Great location and Breakfast! Hotel has exemption so you drive into pedestrian zone
SLON's two biggest strong points are location and breakfast. The location is within the pedestrian zone, a block from the main square and many historic buildings and triple bridge. The views from the rooms are incredible. Note that, although the hotel is within a pedestrian zone, it has an exemption so you can drive your car there and turn it over for valet parking ($20/night). The hotel's rates are quite reasonable. The lobby and desk staff are welcoming. There are many restaurants nearby. The buffet breakfast is world class. On Sunday morning, we had to wait for a table, but on other days there should be no problem. When we reached our room, there was a stuffed elephant (a slon) waiting for us. Overall, our stay was wonderful.
I have four issues that I would bring to the hotel's attention. If they are not important to you, then ignore them.
1. The revolving door for entry/exit goes very fast. Upon arrival, after entering near midnight to say we finally arrived, I was walking back out to talk with my wife. The revolving door hit me hard on the left shoulder, throwing me for a loop. The desk clerk sanguinely commented, "it goes very fast." He didn't say, "are you okay?" More important, revolving doors typically have sensors so the doors stop before striking someone like that. At a minimum, this door must be slowed down. If feasible, sensors should be installed. After that, we tried to avoid the revolving door but exiting by using a different door.
2. We stayed at this hotel partly because of the wellness facilities. I was told to access them we simply had to go to the second floor. However, in reality, after walking the full length of the second floor, one must go DOWN seventeen steps and then, immediately open a door and go UP seventeen steps on a winding stairway. Why this up and down business? Why can't the sauna simply be accessed on the second floor without walking 68 steps? I'm not a fan of steps and for physical reasons try to avoid dealing with them so this would be a consideration in a future stay. Otherwise, the wellness facilities were adequate.
3. We attempted to use the bar/lounge at 10 p.m. Sunday, but it was already closing. My wife asked the bar tender who said, "We are closed." One official hotel document said it was open until 11 p.m. Another said it was open until midnight. Apparently, the bar/lounge closes whenever it feels like. If closing time has officially changed, they should change the documents. IF they close whenever they feel like it, then that seems unprofessional.
4. A beautiful stuffed elephant was in a bag on our bed when we arrived. I asked someone at the desk whether it was free. This person said it cost 10 EU and would be on my bill However, on exit, when I attempted to return it, I was told by a different person, "No, it is a gift to you, there is no cost." There should have been a note presented with the original gift saying, "This is our gift to you." I don't know whether this elephant is given to all guests. I'm merely suggesting that the desk staff clear up their communications about stuffed elephants. less