Grand Hotel Union Executive - Ljubljana, Slovenia 

At the end of June we stayed in the Grand Hotel Union Executive for two nights. We were given one of the best rooms, with a beautiful view over the city on the 7th floor. But... despite the nice view, the hotel is nothing special. It's as if you go back in time (25 years!) as soon as you enter the hotel. Nothing has changed here since the late 50's. Lots of cherry wood, flower carpets and fake marble wall paintings. The hotel is clean, and the staff is friendly, but don't expect any glamour / boutique style hotel. The swimming pool looks nice on the hotel pictures, but in reality it's a very sad looking pool, with limit opening times... Oh and breakfast... it's included in the price, but I advice you to leave it, and just have a nice breakfast somewhere in the city. Wouldn't recommend this hotel at all! Unless you're over 50 years old ... ;o)

I stayed at the Grand Union Executive (there are 3 hotels in one complex so make sure you book the right one) for two nights. Having arrived late in the evening after the lengthy transport from the airport check in was very swift (room was booked and paid for already on Expedia for ?139 and ?169 per night). The Grand Union claims to be the premier hotel in town and while the outside and common areas are fine the room was a bit of a throwback to the eighties, psychedelic green carpets with common solid brown furniture you find in any mid range hotel in Europe. Having said that the room was large (2 double beds) and featured a balcony (with a big crack in the floor, so avoid if you are like me not good with heights). The bathroom was equally large and dated but was unfortunately stocked with cheap own brand toiletries. At these prices I would have expected a bit more from the room. The hotel offers free internet access (network cable free from reception). Breakfast is rather opulent with a very good choice of hot and cold food with sweet and savoury options. The hotel is well located in the city with shops and sights in walking distance. When returning to the airport make sure you prebook a taxi from reception as you then will get a fixed rate rather than being metered. The airport is very far and traffic can be difficult). All in all the Grand Union Executive would be a fine 3 star hotel but definitely nothing special other than the architecture. Some upgrading of rooms would bring it to the 4 stars it claims. Staff are pleasant and multilingual.