Pension Mayer in Bled, Slovenia

My wife, Paula, and I had the pleasure of spending two nights at Pension Mayer (Zeleska cesta 7, Bled, SLOVENIA; phone 386 [0] 4 576 57 40 or visit www.mayer-sp.si), a beautiful and splendidly renovated 19th-century house in a quiet neighborhood away from the busy traffic that blights much of Bled. The grounds include a well-maintained and attractive garden that added to the quaint and relaxing atmosphere.

There was plenty of free parking. The inn has an elevator, but we needed it only when we were transporting our luggage.

Our comfortable attic room had lots of character and was highlighted by a balcony with a view of Bled Castle across Lake Bled. The bathroom was cheerfully decorated; it included a large bathtub and the most elaborate towel-warming rack we’ve seen. It was great for drying the clothes we hand-washed in the sink. The queen-size bed was very comfortable.

The price during our stay in October ’05 was €67 ($80) per night per room, including taxes and breakfast. The excellent buffet breakfast was served in a wood-beamed room on the ground floor. Fresh breads, cold meats, cheeses, yogurt, boiled eggs and a wide variety of pastries were offered along with juice, milk, tea, and coffee.

If all this wasn’t good enough, on the ground floor of the inn was a classy restaurant that is arguably the best in Bled. In a striking and formal wood-paneled room, it serves traditional Slovenian food with an updated twist. The menu is surprisingly varied and offers many appealing choices. There also is a salad bar with some out-of-the-ordinary offerings. An extensive wine list features many Slovenian wines.

My wife and I dined downstairs both nights of our stay for an average total cost of $50 per night. That included a bottle of Slovenia Sivi Pinot (white wine) with each dinner. The food was fresh and well prepared. The wait staff was professional and multilingual. The patrons were primarily local people, with a few tourists scattered about (apparently all Pension Mayer guests).

There’s no doubt where we will stay and dine the next time we’re in Bled. The restaurant is open only for dinner on weekdays, and reservations are strongly recommended.

STEPHEN O. ADDISON, Jr.

Charlotte, NC