Hotel

Boutique Hotel Milka

Kranjska Gora, Julian Alps, Slovenia

Slovenia is considered one of the most sustainable destinations in the world. Boutique Hotel Milka in the Julian Alps is no exception. The plastic-free accommodation is surrounded by nature and views of the Triglav National Park, the only national park in Slovenia, Lake Jasna, the Pišnica river valley and two very prominent peaks - Mount Razor and Mount Prisojnik or Prisank in the local dialect, is hardly comparable to anything and simply takes your breath away.

Like the view, everything at Milka is unique – the ceramics, made by Slovenian artisans, were made especially for the hotel. The same goes for the customized cosmetics that come in aluminum jars. On June 1, 2022, the hotel opened its doors in a new, embellished form. However, the building has existed since the late 1960s and early 1970s. Milka was the original owner who then passed it on to her daughter who later sold it to the current owners who own the property and most of the business. However, the hotel is run by young employees from Slovenia.

The idea of the redesign was to create a space that integrates the environment into the building, paying attention to even the smallest details. All rooms should offer a view and give the feeling of being outdoors. The rest developed naturally as the project progressed.


Rooms + Rates

per night
Double roomfrom375 €
Suitefrom595 €

Sustainable

ArchitectureThe facade is made of larch wood, which is known for its high resistance to temperature fluctuations (between winter cold and summer heat). Local ordinance states that the facade must be made of wood and painted dark. Instead of using paint that runs down the drain, however, the larch wood was burned and brushed by hand. The result is dark wood with varying textures that ages gracefully. All stone is limestone from the oldest Slovenian quarries. Most of the wood is native. Local craftsmen and Slovenian companies were commissioned for most of the interior decorations (lamps, ceramics, furniture to some extent). Where this was not possible, companies were sought that correspond to the ideas and standards.

FoodThe hotel's tasting menu is seasonal and adjusts when certain ingredients are in season, but generally changes four times a year. All groceries come from within a 150 kilometer radius of the hotel, some from the immediate vicinity. Most is organic, although a few smaller farms are not organic. There are some products from our own farm, some from the forest and all the ingredients, including the waste, are used. The cuisine is alpine, seasonal cuisine based on locally available products. It is aimed at omnivores, but vegetarian and fish dishes can also be prepared (with a week's notice). Unfortunately, as the hotel is located in the Alps, where cows have lived for thousands of years, the menu cannot be made vegan or lactose-free. Gluten-free options are possible, although cross-contamination may occur.

The vast majority of employees come from Slovenia. The hotel is an equal opportunity employer and is open to anyone who likes and agrees with the philosophy. Employees can use the hotel facilities when they are available. There are two months holiday per year plus two weeks in season. There is also thorough employee training twice a year and great value is placed on a feedback culture.

EnvironmentHotel Milka generates its own energy and stores excess energy in an on-site battery. The excess heat from the heat sink and from the refrigerators is reused in the kitchen to heat some rooms and the dining room. The cosmetic containers can be reused or are 100% recyclable. The hotel has its own compost. Slippers are made from PET bottles. Milka works with local suppliers. All food is sourced from the alpine environment and in this way the local suppliers are trained on how to be even more sustainable and create a closed loop in the use of products.

Well-BeingMassages can be organized in many of the rooms. There is also a private Finnish sauna for two that can be booked in 1-hour slots for hotel guests. In summer there are yoga courses, yoga mats are available for rent.


Characteristics

  • Unique small boutique hotel in the heart of the Julian Alps
  • Located in the middle of the beautiful Slovenian nature - with a breathtaking view of the lake and mountains
  • Completely plastic free
  • Each of the rooms/suites is individually furnished and designed
  • Alpine cuisine with seasonal and regional products
  • Located directly on a small lake - perfect refreshment after the sauna session
  • Many outdoor activities possible: hiking, skiing, kayaking, climbing, etc.

Boutique hotel6 rooms + suitesRestaurantno childrenWi-Fino disabled accessno PoolPets allowed

Features

  • Small hotel with 3 rooms and 3 suites
  • All rooms with a view
  • All suites and some rooms with private outdoor area (terrace / patio)
  • Hotel's own restaurant with terrace + hotel bar
  • Private sauna bookable (for 2 people)
  • Lockable ski and bike room
  • Children over 12 welcome
  • Yoga courses are offered in summer

Testimonials

The concept of Milka is to offer a wholesome alpine experience, combining Slovene tradition with modern comfort at the highest level. The thread that connects everything is taken from the lake itself. Hilly, green, and wooded surroundings dictated the use of colours. The basis of architectural approaches was the use of quality and lasting materials stemming from local, Slovenian tradition – wood, metal, stone offering extremely tactile and rich experience every step of the way.

architectmagazine.com, March 2023

Aux antipodes des résidences alpines et des mastodontes à clés multiples, très communs en Slovénie, cet établissement de six chambres au cœur des Alpes juliennes détonne. La maison de famille, bâtie dans les années 1960 par Monsieur Milka (aucun lien avec le chocolat), a toujours eu un lien avec l'hospitalité. D'une trattoria avec quelques chambres à l'étage, elle est aujourd'hui devenue un élégant boutique-hôtel avec de nombreux atouts, à l'instar de sa table récompensée d'une étoile Michelin. Une escale idoine pour un séjour hédoniste dans le nord-ouest du pays, entre lacs glaciaires bordés de sable blanc et forêts enneigées, abritant certains des plus vieux et plus larges mélèzes d'Europe.

Marine Sanclemente, lefigaro.fr, March 2023
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Rooms + Rates

per night
Double roomfrom375 €
Suitefrom595 €

Location + Directions

By car

It takes about an hour to drive from Ljublijana to Hotel Milka (86 km). From Graz it takes just under 2.5 hours (201 km), from Salzburg it is a good 2.5 hours (223 km), from Venice it is just under 3 hours (240 km), from Bolzano a good 4 hours (285 km) and from Munich it takes just under 4 hours (342 km). The exact address can be found on the website.

With public transport

There is a possibility to get to Kranjska Gora by bus from Ljublijana or Jesenice. From the bus stop it is then a 25-minute walk to the hotel. Collection possible on request.


Availability