The Grand Hotel Toplice offers a memorable experience, though it doesn’t quite meet the expectations of a 5-star property. The true highlight is the unrivaled view of Lake Bled—absolutely breathtaking and reason enough to return. We were charmed by the elegant neo-rococo design of the common areas, which at times had a unique, almost Soviet-era ambiance.
We stayed in a lake-facing room with a balcony, which, while offering stunning views, was quite cramped with minimal storage. Our suitcases wouldn’t fit in the closets, leaving us to navigate around them. Given the hotel's age, we anticipated smaller rooms but would recommend opting for a suite if space is important to you.
The hotel overall shows signs of wear, particularly in the hallways and some areas of the room. These things were minor but something you would not expect in a 5 star hotel. Although our bathroom appeared to have been updated recently, the renovation felt somewhat inconsistent with the hotel’s historic charm. Small details, like bars of soap without a soap dish, left the limited counter space wet and cluttered.
In summary, while the hotel could use some updates and a thorough cleaning, the incredible views and historic charm make it worth a visit. I’d gladly stay here again despite its flaws and must note that we had wonderful interactions with staff as well!