From City Views to Hilltop Silence: A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Slovenia
As a solo traveler and entrepreneur, I’ve learned that the right places to stay and eat can turn a simple road trip into something genuinely restorative. This time, I headed to Slovenia to explore the countryside on my own terms, with open roads, fresh air, and plenty of space to think.
I began in Ljubljana, a city I’ve visited once before. On that first trip, I stayed at the InterContinental Ljubljana and enjoyed it enough to book the same hotel again without hesitation. It remains the tallest building in Slovenia, and that height truly delivers. I chose a higher-floor room with the same sweeping views I remembered. From up there, you see the red rooftops of the old town stretching out below, the Ljubljanica River winding through the city, and the Julian Alps rising in the distance.
The room itself feels quietly luxurious. The palette is soft and earthy, the windows are large and fill the space with natural light, and there’s a comfortable sitting area by the window. There’s also a proper desk, which is essential when you’re managing emails and calls on the road, and a bed that actually allows for deep, uninterrupted sleep.
The 18th-floor gym is a real standout. It’s equipped with modern machines, it’s almost empty in the mornings, and it offers full 360-degree panoramic views. Working out there feels less like a task and more like a reward. Breakfast is served at the terrace bar when the weather allows. You’ll find strong coffee, fresh salads, a solid buffet with à la carte options, and calm jazz playing in the background, all while the city slowly unfolds beneath you.
The location is ideal for a solo traveler. You’re right in the heart of the city, with everything within walking distance, including Prešeren Square, the Triple Bridge, and the castle, yet it never feels overwhelming or chaotic. Service throughout the stay is efficient, warm, and genuinely friendly. If you’d like the full story from my first visit, including some excellent gluten-free dining recommendations they shared with me, you can read it here:
https://www.golfingwithchris.com/blog/a-room-with-a-view-in-the-heart-of-ljubljana-plus-a-taste-of-local-flavor?rq=intercontinental
After a peaceful night, I checked out and drove east toward Maribor. The route itself is beautiful, with gentle hills, vineyards, and quiet roads that give your mind space to slow down and reset. I arrived at the Hotel Frost on Meljski hrib (Melje Hill), address Meljski hrib 41, about 3 km or a quick 10-minute drive from Maribor’s train station and the historic old town. This isn’t your standard urban hotel; it’s a charming family-run gem that’s been in the Kovačič family for five generations, blending peaceful countryside farm vibes with real boutique comfort and easy city access.
The location is one of its biggest strengths: elevated on the hill, surrounded by nature, fresh air, and those lovely panoramic views over Maribor, the surrounding hills, and distant mountains, especially stunning on clear days. You escape the city noise completely, yet you’re close enough to head down for wine tasting in the Lent district, riverside walks along the Drava, or seeing the world’s oldest vine. It’s ideal for anyone like me who wants outdoor recharge mixed with urban exploration without being stuck in the busy center.
The property has a cozy modern-rustic style with clean lines, lots of wood, and bright, spacious rooms that let in tons of natural light through large windows framing courtyard or hill views. I stayed in a superior double: air-conditioned, with an in-room espresso machine (a small but appreciated luxury for a coffee guy on the road), flat-screen TV, strong free Wi-Fi, hairdryer, desk space, bottled water, and thoughtful little touches waiting. Some rooms even have balconies or patios with mountain or city views.
Breakfast is included and consistently called one of the highlights: fresh, hearty, with local Slovenian flavors including homemade jams, cheeses, cured meats, fresh bread, good coffee, and often à la carte, continental, or vegetarian options. Guests rave about it being superb and generous.
Images courtesy of Hotel Frost
Beyond the rooms, there’s a real emphasis on relaxation and activity. The wellness area stands out with a hot tub, jacuzzi, sauna, and a sun terrace with those mountain vistas, perfect for unwinding after driving or exploring. The farm roots shine through with horseback riding available right on-site (tied to the famous Equestrian Club Karlo nearby; just call to book). It’s great for nature lovers, athletes, or anyone who wants to get active with hiking, cycling, mountain biking trails nearby, and even winter options like skiing on Pohorje (about 10 km away). There’s a shared lounge, bar and lounge area, outdoor seating, free private parking (a big plus), and the whole place has a welcoming, pet-friendly spirit (check current rules).
What really sets it apart, and what guests (scoring it 9.7 to 9.8 across Booking.com, Tripadvisor, and Google from hundreds of recent reviews) mention over and over, is the genuine hospitality. The owners and staff are incredibly warm, helpful, and personal. They greet you like friends, remember details, offer thoughtful recommendations, and create that rare feeling of being looked after without any corporate stiffness. Quiet nights, spotless stylish rooms, fresh air, maybe horses neighing softly: it all adds up to recharging properly. For a solo traveler coming off busy days in Maribor, returning to this serene hilltop escape felt like exactly what I needed: quiet luxury rooted in family tradition, no pretension.
Maribor itself is Slovenia’s second city but has the soul of a small, approachable town with a compact old town, beautiful riverside walks along the Drava, historic squares, and a pace that encourages you to slow down and actually enjoy being there.
For lunch I went to Rožmarin, a modern steakhouse in the center that consistently ranks among the best in the region. The interior is stylish and bright with lots of glass, clean lines, and a welcoming vibe that works perfectly whether you’re dining solo at the bar or at a quiet table. They specialize in dry-aged beef and the steaks are outstanding: perfectly cooked, great marbling, and clearly sourced with care.
Image credits to Dražen Štader, Produkcija Studio/www.slovenia.info
I had one of their signature cuts with excellent sides and a couple of glasses from their strong local wine list (Styria produces some of Slovenia’s best whites, especially Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc). The burgers are also excellent if you want something more casual. Service was professional and attentive without being stiff. It’s the kind of place where the food is the star, the atmosphere is relaxed, and you leave satisfied and energized for the afternoon.
That evening I had dinner at Restavracija Sedem (Cafova ulica 7), which quickly became one of the most memorable meals of the trip. It’s a unique concept: Slovenia’s first school restaurant run by the Higher School for Hospitality and Tourism. Students handle everything, including kitchen, service, and wine under the close supervision of professional mentors. The result is youthful creativity combined with surprisingly polished execution. The restaurant is modern and bright, with a calm, focused energy.
I went for one of their tasting menus (they offer 5-, 6-, or 7-course options) that cleverly reinterpret local Styrian ingredients and traditions with contemporary techniques. Standout dishes included beautifully balanced plates featuring freshwater fish from the Drava, seasonal vegetables, and foraged elements, all presented with real finesse. The wine pairings were excellent and reasonably priced, leaning heavily into excellent local producers. What impressed me most was the genuine enthusiasm of the young team: professional, attentive, and clearly proud of what they were doing. It felt special without any pretension. For a solo traveler it was ideal: I could relax, observe the craft, and enjoy a high-quality meal at a pace that suited me.
All in all, this short Slovenian escape delivered exactly what I needed: beautiful landscapes, two very different but excellent places to stay, and memorable food that respected both tradition and quality. Slovenia continues to punch well above its weight.
