Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Ljubljana

The former Plaza Hotel became a Radisson Blu property at the end of 2015 and while it won’t win any awards for revolutionary design, it delivers the reliable, modern, and stylish decor the chain is known for. Inside the sleek, purpose-built tower, the contemporary lobby has floor-to-ceiling windows, tan-wood-paneled walls with geometric accents, and a mix of cream-paneled floor tiling and gray carpet. The bright, airy space has a duplex setup, with high ceilings and interior balconies, plus plenty of cube-like gray tub armchair seating, modern art canvases, and a long, gray stone design-led reception desk. There’s similar decor in the smart breakfast room, which has attractive long communal tables but lacks much natural light. Though tourists do stay here for the brand recognition and fast access to Atlantis Water Park, the majority of guests are business travelers. 

Though this Radisson Blu is primarily a business hotel, its location on an industrial park beside a busy road is among guests’ biggest gripes. There are restaurants and pubs relatively close by, plus a bus stop just outside, but it’s a bit of a schlep to the tourist attractions of the old city.

• Six-minute walk to Atlantis Water Park 
• 10-minute walk to BTC City shopping mall
• Seven minutes to Arena Stozice by car (34 minutes by public transportation)
• 11 minutes to Ljubljana Railway Station by car (12 minutes by public transportation)
• 12 minutes to Tivoli Park by car (22 minutes by public transportation)
• 14 minutes to National Museum by car (26 minutes by public transportation)
• 14 minutes to Ljubljana Castle by car (38 minutes by public transportation)
• 15 minutes to Triple Bridge (24 minutes by public transportation)
• 15 minutes to National Opera House and Ballet Theater by car 
• 16 minutes to Congress Square by car (25 minutes by public transportation)
• 21 minutes to Ljubljana Joze Pucnik Airport by car (74 minutes by public transportation)
• 76 minutes to Trieste Airport (Italy) by car
• 87 minutes to Karnten Airport (Austria) by car

Spacious, generally quiet rooms sport relatively predictable chain decor, and are all air-conditioned and heated. Decor consists of smart striped gray-and-black carpet and off-white walls. Tan-wood paneling features heavily, including to the sides of comfortable beds made with attractive gray throws and chic cream and gray wall-mounted fabric headboards. Bedside tables have elegant lamps and separate reading lights, and there are long built-in desks plus modern, metal-framed armchairs upholstered in green and cream. Large windows have heavy neutral blackout curtains and views of the industrial park and beyond. Junior Suites, One-Bedroom Suites, and Executive Suites have separate living rooms with sleek sofa beds and armchairs. Executive Suites also incorporate bar areas.

Elegant, contemporary bathrooms sport floor and wall tiling in browns and creams, and white vanities with incorporated submerged modern sinks and an extensive selection of miniature toiletries. Entry-level rooms have either shower/tub combos with power showerheads, or walk-in showers with rainfall and slim line power showerheads. One-Bedroom Suites and Executive Suites have slipper tubs, walk-in showers, double sinks, and bidets, plus separate guest toilets.

Amenities include smallish flat-screen TVs, phones, free Wi-Fi, safes, minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and hairdryers. Pricier rooms upgrade to iPod docks, speaker systems, robes, and slippers. Junior Suites, One-Bedroom Suites, and Executive Suites also add illy coffeemakers. Connecting rooms are available. Note that guests report rooms by the elevators pick up some noise.

The Radisson Blu lacks some expected facilities -- there’s no on-site gym, pool, or spa, though guests get free access to nearby Atlantis Water Park. The free breakfast buffet offers excellent variety. The all-day Plaza Restaurant and Plaza Cafe serve good local and international meals from early morning until late evening, and the cafe's bar closes even later. Room service is available. Contemporary meeting rooms accommodate up to 250 guests, and there’s reliable free Wi-Fi throughout. Plentiful secure underground parking costs extra.