Sarajevo's Hidden Gem: Ornament Hotel & Apartments - Unforgettable Stay!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Sarajevo whirlwind that is the Ornament Hotel & Apartments. Forget the polished brochures, I'm giving you the real deal, the messy, glorious truth about this "Hidden Gem." And let me tell you, it's got some sparkly facets, and some… well, let's just say "character."
First Impressions (and the Elevator Saga):
Alright, so the "Hidden Gem" part? Spot on. Finding this place is a little bit like a treasure hunt. Nestled away, it's not exactly screaming for attention, which, I kind of liked. It felt like I was in on a secret. The exterior? Perfectly fine. The lobby? Clean, modern, and with a surprisingly welcoming vibe. Now, the elevator… that was an experience. Let's just say, if you're claustrophobic, maybe request a ground floor room. It's a bit… cozy. And the time it took to reach my floor? Felt like a small eternity. Thankfully, the front desk staff was charming, and the check-in/out process (thankfully) was a breeze. Contactless? Yes, please!
Accessibility – A Mixed Bag (and My Own Two Feet):
Okay, so I'm not in a wheelchair, so my experience here is limited, but I did pay attention. The elevator, as mentioned, is accessible, which is huge. They do offer facilities for disabled guests, which is promising, but it's always best to call ahead and confirm specific needs are met. The website mentions accessible rooms, but you'll want to double-check the details and confirm before booking. The accessibility is there, but make sure to confirm.
Rooms – Clean, Comfortable, and… Well-Equipped:
My room? Spotless. Seriously. The anti-viral cleaning products are working. You could practically eat off the floor (though, you probably shouldn't). Everything was in working order, from the air conditioning (a godsend in Sarajevo summers) to the Wi-Fi (free and thankfully strong in the room). The bed? Seriously comfortable. Blackout curtains? Yes! Crucial for sleeping off those late-night burek binges. They had all the essentials: complimentary tea, a coffee maker, a mini-bar (yes!), and even a little in-room safe. I'm also a sucker for a good bathrobe and slippers, which this place had. Small things, but they make a difference.
Internet Access: Connected (and Relatable):
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! And it actually worked. No buffering, no dropped connections. I was able to stream my guilty pleasure reality TV shows, work, and annoy my friends with Instagram stories without a hitch. They also have internet [LAN] if you're old school.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Culinary Adventure:
Okay, this is where things get interesting. The Ornament Hotel has a variety of options, from a buffet breakfast (Western and Asian – fancy!) to a la carte dining. The food? Generally good, but not mind-blowing. The breakfast buffet was your standard fare, with a decent selection of pastries, fruit, and eggs. The coffee? Acceptable. I loved the option of having breakfast in my room, perfect for those lazy mornings. They do also have a coffee shop, but I never got around to visiting it.
Here’s a confession: one night, I was feeling particularly lazy (and slightly hungover) and ordered room service. 24 hours? Yes, please! Now, the presentation wasn't exactly Michelin-star worthy, but the food was hot, and it hit the spot. The real winner? The bottle of water they provided. Hydration is key!
They also have a poolside bar. I did not personally get to try the poolside bar, but I did see it, and the view looked amazing. I can only imagine how nice that would be.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax – Spa Day Dreams (and the Gym…):
Okay, so here's the real draw: the spa! The Ornament Hotel boasts a spa/sauna, steam room, and even a pool with a view! Now, I am all about a good spa day. I indulged in a massage, and let me tell you, it was pure bliss. They offer body scrubs and wraps, and the whole experience was incredibly relaxing. The sauna was hot, the steam room was steamy, and the pool? Oh, that pool. The view from the pool is simply stunning. A perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring the city.
The fitness center? I glanced at it. It looked… functional. Let's just say, my idea of a workout is walking to the buffet.
Cleanliness and Safety – Comforting, Really:
This is where the Ornament Hotel truly shines. They take hygiene seriously. Everything felt clean, and I appreciated the daily disinfection of common areas. They had hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff were clearly trained in safety protocol. They offer room sanitization opt-out (a nice touch), and the individually-wrapped food options at breakfast are a definite plus. They use professional-grade sanitizing services. They also have first aid kit and a doctor/nurse on call, which is reassuring. There’s also CCTV in common areas and outside the property, which adds to the feeling of security.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things that Matter:
The Ornament Hotel offers a ton of services. Daily housekeeping? Check. Laundry service? Check. Concierge? Check. The staff were helpful and friendly, always willing to assist with anything I needed. They have a gift/souvenir shop, which is handy for picking up last-minute presents. They also offer a car park (free of charge!), which is a huge bonus in a city like Sarajevo. They even have a currency exchange and a cash withdrawal service.
For the Kids – Family-Friendly Vibes:
I didn't have any kids with me, but the hotel is definitely family-friendly. They have babysitting service and kids facilities.
Getting Around – Easy Peasy:
They offer airport transfer and taxi service.
The Verdict: Sarajevo's Hidden Gem? Mostly, Yes.
Look, the Ornament Hotel isn't perfect. The elevator is a bit of a pain, and the food is good, but not gourmet. But, overall, it's a fantastic choice for a stay in Sarajevo. The rooms are comfortable and clean, the spa is heavenly, the staff is friendly and helpful, and the location is convenient for exploring the city.
My Quirky Takeaways:
- The View: From the pool. Seriously, book a room with a view. You won’t regret it.
- The Little Things: The bathrobes, the slippers, the free Wi-Fi… they add up.
- The Staff: Always friendly, always helpful. They genuinely seem to care.
- The Vibe: It's relaxed, comfortable, and not overly pretentious. Perfect for a chill getaway.
- The Imperfection: It's not a sterile, cookie-cutter hotel. It has character, and that’s what makes it special.
Final Word:
Book it. Seriously. You won't be disappointed. Just be prepared for the elevator. And pack your swimsuit!
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Here's why you should book your unforgettable stay today:
- Unwind in Luxurious Comfort: Our spacious and meticulously cleaned rooms offer everything you need for a relaxing getaway. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, blackout curtains, and all the essentials.
- Rejuvenate Your Senses: Indulge in a world-class spa experience! Take a dip in our pool with a view, melt away stress with a massage, and unwind in our sauna and steam room.
- Savor Delicious Cuisine: Start your day with a satisfying breakfast buffet or enjoy a delightful meal at our restaurant. We offer a variety of options, including Asian and international cuisine.
- Prioritizing Your Safety: We go above and beyond with our anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer readily available, and staff trained in safety protocols. Feel secure with CCTV in common areas and security [24-hour].
- Convenience at Your Fingertips: Benefit from our convenient services, including 24-hour room service, concierge, laundry service, currency exchange, and free car park on-site.
- Accessibility for All: We offer facilities for disabled guests and accessible rooms to ensure a comfortable stay for everyone.
Book your stay at the Ornament Hotel & Apartments today and experience Sarajevo like never before!
[Link to Booking Page]
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to discover Sarajevo's best-kept secret!
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Toronto's Most Stunning Room: Yonge & Sheppard Luxury Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this itinerary for Ornament Hotel and Apartments in Sarajevo is less "polished travel blog" and more "slightly frantic diary of a human who desperately needs a vacation and probably drinks too much coffee." Here we go…
Ornament Hotel & Apartments: Sarajevo – The Slightly-Less-Than-Perfect Adventure
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Luggage Debacle (aka, Welcome to Sarajevo!)
- 9:00 AM (ish): Landed in Sarajevo. The airport? Tiny. Charmingly so, actually. Like a slightly-too-small puppy that's just thrilled to see you. Except instead of puppy kisses, you get a slightly bewildered customs officer who seems to have seen it all. (Spoiler alert: he has.)
- 9:30 AM: Found a taxi. Negotiated the price. Felt smug. Probably overpaid. Whatever. Vacation brain activated.
- 10:00 AM: Arrived at Ornament Hotel & Apartments. The building is… well, it's got character. Let's call it "lived-in." The lobby is small, but the receptionist, a woman with kind eyes and a smile that could melt glaciers, makes up for it. She’s probably seen worse.
- 10:15 AM: The Great Luggage Debacle. My suitcase. The one that was supposed to be waiting for me in the room? Nope. Vanished. Poof. Gone. Turns out, it’s still in Frankfurt. (Germany, you’re killing me.) The receptionist, bless her heart, offers me a cup of coffee. (I take two.)
- 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Settled into the apartment. It's… spacious. Like, surprisingly so. Big windows, a tiny kitchen (which I will probably never use), and a bed that looks incredibly inviting. Okay, maybe I'll just lie down for a little bit.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch at a nearby cevabdzinica. (Cevapi, for those playing at home. Little meat sausages in fluffy bread. Heaven.) I swear, I could eat them every day. The waiter, a young guy with a mischievous grin, pretends not to understand my terrible Bosnian. I love him already.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Wandered around the Old Town (Baščaršija). Cobblestone streets, shops overflowing with copperware, and the scent of Turkish coffee hanging in the air. It’s beautiful, but I’m also acutely aware of the fact that I'm wearing the same travel outfit I've been wearing since, well, the beginning of time. (Frankfurt, I’m still glaring your direction). Saw the Sebilj fountain, the pigeons, the whole shebang. Took a million photos. Felt like a proper tourist.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Tried to find some new clothes. Failed. Everything is too small, too expensive, or just plain… not what I was looking for. (I'm starting to suspect I packed for a different trip entirely.) Decided to embrace the "worn-out traveler" look. It's a vibe, right?
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant with a view. Ordered the local beer (Sarajevsko. Delicious!). Watched the sun set over the city. Felt a wave of pure, unadulterated happiness. Sarajevo, you’re doing something right.
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime: Attempted to locate my luggage online. Failed. Sulked slightly. Drank more beer. Passed out.
Day 2: The Tunnel of Hope and the Coffee Obsession
- 9:00 AM: Woke up. Still no luggage. Okay, deep breaths. Coffee. Must. Have. Coffee.
- 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM: Breakfast at the apartment. (Instant coffee, stale biscuits. Glamorous, I know.)
- 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Visited the Tunnel of Hope. Holy. Moly. The sheer desperation and ingenuity of the people during the siege… it’s heartbreaking and inspiring all at once. I walked through the tunnel, imagining what it must have been like. It was an emotional experience, and I won't lie, I got a little teary. (Okay, maybe a lot teary.) It's a must-see, but be prepared. It hits you hard.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch. (Cevapi, again. No regrets).
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Coffee break. Found a tiny little cafe tucked away on a side street. Ordered Turkish coffee. It was STRONG. Like, wake-up-the-dead strong. But also… incredible. I'm officially addicted. I think I've had about 6 cups by now.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Wandered through the Jewish Quarter. The history here is palpable. So many layers, so many stories. The synagogues, the streets, the feeling of resilience… It's a powerful place.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: THE COFFEE OBSESSION! So, I got really into Turkish coffee. Like, obsessed. I spent two hours wandering around, trying different cafes, comparing the strength, the sweetness, the foam. (Apparently, the foam is key.) I even tried to learn how to make it myself. (Spoiler alert: I failed miserably. Burned the milk. Almost set the kitchen on fire. The receptionist probably heard the smoke alarm and is already planning a intervention. )
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant with live music. The music was fantastic. The food was delicious. The people-watching was even better. I also saw a guy attempt to sing a karaoke version of "Bohemian Rhapsody," and I’m pretty sure I’ll be telling that story for years to come.
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime: More coffee. More beer. More general overthinking. Tried to call the airline about my luggage. Got put on hold for an hour. Gave up. Went to bed.
Day 3: The Eternal Flame and The Search for a Souvenir (and My Luggage!)
- 9:00 AM: Woke up. Still no luggage. Still addicted to coffee. The cycle continues.
- 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM: Walked to the Eternal Flame memorial. A somber and moving tribute. It's a reminder of the price of freedom, and it made me pause and reflect.
- 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Tried to find a souvenir. This is harder than it sounds. I wanted something unique, something that wasn't a cheap trinket. Spent ages browsing the shops, getting overwhelmed by the choices. Finally bought a beautiful, hand-painted ceramic plate. (It's probably too fragile to survive the journey home, but I don't care.)
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: More Cevapi. (Is there a support group for this? I might need one.)
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Went back to the Ornament Hotel. The receptionist, bless her, had a package for me. (Not my luggage. But a care package from a friend with some emergency clothes and toiletries. She is a lifesaver.)
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Explored the Latin Bridge (where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand happened). The history is heavy here, but it’s also incredibly important to understand. Took a deep breath, walked around the bridge.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Last coffee break. I'm dreading leaving Sarajevo.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Did some last-minute souvenir shopping and tried to enjoy my final few hours in Sarajevo.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner. (Yes, Cevapi. I'm not even ashamed.)
- 9:00 PM - Departure: Taxi to the airport. Said goodbye to the kind receptionist. (She gave me a hug. I almost cried.) Departed Sarajevo.
Overall Thoughts:
Sarajevo is a city that gets under your skin. It’s beautiful, it’s challenging, it’s full of history, and it’s incredibly welcoming. The Ornament Hotel & Apartments was a good base, even if it wasn’t perfect. The location was great, the apartment was spacious, and the staff was lovely.
And my luggage? Still MIA. But you know what? I wouldn't trade this slightly-chaotic, coffee-fueled adventure for anything. Sarajevo, you’ve stolen a piece of my heart. I'll be back. And next time, I'm bringing my own coffee grinder. And maybe a spare suitcase.
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Ornament Hotel & Apartments: Unforgettable? Well... Let's See! - FAQ
Is Ornament Hotel REALLY a 'hidden gem'? Or is that just marketing hype?
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they actually as stylish as the photos?
Breakfast – is it worth it? Or should I grab a burek somewhere?
How's the location? Easy to get around?
What about the staff? Friendly? Helpful?
Is it good for families? Or more for couples/solo travelers?
Anything *really* bad about it? Be honest!
