Kempinski Palace Portorož
Portoroz, Slovenia
Obala 45, Portoroz, Slovenia, 6320
Original Property Opened in 1908
Historic Hotels Worldwide member since 2016
For the past 100 years, this iconic hotel has played a key role in Slovene history. With its authentic mix of Art Nouveau, Secession, Bauhaus, and Art Deco architecture, the Kempinski Palace Portorož combines Viennese elegance with contemporary flavor. Nestled in a historical park, the hotel dates back 1910 when Slovenia was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Renovated during the mid-2000s, the hotel’s interior was masterfully restored by the Paris-based DESSEINS Interior Design Studio with Jean-Claude Laville as the head designer. Laville has created a successful symbiosis of historic architecture and modern influences throughout the Kempinski Palace Portorož. The Kempinski Palace Portorož is situated in the enchanting region of Istria. Guests can explore the most famous Slovene landmarks such as Tartini Square, the Walls of Piran, and the UNESCO-recognized Škocjan Caves. The Lipica Stud Farm is located nearby as well, which has been the cradle of all Lipizzaner horses since 1580. Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, offers its own wealth of stunning cultural attractions, such as Ljubljana Castle, The City Museum of Ljubljana, National Gallery of Slovenia, and the Dragon Bridge.
Discover
- Discover the grand Habsburg-era architecture of the Kempinski Palace Portorož, which features a mix of Art Nouveau, Secession, Bauhaus, and Art Deco design aesthetics. This historic hotel is located in Portorož, one of the most important European seaside resorts and health spas, and it was the largest and most beautiful hotel on the Adriatic when it opened as the Palace Hotel in 1910.
- Discover historic spaces throughout the Kempinski Palace Portorož. The Ladies’ Saloon and the Gentlemen’s Saloon, located on either side of the Crystal Hall ballroom, have been restored to their original grandeur and pay homage to their history, as members of high society would congregate in these stylish salons in the afternoons and after dinner. The saloons can be reserved for private meetings, dinners, receptions, or parties.
- Discover the historic accommodations of the Kempinski Palace Portorož. The architecture in the Palace Wing is complemented by the vintage look of the accommodations in this wing, which is reflected in the furniture and warm colors throughout. Celebrities and political figures alike have stayed at this historic hotel, most notably Sophia Loren, as the hotel’s signature restaurant pays homage to her.
Explore
- Explore the Forma Viva located nearby, a collection of Istrian stone sculptures out in the open that constitute an open-air sculpture gallery in the historic park at Portorož. This Forma Viva, created out of local limestone, was the first to be founded in 1961, and features beautiful views over the Adriatic Sea.
- Explore Tartini Square, the main square of Piran named after violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini, whose monument is at the center of the square. Wander over to Tartini House, the composer’s birthplace and one of the oldest buildings on the square, as well as the namesake Tartini Theatre.
- Explore the Sečovlje Saltpans Natural Park, including the Museum of Salt Making. The Sečovlje Saltpans is the largest Slovenian salt evaporation pond, and Portorož is famous for its sea salt.
Experience
- Experience an unforgettable ride on the underground train through Postojna Cave, the second-longest cave system in Slovenia that was created by the Pivka River. Check out the magnificent cave formations and diverse fauna as you zip along the world’s only double-track cave railway.
- Experience a tour of the Lipica Stud Farm, the birthplace of the Lipizzaner horse in 1580. Check out the Lipizzaner Museum Lipikum, watch these elegant horses perform and dance, or enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride around the farm.
- Experience truffle hunting in the Istrian hills with a local professional truffle hunter and his dog. Afterwards, enjoy a truffle tasting that features Fuži, a typical Istrian pasta featuring truffles.
Taste
- Enjoy a lavish and sumptuous breakfast in the restored Crystal Hall ballroom, and dine underneath the crystal chandeliers and gilded ceiling ornaments.
- Enjoy a cocktail crafted by the in-house mixologist featuring home-distilled spirits in the Palace Club lobby bar.
- Enjoy live piano music while catching up on the news by reading one of the daily newspapers offered in the Palace Club.
- Enjoy refined Mediterranean cuisine at the signature Restaurant Sophia, located in the former reception area of this historic hotel. The historic dining room features black and white photographs of Sophia Loren amongst the stone pillars, coffered ceiling and walls, stained glass windows, vintage chandeliers, and large fireplace.
FEATURED ACCOMMODATIONS
