Finer than Fiction – From Grand Budapest Hotel to Grand Hotel Rogaska

March 25, 2014 - PRLog -- The new Wes Anderson movie, The Grand Budapest Hotel, While the hotel forms a glorious backdrop to the brilliant storyline, unfortunately it’s a work of fiction. But those looking for an equally grand stay should consider heading to Rogaska Slatina in Slovenia.

Whilst Zubrowka may be a fictional place, and the Grand Budapest Hotel a fictional hotel, fans of the Wes Anderson movie only need to travel a few hundred kilometres West of Budapest to experience a truly Grand Hotel, with an even more intriguing story than that of the film.

The Grand Hotel Rogaska (http://www.grandhotel-rogaska.com) is situated in the town Rogaška Slatina in Slovenia, a well renowned health retreat famous for the Donat mineral water that flows from the springs which was first discovered in the 16^th century. Furthermore, the area is a site of outstanding natural beauty – with lush, rolling hills and dense forests dotting the landscape.

The hotel itself was first built in 1813, by the Habsburg Monarchy, for those visiting the area to receive the curative effects of the natural waters. It was in this magnificent hotel that some of the most famous virtuso masterpieces were performed, including a performance in 1846 by pianist Franz Liszt. Soon after, in 1859, a second hotel was built to cater for the increased interest in the town which is the basis for the design of the building as it stands today.

During celebrations for Emperor Franz Joseph I’s birthday at the hotel in August 1910, a fire broke out than nearly destroyed the entire building. The building was quickly rebuilt, and in 1912 the hotel reopened, sharing an almost identical design to what had stood before.

The Grand Hotel Rogaska has since remained a timeless monument of the area and welcomes guests looking to experience a calmer, more relaxed way of life similar to that of bygone eras. The hotel has 194 charmingly historic rooms in addition to a thermal spa and beauty centre. The building retains its historical features and the magnificent Crystal Hall plays host to concerts and performances, as well as weddings and even schoolchildren on school trips!

A two night, half board stay for two people in a superior double room at the Grand Hotel Rogaska starts from just €175. Direct flights into to Ljubjana or Zagreb are plentiful, and following a short drive is the simplest way to get to Rogaška Slatina.