Overview
You know what? I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled up to this place in Nový Smokovec – I mean, the name alone is a mouthful (APLEND Villa Dr Szontagh Est 1876), but honestly, it’s one of those pleasant surprises that makes you feel like you stumbled onto something special. The building has this gorgeous old-world charm that actually dates back to 1876, and you can tell they’ve put real effort into preserving that historic character while making it work for modern travelers.
The location is honestly perfect if you’re serious about exploring the High Tatras. You’re literally in the heart of Starý Smokovec, which – let me tell you – is way better than staying down in the newer developments. From here, you can walk to the funicular that takes you up to Hrebienok in about five minutes, and the main hiking trails are right there. I loved being able to grab coffee and pastries from the little bakery just down the street before heading out for the day. The area gets pretty quiet in the evenings too, which was perfect after long days on the trails – none of that touristy noise you get in some mountain resorts.
What really impressed me was how they’ve managed to blend the historic villa feel with actual comfort. The rooms have this cozy, old-European atmosphere (lots of wood, traditional furnishings) but the beds are genuinely comfortable and the bathrooms are properly updated. I stayed there in September when the weather was getting crisp, and the heating worked perfectly – you know how some of these older buildings can be drafty. The staff actually knows the area too, which sounds obvious but isn’t always the case. They gave me spot-on recommendations for hiking routes and even warned me about a trail closure I wouldn’t have known about otherwise. Parking was straightforward, which is honestly a relief in this part of Slovakia where some places make you hunt around narrow mountain roads. The only minor thing I’d mention is that check-in can be a bit slow if you arrive during peak times, but nothing terrible. For a 4-star place with a 9 rating, it really delivers on that promise – it feels authentic to the region without sacrificing the comfort you want after a day of mountain adventures.
Guest reviews
Krasny hotel plny historie a zlatimy ludmi ktorym zalezi na hostoch a plus velmi prijemny ambient v hoteli a okoli
By far the most accommodating staff of any boutique hotel we've stayed at. The owner and her family were so helpful and supported us in planning our whole trip, dinner recs, activities and hikes for each day, etc. We loved it so much we extended our stay and can't wait to go back!
A hotel with a select atmosphere and a very nice and special host. It is very well located in relation to the areas of tourist interest. Very good breakfast with the possibility of ordering fried eggs or an omelette. The pool hall and other games are a plus. We recommend and hope for a return.
We spent 5 nights at the hotel, we were completely satisfied with everything. The room and the whole building are very nice, excellent location, kind and helpful staff, delicious and varied breakfast, we can only recommend it!
We will definitely be back.
Breakfast was great, the service and the personel was amazing. We had everything we needed at our disposal. Great location and available parking. Great communication with the host. Would definitely recommend.
Katarina was really helpful, she suggested hikes we could go to. And it felt like someone genuinely cares about us and ot stay.
The location is great. Breakfast is good. Rooms are clean. Private parking. Seems like every detail was thought of. yes. We really liked it
The accommodation is magnificent. Amazing view, nice, clean, comfortable, well equipped. "the island of calm" The owners are frendly and helpful. Beautiful balkony. Ski, spa, restaurants, nice old towns are nearby. The breakfast was very amazing. Definitely worth to see! :-)
This building and the family owning it is deeply integrated into the history of the surrounding towns and the Tatras. The building has been beautifully renovated recently, and they managed to perfectly keep the old style while providing all the modern conveniences.
From the moment you arrive and the owner greets you, you feel like you are visiting with friends instead of staying in a hotel. They always have a few kind words for you and go out of their way to help you. We did have a special request beforehand, which was perfectly organized. They can also give you great advice for your time in the Tatras.
The breakfast is a full continental selection, and according to the owners, they just started doing dinners. This is usually a buffet of 2 soups and 2-3 main courses, but created by a talented chef, expertly bringing traditional Slovakian flavours into modern cuisine. We are a family of foodies, so we actively seek out different restaurants to try the local food, but this time we were more than happy to have dinners in the hotel.
The wellness needs to be booked a little bit in advance at the reception. But then you get a whole part of the building just for yourselves, with a sauna and a jacuzzi bath, and best of all, a spacious room with a fireplace and a bar where you can relax. Even though we are not wellness fanatics, we all found it lovely and definitely worth to try.
It's obvious from my superlatives that it was one of the very best hotel stays in my life. It's almost on the level of the Japanese ryokans that I have experienced. This is not a luxury place, but a quality place, if you can appreciate the difference. Also, it's a quiet place, so you probably shouldn't go there if you want to party. On the other hand, if you want to relax and enjoy the surroundings, you won't be disappointed.
Really liked the hotel and the staff. Breakfast was also very good.
Everything you would expect in a fabulous old building with one of the warmest and most personal welcomes we have ever had in a hotel. They really couldn't do enough...
