Piran, on the tiny sliver of Slovenian coastline, is very close to our home – about 35kms, through beautiful countryside and across the border, which now, thanks to Croatia joining the Schengen Zone, is open and we have free passage. Hurrah! Recently, we visited this lovely coastal town, and rather than heading home, we decided to stay over, and opted for Art Hotel Tartini, located right on Tartini Square, overlooking the Adriatic. The square is named after one of Piran’s most famous sons – Giuseppe Tartini, born in 1692, an Italian composer and violinist of the Baroque era. A statue of Tartini now stands in the main square.
Art Hotel Tartini sits on the main square, and its location is perfect if you want to be in the hustle and bustle. Although, to be fair, we’re not talking a town which is rammed – when we stayed, in July, by the evening, the square was pleasantly busy, as a lot of day-trippers had left and it was evident that lots of locals were out and about. The hotel has been renovated and is quirky and in places, really beautiful.
Photo credit : www.arthoteltartini.com
It’s definitely what we’d think of as an “art” hotel – unique pieces of original artwork on the walls, by renowned Slovenian artist Jaša, and lots of graffiti inspired work on communal walls and floors. Yes, do look down! The communal areas – reception and dining area, in particular – are utterly gorgeous.
We booked a room which was described as a double room, with a balcony and sea view – which to be fair, was accurate, but the balcony was tiny. Only room for two small fold up wooden chairs. As we were only there for one night, this was not an issue for us, but for anyone staying any longer, hoping for a balcony to sit out on, and enjoy the views, it might be worth knowing that there isn’t the space to do this…
View from our room
To be fair, the room did have a balcony…
Perhaps the best way to sum up this hotel is to read the review I did of it, after our stay – which I titled “An Enigma of a Hotel”…
This hotel is a bit of an enigma. In a stunning location, right on Tartini Square, and with the most beautiful communal areas – lovely artwork, furnishings etc. The breakfast area is lovely – as is breakfast. Unfortunately, when we stayed (a Monday in July), both the restaurant and the roof top terrace were closed. We couldn’t ascertain if this was because it was of the day of the week, or if one/both of them are permanently closed. Such a shame because we could see the bar & it looked fab. So, why an enigma? Well, the refurbishment has been executed brilliantly in places – we particularly liked the floors. These had obviously originally been carpeted and glued down – and we all know how difficult carpet glue is to remove. Well, if we’re right, the hotel came up with an ingenious solution – cover in resin! The result was very unique and individual, and in some places, messages are written on the floors. Look down in the lift. Our room was quite basic, but clean – a very comfy bed with great linen, and ample storage if you were staying a few nights. We did have a balcony & a sea view, as requested, but the balcony was very small. Only enough space for two fold up wooden chairs, so if your idea is to relax on the balcony, you might want to check out what else is available in the hotel. The bathroom was a bit strange & I’m still undecided if it was “arty” (shabby chic), or just a bit in need of some TLC. Original tiles have obviously been painted over & some are peeling in places. A strange contraption – for air con maybe? – made intermittent noises which were annoying, but I have to say we didn’t hear them in the night. Wi-Fi kicked in OK but then was very inconsistent – not an issue for us as we were only there for a night, but any longer and I think you’d want it looking at.
However, even with the little “quirks”, there was sufficient about Art Hotel Tartini to make it a very enjoyable stay, and we wouldn’t hesitate to book again, next time we’re over in Piran. Special mention must go to the breakfast – an extensive collection of good quality food, including cold meats, cheeses, pastries, eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, yogurts, juices, coffees. I think I also spotted a bottle or two of prosecco, if a Buck’s Fizz is to your fancy in the morning.
It’s also worth knowing that there is NO public parking at all in the centre of Piran. There is a large car park about 1km away, where you need to park up and either take a stroll along the sea front, or hop on of the free shuttle buses where you can get off at Tartini Square, just opposite the hotel. The hotel also validates the parking ticket on check-out and you receive a discount.
