Apartment Lucy – Primo Tatry Starý Smokovec

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first pulled up to Dom PRIMO in Starý Smokovec – the building looks pretty unassuming from the street, sort of like those classic Slovak mountain lodges that blend right into the High Tatras landscape. But Apartment Lucy turned out to be one of those pleasant surprises that makes you immediately text your travel buddies about it.

The location is actually brilliant if you know anything about this part of Slovakia. You’re literally in the heart of Starý Smokovec, which means you can walk to the funicular station in about three minutes (I timed it), and there’s this little grocery store just down the hill that locals use – perfect for grabbing breakfast stuff or a bottle of that Slovak beer you can’t pronounce but definitely should try. The apartment itself has this cozy, lived-in feel that’s way better than those sterile hotel rooms you usually get. Lucy – and I’m pretty sure that’s the actual owner’s name – has clearly put thought into the small details. The kitchen actually has decent knives (travelers know this matters), there’s proper coffee brewing equipment, and the Wi-Fi works even when half the mountain seems to be streaming Netflix.

What really won me over, though, was waking up to the sound of the cable cars starting up in the morning – it’s this gentle mechanical hum that somehow doesn’t feel intrusive at all. The windows face toward the main part of town, so you get these glimpses of early morning hikers heading out with their enormous backpacks, and honestly, it made me feel connected to the whole Tatras experience even when I was just lounging around in pajamas. The shower has proper water pressure (again, small things that matter), and there’s enough space to actually unpack if you’re staying more than a night or two. I mean, it’s not luxury by any stretch – this is a 3-star place and it feels like one – but it’s comfortable in that genuine way that makes you want to come back. Parking was easier than I expected too, though I’d definitely recommend asking Lucy about the best spots because the main street can get pretty crowded during peak hiking season. You know what sealed the deal for me? She left this handwritten note with local hiking recommendations, including this lesser-known trail that starts just behind the train station. That’s the kind of insider knowledge you can’t get from booking sites, and it made a real difference in how I spent my time there.