Type: Family-owned Hotel
Price Guide 52-100 euros/person Minimum nights: Single booking: 3, Itinerary booking: 2
Children welcome
Good access to activity sports, including fly-fishing
OUR VIEW
You can't help thanking the Hvala family for their lovely hotel: hvala means 'thank you' in Slovene. Having said that, the thing that sets the Hvala apart from many hotels is the family: they have owned and run this place for forty-odd years and during that time have built an intimate understanding of their customers and their business. Admittedly, there are a few hotels we say this about, but the Hvala was one of the first that convinced us to start Slovene Dream. They were so helpful, welcoming and encouraging that we simply had to get on with it.
The hotel sits in the middle of the little town of Kobarid, a short distance from the Soča river. There are all manner of activities available (especially fly-fishing, which is something of a speciality for the Hvala), whether wet, dry, low, high, strenuous or (sigh) relaxing.
And once you've done all of that, you'll be pleased to know that the hotel boasts one of Slovenia's best fish restaurants (they do wonders with dead animals, too).
ACCOMMODATION The rooms are simply furnished, but really do feel like they are in a hotel owned and run by a family (yeah, yeah, we've said it before... but it's true, it's true). Sort of the common touch with a touch of class. Perfect for couples, families and... everyone else. There are also a couple of very beautiful suites - lots of dark wood, huge beds, gorgeous bathrooms, air conditioning - definitely the best accommodation in the entire valley.
THE RESTAURANT Luckily for you, the Hvala also
houses one of the three great restaurants in Kobarid.
The Topli val specialises in fish - fresh
from the local rivers and lakes and the Adriatic every
day. Until recently, there was a description here of our first meal at Topli val, and very complimentary it was too. However, we tried the tasting menu there more recently (September 2008), and I'm afraid the latest review isn't 'very complimentary' No, in fact, it was without doubt the best seafood I have ever eaten - and that includes some very, very fine places in England, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore and New York. Darinka was pregnant at the time, so she had a different tasting menu... just as good. We had eaten lunch across the way at the excellent Kotlar, during which we couldn't believe that the Topli val could be much better, if at all. Hah! In fact, the meal that evening was one of the reasons we decided to launch a whole new website, called eatSlovenia. Simply fabulous - you really must eat here.
WORKING UP AN APPETITE Fly-fishing. The
Soča river is the home of the unique marble trout, amongst
others. A permit will cost around €50 a day, which
can be arranged for you. This only allows up to three
catches in a day - only one of which can be a marble
trout - but the experience of fishing one of the world's
most beautiful rivers is worth it. Hvala can also arrange
lessons and guides. Go hiking.
Walking trails lead you up over mountain passes to alpine
lakes or along river valleys to hidden waterfalls. Sitting by the river is a favourite pursuit, jumping
in the river is also a favourite pursuit for those who
like their water cold. River Sports. White water rafting and kayaking can be arranged in
Bovec from a number of expert companies - charges are
around €32.
Canyoning, paragliding, gliding and skydiving (July/August)
can also be arranged for the terminally crazy.
Full day
trips can also be made
to the coast, the Postojna caves, Lakes Bled and Bohinj
and Dobrovo (for wine lovers).
CONFERENCE / FUNCTION FACILITIES There is a meeting/conference
room, which can hold up to 30 people. An overhead computer
projector, slide viewer, flip charts and video are all
available. Extra outdoor activities can be arranged
for business/conference/fishing(!) groups.
LANGUAGES Slovene, English, German, Italian
CHILDREN Children are very warmly welcomed
at the Hvala. There is an outdoor play area, but hey!
they're in the middle of wonderous nature. Which they
can interact with in a way that Mr Disney could only
dream about. Kayaking, rafting and mountain biking are
all available - with guides and teachers for the inexperienced.
WEATHER You might be in the mountains,
but the Soča Valley is warmed by winds blowing up from
the Adriatic. July and August are the hottest months,
with daytime temperatures around 25C, while during spring
and autumn you can expect around 15-20C. Evening temperatures
will be rather lower, so bring something a little warmer.
The area does boast the highest rainfall in Slovenia
(which is why it is so lush), so expect at least one
rainy day.
WHEN &
HOW LONG The Hvala is open all year -
stay as long as you can afford.
TO TAKE WITH YOU This is not the place for suits
and high heels - shorts, T-shirts, sturdy shoes or boots,
something warm for the evenings and something waterproof
in case it rains, is best. The restaurant requires the
smart but casual approach, if possible.
CAR HIRE AVIS - click on this link and you will open a new window for the Avis Slovenia website, from where you can book your car.
HOW TO GET THERE
Closest destination airports are in this colour.
Click on the airline name to open their web page in a new window.
From Gatwick: Ljubljana with Adria (the national airline). From Stansted: Ljubljana or Rijeka with EasyJet. Trieste, Klagenfurt, Graz or Balaton with Ryanair. From Luton: Zagreb with Wizz. From Manchester: Ljubljana with Adria (summer months only). From Bristol: Venice with EasyJet. From Birmingham: Trieste with Ryanair, Wednesday and Sunday only.
A deposit of between 10% and 25% will be required at the time of booking. The remainder will be payable directly to the hotel by you upon your arrival. Note that we do not add an extra margin to the hotel's prices: the price you pay by booking through us is exactly the same as the hotel's.
Hotel Hvala is in the centre of Kobarid. Ljubljana Brnik: Take the A2/E61 towards Jesenice, and then follow the signs to Vršič. From the top of the pass the road wibble-wobbles down the Trenta valley along the Soča, all the way to Kobarid. Journey time about 2.5 hours.
Alternative: Note that between December and early April, the pass might be closed, in which case, do this: take the A1/E61 south from Ljubljana. Take the exit at Razdrto towards Nova Gorica, where you should take the exit towards Deskle, Kanal and Tolmin and eventually Kobarid. Journey time about 2.5 hours.
Trieste: Drive to the border at Goriza and into Nova Gorica, then take route 103 towards Kanal, then Most na Soči, Tolmin and onwards towards Kobarid. Journey time about 1.5 hours.
The Car Train: an excellent route if you are staying to the east of the Soca Valley first (e.g. Ljubljana, Bled, Bohinj, Dolenjska). Time your journey so that you get to Bohinjska Bistrica in time to catch the car train (usually between 16:30 and 17:00, timetable here), drive on, put on your handbrake and sit back while you are trundled through the mountains to the Soča Valley: 45 minutes of bliss! At Most na Soči, drive north to Kobarid.
NOTE: there is now a vinjeta system on Slovenian motorways for collecting tolls. You can buy a vinjeta at any petrol station near the motorway or the airport. For 95/30/15 euros per year/month/week, you will receive a sticker that must be displayed on the front windscreen of your car.
Luckily for you, the Hvala also
houses one of the three great restaurants in Kobarid.
The Topli val specialises in fish - fresh
from the local rivers and lakes and the Adriatic every
day. 
Fly-fishing. 
Sitting by the river is a favourite pursuit, jumping
in the river is also a favourite pursuit for those who
like their water cold.
Children are very warmly welcomed
at the Hvala. There is an outdoor play area, but hey!
they're in the middle of wonderous nature. Which they
can interact with in a way that Mr Disney could only
dream about. Kayaking, rafting and mountain biking are
all available - with guides and teachers for the inexperienced.
Ljubljana Brnik: