I stayed at Apartments Hiša Pod Gradom for two nights and chose it because of its excellent location, just a short walk from the city centre, but the stay left me with mixed feelings. The apartment itself is attractively laid out and felt welcoming on arrival, yet the most concerning issue was an apparent lack of basic fire safety: there were no smoke detectors or heat detectors in the room, and I could see no fire-detection devices or audible alarms in the corridors or communal areas. That felt particularly worrying because the apartments sit directly above a very large, busy kitchen where cooking activity is constant, and the absence of detection or clear emergency signage made the whole building feel exposed if an incident were to occur.
The room was pleasant in style but uncomfortably warm for the duration of my stay. Windows are small and offer very limited ventilation, and the air-conditioning did not have the capacity to cool the space effectively, so evenings were often stifling rather than restful. Some of the furniture looked tired and in need of refurbishment; upholstery showed wear and cushions and wooden surfaces had scuffs that pulled down the overall sense of care. Practical details also mattered: there is no lift in the building, which made bringing luggage up awkward, and parking was available on the street outside the main entrance for €15 per day, a useful convenience but one to budget for.
Overall, the property has clear strengths, its central location and the apartment’s layout are definite plus points, but serious safety shortcomings and basic maintenance issues need addressing. If management installs certified detectors and alarms, posts clear evacuation information, improves the cooling, and refreshes worn furnishings, this would become a much more comfortable and reassuring place to stay. Until then I would be hesitant to recommend it, especially for guests who prioritise safety and a cool, comfortable...
Read moreAs its name suggest, Hisa Pod Gradom is a warm, inviting “home away from home” at the base of Ljubljana Castle. An upgrade to the original 1830 town house, Hisa Pod Gradom is a culinary delight. My friend and I were looking for somewhere to have lunch while visiting the Slovenian capital, and happened upon Hisa Pod Gradom.
Before I even mention the food, I must comment on the service. Super-friendly, attentive and incredibly patient, our server was excellent at meeting our demands and ensuring our meal was perfect. The whole atmosphere of the restaurant is homey and cozy, with natural textured walls and exposed brickwork as the focus of the restaurant design.
We started with an appetizer of fried eggplants with honey and walnuts, a combination of nutty, meaty, sweetness unlike anything I have tasted before. We also ordered duck pâté with truffle sauce and honey, which was creamy and flavorful.
The pork loin wrapped in bacon that I had for my main dish was absolutely delicious! Served with cheese, potatoes, garlic sauce, sour cream and yogurt sauce, the pork was juicy and the saltiness of the bacon was perfect against the cool, creaminess of the sauces.
My friend offered nothing but praise for her veal cheeks, cooked in wine sauce and served with roasted vegetables and potatoes. The presentation of both main dishes was stunning, and as appealing to the eyes as the taste buds.
We indulged in dessert: a rich, moist chocolate cake with chocolate sauce and cream that was just the right amount of bitter and sweet. The strawberry cheesecake was light in texture but dense in flavor. Hisa Pod Gradom is truly a charming restaurant that embraces its history and creates a wonderful dining experience for everyone who walks through the doors. I highly recommend for great service, relaxing environment and...
Read moreI am quite disappointed in the service I received today. I've been a loyal customer here at Hiša Pod Gradom restaurant, enjoying the offerings and quality. Especially as a restaurant offering student boni, it is quite nice. I've brought many, many customers here through personal recommendations. However, today I brought a party of six and we waited more than 30 minutes after our reservation. We were quite understanding and requested house wine while waiting without a table. Instead we were served a more expensive wine and we ordered quite a bit during the evening. Our waiter, David, was quite rude and disrespectful during the night. I did not find him professional. In the end, we were given a 98 euro bill. The price for wine was more than 2x the price of the wine we usually order, and believed we were ordering, and it was clear we were students ordering boni. It's even more frustrating to me because I've known some of the staff to be quite polite and friendly, knowing me well. I truly wonder if it's worth losing customers for one big check, when I've visited often and would have continued to bring more paying customers. Now I'm left with a negative feeling and interest in taking my...
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