(TAN): Palace Hotel, now Kempinski Palace Portorož, is celebrating its 110-year anniversary since opening its doors to its first guests on August 20.
Hotel General Manager Kai Behrens, “We are immensely proud of the history and heritage of this hotel and its meaning to the destination of Porotorž. This is a hotel, with which almost all locals are somehow connected and we want to cherish and support this connection also in the future.”
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The Palace Hotel was built during the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire as a tourist facility and Portorož was known as the most important European seaside resort and health spa. Dubbed the “Austrian Riviera” during the era of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it was the place to see and be seen for royals, aristocrats, politicians, artists and actors.
Upon its opening on August 20, 1910, the Palace Hotel was the largest and most beautiful hotel on the Adriatic Sea.
Kempinski Palace Portorož today is a hotel, whose walls are full of stories and interesting historical information.
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During the two wars, the hotel was used by German and Yugoslav soldiers, it was the location of the first Slovenian casino (1964 – 1972), a favourite location for movies of, the preferred hotel of Josip Broz, Archduke Franz Ferdinand was dancing in the Crystal Hall, the famous spy Cicero slept in the hotel and it was and still is the must-visit place for many celebrities. To name just one: Sophia Loren, after whom the fine dining restaurant is named after.
During the 80s, the hotel was experiencing difficulties and has been opening and closing. In 1990, it was finally closed for good. After nearly two decades of closure, on October 18, 2008, the official opening of the Kempinski Palace Portorož was held after the hotel was refurbished to its former glory, with an addition: a modern part of the hotel.
Guests can now enjoy a unique blend design in a modern and traditional part and consequently, with authentic mix of Art Nouveau, Secession, Bauhaus and Art Deco architecture, Kempinski Palace Portorož combines glamorous Viennese elegance with modern and innovative design.
As part of the hotel’s 110 year anniversary, from August 20 to September 9, the Lobby of the hotel will be showcasing a small exhibition of the history of the Palace hotel, created together with Bressi Design.
The luxury hotel Kempinski Palace Portorož, opened in 2008, is situated directly on the Adriatic coast of Slovenia, not far from the Medieval Pearl, the town of Piran, and less than two hours from Venice. The five-star superior hotel embodies a combination of traditional and contemporary design, offering 182 rooms and suites, a 1,500 sq m (16,145.9 sq ft) spa, an innovative food and beverage concept in all its restaurants and bars, six conference facilities with daylight, a unique, historic ballroom and a private park.
Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski now comprises a portfolio of 76 five-star hotels and residences in 34 countries.
