Hotel Grad Otočec
Hotel · Southeast Slovenia ·
Gourmet dining, wine cellar, and refined rooms in a castle
Information
Grajska cesta 2, 8222 Otočec, Slovenia Get directions
Gourmet dining, wine cellar, and refined rooms in a castle
Grajska cesta 2, 8222 Otočec, Slovenia Get directions
"This luxury hotel and restaurant in a spectacular and tranquil location in the middle of the Krka river occupies a charming 13C castle that was demolished and then rebuilt for the purpose. Antiques, a delightful bar with a fireplace and soft comfortable sofas all combine to create the feel of bygone days in the attractive dining room. The cuisine is regional and traditional, featuring carefully prepared dishes (the chicken with fregola pasta is delicious) and fresh vegetables sourced from the restaurant’s organic kitchen garden. Both the à la carte and the tasting menus follow the seasons. To round off your visit in truly aristocratic style, stay in one of the hotel’s luxurious guestrooms." - Michelin Inspector
"Built in the thirteenth century on an island of the Krka River less than an hour from Ljubljana, this romantic castle-hotel in Slovenia’s peaceful Dolenjska region feels straight out of a fairytale: ten plush rooms and six suites, a round tower concealing an incredible cellar of Slovenian wines, and a restaurant newly awarded with a Michelin Plate. In 29-year-old chef Nejc Ban’s kitchen—where he once apprenticed and now leads a brigade of eight—passion for local tradition meets quiet creativity: meats may be served in generous, bone-on cuts inspired by the castle’s history; the surrounding forest yields strong-flavored yet tender game (he once prepared a bear paw according to old Slovenian tradition), and when the season is open, local hunters bring their quarry on Sundays. The 2,500 m² organic garden overflows with pumpkins, leeks, herbs, berries, apples, tomatoes and edible flowers, and guests are encouraged to pick their own vegetables and ask the chef to improvise. His philosophy is simplicity—“You need to feel the trout, the beef, the vegetables”—yet he loves to weave flavors in cold starters like garden tomatoes with fresh herbs and a refreshing basil mousse, a crunchy lace-like Parmesan cracker with a ricotta-stuffed pumpkin flower, or applewood-smoked beef carpaccio. Whether I sit in the earthy-toned dining room or outside in the courtyard guarded by medieval walls, dinner feels once-in-a-lifetime: romantic, mysterious, and plated with fairytale whimsy. Desserts by pastry chef Tatjana Cerjak charm and delight, from a white-chocolate apple hiding light mascarpone whipped cream to a chocolate flowerpot. Between swims or fly-fishing in the crystal-clear Krka, bike rides, hikes, wildlife watching, the adventure park, and an 18-hole golf course (with a small, delicious catering service)—plus spa time nearby, helicopter rides and even game hunting—I can happily burn it all off before sinking into a cozy yet princely room to dream of royals, knights and witches." - Le Guide MICHELIN
"A magical, 700-year-old Gothic island castle hotel set in the middle of the Krka river that feels like a fairy-tale escape; guests can explore surrounding forests and villages by bike in the morning and return for gourmet, candlelit dinners by a wood-burning fire at night, with lively university-town Ljubljana not far away for extra activities in October." - Annie Fitzsimmons
"On a small island surrounded by the Krka River lies the rebuilt Otocec Castle Hotel, offering a perfect atmosphere for weddings, parties and business meetings. The castle was recently renovated, but kept the Gothic and Renaissance elements, creating a unique atmosphere of past times combined with the luxuries and comfort of today. A romantic dinner is only one of the unforgettable events you will take part in. The castle walls date back to 1252, and the Otocec is located in the picturesque lush region of Dolenjska, famous for its rivers, valleys, forests and vineyards. It is only a stone's throw from the town of Novo Mesto." - My Boutique Hotel (en)
"Hotel Grad Otočec, a majestic castle perched on a charming island in the heart of the Krka River. This Slovenian gem is enveloped by unspoiled natural beauty, providing a serene escape and a truly unique destination. Guests are treated to a luxurious stay in elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each thoughtfully designed to offer the pinnacle of comfort and sophistication." - Tablet Hotels
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