (Kenda's Mansion) 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 talk about the Virgin Mary's church.
The first scripts about this place are from 1377. Can we all agree this is a heritage hotel in Slovenia?
Every manor house needs a knight armor.
You'll see the expanded pilgrimage site from the Kendov Dvorec. Like the church, Kenda's Mansion 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, plus a magnificent restaurant.
Can you believe this Virgin Mary's church originates in the 12th century?
We are thrilled to share with you that this five-star hotel is pet friendly.
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 is nature when it comes to hospitality, so they don't act against it, but rather with it.
Kendov Dvorec is a fairytale manor house that will take your heart.
Greenery and heritage places are kinda a match.
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.
Sadly, the fall wasn't the best time to enjoy Kendov Dvorec's garden. Only imagine it in the middle of the summer. We will get back then and show you.
Luckily, inside is warmly and homely.
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.
Most likely you'll enjoy a welcome drink here.
Homemade elderberry syrup was the star of our welcome drink.
Every manor house needs a knight armor.
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 singing might be the only "intruder" in your zen moment, although in our case, the weather was the real spoiler.
Rooms at Hotel Kendov Dvorec are cozy and stunning.
Crystal chandelier might be a centerpiece in the suite.
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.
Idria lace is handmade bobbin tape lace that is iconic for this area.
Antique room has its own charm.
The Kendov Mansion is full of well-preserved antiques.
Just looking around the room and enjoying the views is an unforgettable experience. Only the bathroom has room for improvement, but nothing disturbing as it has all the necessities you will need during your stay.
The standalone bathtub is perfect for soaking or a quick shower.
The bathroom is missing some design, but it's functional.
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.
This is only one part of a terrace. Not to brag, but the master suite has 120 square meters of it!
Vivi is calling home to tell them she is living now at the Kendov Dvorec. Reasonable.
Every manor needs flowers. At Kendov Dvorec you will be in the center of the blooming.
Here you can read a book under the giant tree or have your favorite tea in your favorite teacup. It's kinda sad that Slovenia doesn't have afternoon teas. Here it would make all the senses.
Can we say Wild'n'Free has a thing for mirrors?
Having tea on the terrace got a new meaning.
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.
Organic Aloe Vera toiletries by Relais & Châteaux spa line.
We were happy to taste the delicious homemade cookies placed on top of the Idria lace.
Every room has its own hand sanitizer and at the turndown service, we even got chocolate truffles.
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.
Pavilion in the garden is calling you for summer lunch.
The old writing machine is there to remind you of modern achievements.
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.
Breakfast at Hotel Kendov Dvorec can be described as lovely, homely and delicious.
What a great idea! Serving portions are covid proof and even sustainable at the same time.
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.
Fresh figs at the breakfast can make a perfect day.
Varieties of honey for breakfast. Thank you bees!
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.
You will have a chance to try the apple juice made of the hotel's apples. This should be a new hotel standard!
Kendov Dvorec Restaurant
The lunch and dinner menu at the Kendo 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.
Restaurant Kendov Dvorec
Let's eat y'all!
Beans soup for a start. Trust me, the food at Kendov Dvorec is delicious.
To find out more about this delicious experience, check our upcoming 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.
Even a knight has a facemask in this pandemic times. So what is your excuse again?
Who are you, lady? Is this our room service madam?
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. Nice service, cozy rooms and greenery on every step.
hallway with an antique touch
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.
That's you after dinner at Kendov Dvorec.
Any downsides at our Hotel Kendov Dvorec? Well, if you are a hardcore gym freak, you might miss a proper gym. However, there are many activities in Slovenia, so you will exhaust your body in different ways.
We pray to be back in the Kendov Dvorec!
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. 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.
Posted from my blog with SteemPress : https://wnfdiary.com/hotel-kendov-dvorec-review-boutique-heritage-hotel/
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