“Ada Hotel”:http://www.adahotel.ba/ is a small boutique building in central Sarajevo, once the residence of the Swedish Ambassador. We were warmly welcomed with coffee and, as we’d had a long journey which involved a flat tyre, the suggestion of a pomegranate or walnut brandy to accompany it was warmly received despite it being only 4.30pm.
This is not a hotel for the less mobile: there is no lift, just a very steep circular staircase. We were delighted to be given keys to the ‘apartment’ which we found was up 50+ steps – fortunately they took up our bags. However, we had great roof top city views from the tiny balcony which was just big enough for two chairs and a table. As we were staying four nights, we enjoyed the views at different times of day and in various weathers.
The living area was roughly the size of our lounge at home, and had a large old-fashioned TV, comfortable two-seater sofa, chair and coffee table.
Off this, was a small kitchenette which was well equipped with kettle, crockery and glasses, fridge and hob. A frilly apron was thoughtfully hung up! Whilst we didn’t use this much, we found the fridge useful.
The bathroom had a sloping ceiling with excellent shower, loo and basin. It wasn’t particularly modern but was fit for purpose.
Sloping ceilings were also present in the bedroom, but the bed was comfortable and there was a second TV.
The stairs and apartment were carpeted throughout in regal maroon with cream fleur des lis pattern, which we discovered was on the Bosnian coat of arms from 1992 until 1998. Complimentary Wi-Fi was available, even at our great height.
Breakfast was served in a small room on the ground floor. There were cabinets and shelves full of china ornaments, musical instruments hung on walls, books and tourist information. Although breakfast was available from 7am to 10am, we were asked to name our time, so it could be freshly prepared. Adila, a chatty, glamourous blonde bombshell, greeted us and showed us to a huge, beautifully laid table with individual settings of orange juice, water, a pastry, two chocolate confectionary items, yoghurt, bowl of strawberries, two large rolls and a large plate of assorted cream cheeses, jams and honey. The main course followed: two fried eggs, salami, cucumber, tomato, green pepper strips and two types of cheese. Bosnian-style coffee, i.e. with lots of sludge at the bottom, was served either mild or strong and we were glad we’d opted for mild. It was a feast and Adila suggested taking anything we couldn’t eat up to our fridge for later, which we did.
Adila’s mission in life was never to serve the same breakfast twice and we always had different pastries, fruit and sweet treats along with chicken sausages, omelette, and fish fingers.
The hotel doesn’t serve dinner, but all the staff were so incredibly friendly and willing to provide restaurant recommendations, maps and sightseeing suggestions. It was like a home from home, only larger and with more food.
The hotel has a good location and would normally be a 5 to 10-minute walk from the central Pigeon Square. However, the shortest route was being dug up and whilst it could still be used, it was rather tricky negotiating the building works and so we tended to take a longer detour. However, both routes were equally steep and required at least three huffing and puffing stops. The only good news about the steep road and stairs inside, was they helped to counteract the effects of Adila’s breakfast feasts.
