Hotel Vila Bojana

This hotel is highly regarded for its exceptional location, placing guests just a short walk from the beautiful Lake Bled and the main bus station, making it an ideal choice for sightseers and those relying on public transport. Its friendly staff consistently receive praise for their helpfulness and accommodating nature, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. While the hotel offers free parking and a generally good breakfast, a recurring theme in guest feedback highlights that the property, particularly the bathrooms, appears dated and in need of significant renovation. This makes it a suitable option for budget-conscious travelers and couples or families seeking convenience and good service over modern amenities. To ensure a smooth stay, guests should be prepared for cash-only payments and consider the lack of an elevator when packing luggage.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides convenient free parking on-site, which is a significant advantage for guests traveling by car. However, a frequently mentioned point is the absence of an elevator, which can be challenging for guests with heavy luggage, especially those assigned to upper floors. While some guests found the Wi-Fi reliable, others reported it to be weak or inconsistent, particularly on higher levels. Rooms are often described as spacious, and some include a mini-bar or a balcony, though views from these can vary. Central heating is available, but the lack of air conditioning is a common complaint during warmer periods, with only a small fan provided in some rooms. Guests also noted that the TV selection was poor or non-functional.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is mixed, with many guests finding their rooms clean and the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, a significant number of reviews highlight that the rooms and especially the bathrooms are noticeably dated and in need of renovation. Issues such as peeling paint, mold, cracks in ceilings, rusting radiators, and a general worn appearance are frequently reported. Some bathrooms are described as narrow with inconvenient designs, and common complaints include a lack of hand soap, issues with the shower (handheld only, no wall bracket, leaks, or problematic curtains), and broken toilet seats. Guests also occasionally noted a "stuffy" smell in rooms and thin walls leading to noise from neighboring rooms.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast generally receives positive feedback, with many guests describing it as good, varied, and tasty, offering a decent selection of options such as cereals, meats, cheese, bread, pastries, and fresh fruit. The coffee quality, however, garnered mixed reviews, with some finding it good and others describing it as lacking taste. For guests departing early, the hotel staff are often praised for kindly preparing a packed breakfast. While the hotel does not have its own full-service restaurant, guests appreciate the proximity to other dining establishments, including a popular restaurant located right next door. Some minor criticisms included the breakfast area being near the toilets and occasionally having limited seating.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets. Guests appreciate being within a short 5-minute walk to the picturesque Lake Bled, making it incredibly convenient for exploring the area. It is also exceptionally close to the Bled Union bus stop, providing easy access to public transportation for arrivals from the airport or other cities. The hotel's proximity to various restaurants, shops, and local attractions like the Bled Castle and the ice rink is also a significant advantage. Furthermore, the availability of free, off-street parking is a major benefit for those traveling by car, adding to the overall convenience and accessibility of the property.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, with guests frequently praising their politeness, helpfulness, and friendly demeanor. Many reviews highlight the staff's accommodating nature, particularly in assisting with luggage due to the lack of an elevator, and their willingness to prepare packed breakfasts for early departures. The check-in process is often described as fast and efficient, and guests appreciate the staff's readiness to provide local recommendations and assistance with activities. The overall impression is that the team goes out of their way to ensure a pleasant stay, contributing significantly to the hotel's positive reputation despite some of its physical shortcomings.

Additional Information
A notable point for guests to be aware of is the hotel's cash-only payment policy, which many reviewers found inconvenient and unexpected, especially in the current era of widespread card payments. While some guests were informed in advance, others were surprised upon arrival, necessitating a trip to a nearby ATM. The hotel also maintains a dog-friendly policy, accommodating pets for an additional fee, which is a welcome feature for travelers with furry companions. Many guests expressed that despite being advertised as a 4-star establishment, the hotel's overall condition and amenities felt more akin to a 2-star property, suggesting a discrepancy between its official rating and guest expectations.