Grand Hotel Bernardin in Portorož, Slovenia, stands as a premier destination for congress events, offering an exceptional blend of modern facilities, scenic coastal charm, and comprehensive services.
Grand Hotel Bernardin
Slovenia’s Largest Conference Centre
At the heart of the Grand Hotel Bernardin lies the Bernardin Congress Centre, the largest hotel congress centre in Slovenia and one of the largest in South-Eastern Europe.
Spanning 2,717 m², it features 19 versatile halls bathed in natural light, accommodating up to 1,100 delegates in a theatre-style setup. The largest hall, Europa, offers a flexible layout, divisible into multiple sections to suit various event formats, from seminars and workshops to gala dinners and press conferences.
Prime Seaside Location
Situated along the Slovenian coast, Grand Hotel Bernardin provides a serene setting with panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea. Delegates can enjoy breaks on the private beach, relax by the heated seawater pool, or unwind at the Paradise Spa Wellness Centre, enhancing the overall event experience.
Culinary Excellence and Amenities
The hotel boasts a range of dining options, including the Grand Restaurant, Pečina, and Sunset Restaurant, offering authentic Istrian cuisine. For informal gatherings, the Grand Café and Cocktail Lounge with live piano music provide inviting spaces. Additional amenities encompass a private beach, water park, and wellness centre, ensuring a comprehensive and enjoyable stay for all attendees.
Travel Information
How to Reach Grand Hotel Bernardin, Portorož (Slovenia) – Travel Information for ESVV 2025 Participants
We look forward to welcoming you to the beautiful Slovenian coast. Grand Hotel Bernardin in Portorož is easily accessible from major European cities. Below you’ll find the most convenient travel options to help you plan your journey.
Nearest Airports
The most convenient international airports are:
- Trieste Airport (TRS), Italy – ~1 hour drive to Portorož
- Ljubljana Airport (LJU) – ~1.2 hours drive to Portorož
- Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), Italy – ~2 hours drive to Portorož
- Pula Airport (PUY), Croatia – ~1.5 hours drive to Portorož
We recommend Trieste or Ljubljana Airport for the shortest and most direct transfer.
Airport Transfers & Car Rentals
- Shuttle services and private transfers are available from Ljubljana and Trieste airports closest to the event (see GoOpti).
- Car rental is widely available at all airports, and driving to Portorož is straightforward with scenic routes.
- Taxis and ride-share services like Uber (mainly in Italy and Croatia) are also available.
Although Portorož does not have a direct train station, nearby stations include:
- Koper (Slovenia) – then 25 min by taxi or local bus
- Trieste (Italy) – then 1 hour by bus or taxi
From major cities like Vienna, Munich, or Milan, you can travel by train to Ljubljana or Trieste and continue to Portorož by car or shuttle.
Long-distance buses connect Slovenia with many EU cities:
- Flixbus and Nomago offer routes to Ljubljana, Koper, or directly to Portorož (seasonally).
- From Ljubljana, direct buses to Portorož run multiple times per day (approx. 2.5–3 hours).
Driving to Portorož is easy and scenic. Slovenia is part of the Schengen area, so border crossings are smooth.
Highways are well-maintained, and a vignette (toll sticker) is required for driving on Slovenian motorways.
Approximate driving times:
- From Vienna: 5.5 hours
- From Munich: 6 hours
- From Milan: 5 hours
- From Zagreb: 3.5 hours
- From Ljubljana: 1.5 hours
Grand Hotel Bernardin offers on-site parking (free for registered conference guests).
Bernardin hotels offer all participants of the 2025 ESVV more favorable prices of accommodation
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One of the most beautiful historical Mediterranean towns, connected by the story of salt.
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