Kendov Dvorec
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Hotel Details
Location
Spodnja Idrija
Slovenia, Europe
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Key Highlights
- ✓Exceptional Service and Hospitality:** The staff's attentiveness, professionalism, and genuine warmth are frequently mentioned.
- ✓While offering a peaceful retreat, the hotel is also an excellent starting point for exploring the region. Nearby attractions and activities include:
- ✓One reviewer, however, felt that Spodnja Idrija itself was "not one of the many beautiful villages in Slovenia".
Expert Review: Kendov Dvorec
Kendov Dvorec: A Comprehensive Hotel Review
Nestled in the picturesque village of Spodnja Idrija, Slovenia, Kendov Dvorec stands as a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property, offering guests an enchanting journey back in time with modern comforts. This historic manor, dating back to 1377, is celebrated for its authentic Slovenian charm, exquisite service, and exceptional culinary experiences.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
Kendov Dvorec consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many guests rating it as "Exceptional" (10/10 on platforms like Hotels.com and Booking.com) and considering it one of the best hotels they have ever stayed in. The general sentiment is one of deep satisfaction, with visitors often wishing to return. It is lauded as a "real Slovenian treasure" and a place that offers an "authentic experience away from the crowds in a peaceful and serene setting". Guests frequently highlight the sense of being "transported back in time with the comfort of modern-day resources".
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently praise Kendov Dvorec for several standout features:
- Exceptional Service and Hospitality: The staff's attentiveness, professionalism, and genuine warmth are frequently mentioned.
- Authentic Design and Ambiance: The hotel's ability to preserve its historical charm while incorporating elegant touches of traditional Slovenian style, including antique furniture and Idrija lace, creates a unique and inviting atmosphere.
- Superb Dining Experience: The restaurant is a significant draw, often described as a highlight, offering delicious traditional cuisine with local ingredients.
- Peaceful Location and Scenic Views: The tranquil setting amidst 100-year-old apple trees and kept gardens, overlooking the village and the pilgrimage Church of Mary on the Rock, is a major draw.
3. Room Quality
Kendov Dvorec offers 11 rooms and suites, each furnished with 19th-century antique furniture and decorated with local ethnological heritage details. Rooms are named after members of the Kenda family. Modern amenities such as cable TV, Wi-Fi, a mini-bar, and a well-equipped bathroom (bath or shower, bathrobe, slippers, hairdryer) are included.
Some guests describe the rooms as "spacious" and "gorgeous". One reviewer particularly enjoyed a very large rolltop bath with views across the village. The Master Suite is noted for its outstanding 120 square meter terrace. While generally comfortable and charming, one minor criticism noted was the lack of a "super comfy bed" by one reviewer. Another guest mentioned an attic room being dark and poorly designed, with an air conditioning unit positioned inconveniently under the window, and a recurring issue with a bathroom roof window curtain falling down. Some rooms also lacked a kettle or coffee/tea setup, requiring room service for tea.
4. Dining Experience
The dining experience at Kendov Dvorec is consistently highlighted as a major strength. The à-la-carte restaurant serves traditional homemade specialties using carefully selected natural ingredients, many sourced locally and nearly all organic. The cuisine is described as "creative, yet sophisticatedly simple" and a "gourmet experience".
The restaurant has been awarded a Michelin Plate in both 2020 and 2021. Guests can choose between two five-course tasting menus, "Katarina" (fish) and "Jakob" (meat), which change daily, or select individual plates from the à la carte menu. Specific dishes like "bati and bakalca" (steamed bread dough and lamb goulash), "žlikrofi" (stuffed dumplings), and oven-baked trout are praised. The wine list is dedicated entirely to Slovenian wines, with options available by the glass. Breakfast is generally well-regarded, with some describing it as "excellent" or "wonderful". However, one guest found the breakfast "minimal and repetitive every day," lacking local touches beyond a small jar of local honey.
5. Service & Staff
The service at Kendov Dvorec receives almost universal acclaim. Guests frequently describe the staff as "highly attentive, polite and wonderful people". Terms like "exquisite," "friendly," "professional," and "charming" are commonly used. Many guests feel "made to feel so special," with mentions of welcoming wine and chocolates on the bed. The hospitality is considered heartfelt, contributing significantly to the overall positive experience. One isolated negative review, however, described the service as "indifferent and uninterested" and noted the absence of a promised welcome drink.
6. Location & Accessibility
Kendov Dvorec is located in Spodnja Idrija, a historic village that dates back to 1156, situated on the bank of the Idrijca River and overlooking the ancient pilgrimage church of St. Mary on the Rock. The tranquil and secluded setting, surrounded by lush gardens and views of the village and hills, is a key aspect of its appeal.
While offering a peaceful retreat, the hotel is also an excellent starting point for exploring the region. Nearby attractions and activities include:
- Fly fishing in the crystal-clear Idrijca and Kanomljica rivers.
- Hiking and cycling trails that traverse the diverse landscape between the Alps and the Karst.
- The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the mercury mine in Idrija.
- Pilgrimage trails offering scenic views.
- Visits to the Soča Valley, Ljubljana, Postojna and Škocjan caves, castles, Alpine lakes Bled and Bohinj, and the Vipava Valley vineyards are all accessible for day trips.
One reviewer, however, felt that Spodnja Idrija itself was "not one of the many beautiful villages in Slovenia".
7. Value & Pricing
Kendov Dvorec is a luxury property, reflected in its pricing. While specific price ranges vary by season and room category, a 5-course dinner menu was noted to cost approximately 70 USD (in 2020), with a menu including wine accompaniment around 118 EUR. A stay can be around €190 per night. Reservations made directly through the hotel's website are guaranteed the best available rate, which typically includes accommodation, buffet breakfast, a welcome drink, and Wi-Fi. A tourist tax of €2.00 per person per day is not included. While generally considered worth the cost for the experience, one guest found a €190/night stay disappointing given perceived shortcomings in service and breakfast.
8. Common Complaints
While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted:
- Room Amenities: A lack of kettles or coffee/tea setups in rooms, requiring guests to order via room service.
- Room Design/Comfort: One specific attic room was described as dark and poorly designed, with an inconveniently placed air conditioning unit and a curtain that frequently fell down. Another guest wished for a "super comfy bed".
- Breakfast Consistency: While generally good, one review found the breakfast "minimal and repetitive" and lacking local flair.
- Garden AstroTurf: One reviewer expressed a dislike for Astroturf on a balcony.
- Lack of Gym: For hardcore gym enthusiasts, the absence of a proper gym might be a minor drawback, though other activities are abundant in Slovenia.
- Isolated Service Issue: A rare instance of perceived "indifferent and uninterested" service was reported by one guest.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted:
- •Breakfast Consistency:** While generally good, one review found the breakfast "minimal and repetitive" and lacking local flair.
- •Isolated Service Issue:** A rare instance of perceived "indifferent and uninterested" service was reported by one guest.
