History

Discover the Kempinski Palace Portorož, which features artistic aesthetics inspired by the Vienna Secession.

Kempinski Palace Portorož was constructed in the years leading up to World War I, which was an era defined by its economic prosperity, artistic expression, and political intrigue.

The Kempinski Palace Portorož was built during the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire as an incredibly luxurious holiday destination. Upon its opening on August 20, 1910, as the “Palace Hotel,” the Kempinski Palace Portorož was the largest and most beautiful building of its kind on the Adriatic Sea. The hotel’s design was conceived by an Austrian architect named Johannes (Giovanni) Eustacchio, who incorporated the artistic eclectic of the Vienna Secession into its Georgian-style appearance.

The Palace Hotel was closed for the first time in 1980. Three years later, some parts of the hotel were proclaimed cultural monuments by the Municipal Decree on the Proclamation of Cultural and Historical Monuments in the Municipality of Piran. Unfortunately, the hotel could not consistently maintain business and closed for good in 1990. After sitting dormant for several years, several hoteliers decided to renovate the building in 2005. Three years later, Kempinski and Istrabenz Hoteli Portoroz signed a 20-year management agreement. Known today as the Kempinski Palace Portorož, this amazing historic structure is back to being one of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular vacation getaways.

a group of people standing in front of a building

Hotel Timeline

Construction of the Palace Hotel began during the Austro-Hungarian period. Prior, The Austro-Hungarian Ministry of the Interior proclaimed Portorož a health resort. A facility known as the White Cross was erected on the future Palace Hotel site.

The hotel opened in August 1910, as the Palace Hotel and was described as one of the largest and most beautiful hotels on the Adriatic Sea.

By this time, the Palace Hotel recorded 7,250 guests using more than 100 rooms.

After 67 years of operation, Palace Hotel closed for the first time.

Parts of the hotel were proclaimed cultural monuments, and the park was recognized as a monument of designed nature.

The hotel closed again in autumn 1990 and remained dormant for several years.

A major renovation began, preserving the historic exterior while rebuilding much of the interior in a classical style.

The restored hotel reopened in October 2008, as Kempinski Palace Portorož.

Kempinski Palace Portorož was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide. Historic Hotels Worldwide is a prestigious collection of historic treasures, including more than 300 legendary historic hotels including many former castles, chateaus, palaces, academies, haciendas, villas, monasteries, and other historic lodging spanning ten centuries.

The hotel celebrated 110 years since its original opening.

1908

1910

1913

1980

1983

1990

2005

2008

2016

2020

Famous Historic Guests

Josip Broz-Tito, President of Yugoslavia (1953 – 1980) Sophia Loren, renowned actress known for her roles in The Pride and Passion and Houseboat. Marcello Mastroianni, renowned actor who appeared in such roles as La Dolce Vita and Divorce Italian Style. Yul Brynner, known for his role in The King and I. Lex Barker, known for his portrayal as Tarzan and the Apes. Orson Welles, world-renowned director of such films likes Citizen Kane and Touch of Evil. Rita Pavone, famous Italian singer who collaborated with the likes of Diana Ross and Barbara Streisand.