Hotel Grand Viglas

Vígľaš Castle is located in the heart of Slovakia, close to town Zvolen in the valley of Slatina River. The castle from the 13th century was reconstructed and opened as a four-star hotel in 2014. Hotel Grand Víľaš offers accommodation in 55 historic rooms of various types.

Two restaurants and a bar are available for our guests. The hotel’s wellness center has a swimming pool, two saunas, jacuzzi, relaxation area and two massage rooms. Nice combination of past and present creates the right atmosphere for a fairytale wedding, a family gathering, but also a successful conference.

THE HISTORY
The beginning of the occupation of the rocky hillside over the river Slatina can be assumed in the early Middle Ages when the Slavic fortification was present in this area. Later the monastery was established, probably governed and owned by the Templars.

After their demise the property was probably in the hands of another order, the Johanniters (later called the Maltese Knights) or King Carol Robert of Anjou. In 1325, King Carol Robert founded the First World Knight´s Order in Europe The Hungarian Brotherhood – The Knights of St. George.

His son Louise I, called The Great (Anjou), later carried on as a grandmaster of the Knight´s Order – the Hungarian Brotherhood and accepted even more members than his predecessor. Louise I. built a castle residence in Vígľaš, later completed and rebuilt as a hunting lodge by Sigismund of Luxembourg.

The King of Hungary, the Roman-German Emperor, and later King of Bohemia, Sigismund of Luxembourg and his wife Barbara Celje founded the Order of the Dragon in 1408. They accepted their supporters and other sovereigns and formed a coalition with them. The Vígľaš Castle was a meeting place dedicated to this order.

Later Sigismund passed the administration of the Vígľaš castle to Queen Barbara, who managed it until his death. The Vígľaš Castle remained a favourite place to take a rest also during the reign of King Matthias Corvinus. The surrounding royal forests provided plenty of opportunities for relaxation and hunting.

In the second half of the 16th century, the castle played an important role in the anti-Turkish battles. At that time a new fortification including four corner towers were added to the castle and guarded by a permanent military crew. In 1605 the castle was briefly occupied by Stefan Bockay`s uprising rebels.

Later it became the private property of Feudal families, first being owned by the Csáky family, then from 1690 by the Esterházy family until the end of feudalism. The Esterházy family changed the character of the property to a manor house and so very little had been preserved from its original architecture – only the Gothic Chapel and a part of the fortification. The castle was last restored in the second half of the 19 th century. During World War II it was damaged and burnt to a large extent.

In 2009 the ruins of the castle were bought by the Rekitar family. We can now admire the castle in its full glory with the tasteful and thoughtful extensive reconstruction and refurbishments which were completed in 2013 by the family of the present owners.

ROOMS & SUITES
The hotel has 55 rooms and suites in various categories, each of them is exceptional and unique. Among them you can find some really special ones, for example, the Dracula´s suite, where Vlad II Tepes member of the Order of the Dragon, once slept. The Castellan´s suite is also very special.

It has a separate entrance and it is located above the entrance gate to the castle. The most luxury one is Suite Deluxe, which is popular mainly among newlyweds. Superior suites and rooms are available for guests, who would like to stay in our hotel with a pet.

Classic suites and rooms are located on the top floor and are great for those who like hotel rooms with carpets and air conditioning. The accommodation capacity is 114 beds and it is possible to extend it by extra beds. There are 40 of them available. For the smallest guests, we have comfortable cots, which we will gladly prepare for you upon request.

SUITE DELUXE
Are you looking for a place where you will feel like a king and queen? A wooden bed with a canopy is perfect for the perfect experience of staying at the castle. A unique bathroom with a bathtub on legs will satisfy even the most demanding guests. It is located on the first floor and offers a unique view of the castle courtyard. A coffee set will be waiting for you in the apartment with an area of 78 m2.

CASTELLAN’S SUITE
The spacious Castellan apartment with an area of 70 m2 is located directly in the historic entrance tower. The apartment has a separate entrance and a unique space solution that guarantees a unique feeling of staying in a castle with a view of the courtyard. Come and experience how the castellan once lived in the castle. A coffee set will be waiting for you in the apartment.

DRACULA SUITE
The unique Dracula apartment is located in the adjacent Starosta bastion of the castle fortification. At first glance, the spacious apartment for the brave looks no different from the luxurious castle apartments, until you open the mysterious closet! Spiral stairs to the underground, skeletons, skulls and chains. Take courage and experience the adventure.

CLASSIC SUITE
Enjoy a relax in two stylish Classic suites located on the second floor. Comfortable and spacious suites with an area of 52-53 m2 offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. They are an ideal choice for families with children or for guests who are looking for a higher standard.

SUPERIOR ROOM
The Superior rooms are located on the ground floor in the original castle walls as well as in the adjacent Delova and Starostova bastions of the castle fortifications. Rooms with an area of 35 – 65 m2 offer you an unforgettable experience. After agreement with the reception, you can bring your pet to us. Several Superior rooms are specially set aside for these purposes. We give these rooms exceptional attention and care after the guests leave.

DINING
“Gastronomy is the art of using food to create happiness” or „cooking done with care is an act of love“. According to these well-known quotes, we try to work in our castle kitchen. Whether our guests try food from the á la carte, seasonal menu or during breakfast or dinner, we try to make them satisfied. Our stable and experienced team does everything to make sure our guests always leave with an great experience.

ANJOU COURT RESTAURANT 
A luxurious designed restaurant named after the Anjou royal family is characterised by ever-present family lilies. The relaxed ambience and pleasant atmosphere of the restaurant complements the grandiose fireplace with a relief of the Roman-German Emperor Sigismund of Luxemburg.

The impressive fresco on the opposite wall depicting the royal medieval feast, will authentically move you in time and space. The decoration of the restaurant is complemented by nature and dragon motifs around windows. The ceiling is richly hand-decorated. The restaurant is great for special occasions such as balls, corporate parties, food and wine tastings and entertainment with live music or a DJ.

AVA SIMONE RESTAURANT
Our historical restaurant with impressive arches is the perfect place for your morning coffee, tasty lunch or dinner. You can choose from the à la carte menu, seasonal menu and a wide range of hot or cold alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

The restaurant is also suitable for organising smaller family and corporate events. Relaxing and eatting on the terrace during the summer time gives you a great opportunity to enjoy music or to watch children play in the courtyard.

DRAGON BAR
Luxury space which satisfies even the most demanding clientele is hidden under the fortification walls. The Dragon Bar is an ideal place for private gatherings for hotel guests or also non-residents. In the Dragon Bar we can arrange wine tasting, whisky, rum or cigar tastings.

CASTLE MENU
Gastronomy is the art of using food to create happiness” or „cooking done with care is an act of love“. According to these well-known quotes, we try to work in our castle kitchen. Whether our guests try food from the á la carte, seasonal menu or during breakfast or dinner, we try to make them satisfied. Our stable and experienced team does everything to make sure our guests always leave with an great experience.

SPA & WELLNESS
The wellness center is perfectly located in the underground of the castle, where not many people would expect it. Every centimeter of its area is used as efficiently as possible. Although it is not one of the largest spaces in terms of size, it is very cozy and our guests can experience great relaxation or romantic moments in it.

A terrace is also available for guests. The wellness center has a 10-meter swimming pool with counter current a large jacuzzi, two saunas, a plunge pool, a relaxation zone and massage rooms.

SWIMMING POOL & JACUZZI
Queen Barbara’s wellness center is located over three floors with a great view of a private summer terrace. The Terrace can be accessed from the pool area.

The castle wellness is equipped with a 10-meter swimming pool with a counter current that supports proper posture, shapes problem areas, improves immunity and defenses, oxygenates the body and contributes to the production of endorphins. Jacuzzi also have many positive effects on body. Whether it is physical relief for the body or psychological relief for the mind.

SAUNAS & RELAXATION ZONE 
There are two saunas in the wellness area. An infrared sauna and a traditional dry sauna. The infrared sauna strengthens your blood circulation, expands blood vessels and helps to heal the damage of tissues.

From the point of view of releasing nervous and muscle tension, just few minutes in the pleasant traditional dry sauna is an equivalent to a proper massage. The dry sauna combined with a plunge pool is great in prevention of various diseases. Alternation of heat and cold circulates blood in the body and except health benefits, it also has a great cosmetic value.

TREATMENTS
Take a step to the wonderful world full of peace and relaxation, join our Queen Barbara Spa. We have prepared for you a wide range of classical and special massages and wraps that will surely satisfy all your requirements.

Our masseur will be pleased to help you with the choice of treatment designed especially for you. Enjoy the great feeling of absolute relaxation and let yourself to be pampered from head to toes. Allow our experienced masseurs to get rid of your body tension by targeted moves, healing and beautifying touches.

WEDDINGS
There are many reasons why our medieval castle is a great place for organizing a perfect wedding. It’s located in the centre of Slovakia, so it’s easily accessible for the wedding guests from all around Slovakia. It has it’s own ceremony spaces, including a chapel, beautiful spaces for the wedding reception and photo shoots.

There are also enough bedrooms, so guests don’t have to worry and stress about moving from place to place during the wedding day. An excellent gastronomy and also a personal and human approach from start to finish is a matter of course. Hundreds of satisfied couples who have decided to have a fairy-tale wedding right at the castle is the best guarantee why Grand Vígľaš is the best choice.

CEREMONIAL ROOMS
Say your „yes“ right here at the Vígľaš castle, which with it’s various rooms and places offers an opportunity to organize church wedding in historical chapel of St. Archangel Michael. If you rather dream about civil ceremony under the clear sky and in the fresh air, surrounded by the atmosphere of the entire castle, our castle terrace or inner courtyard is just for you. For an indoor wedding we offer you our big Knight’s Hall.

CHAPEL
The premises of the chapel will enhance the feeling of your church wedding. In our ecumenical chapel are permitted various types of ceremonies such as Roman-Catholic, Greek-Catholic, Old-Catholic and Orthodox.

WEDDING FEAST
Are you dreaming about a castle-styled wedding? Or are you more attracted to modern style? Are you imagining an indoor or an outdoor wedding? The variety of places and professional personal is a guarantee that you will like a Queen or King of your big day. It’s our interest that your wedding will reflect all your desires. Choose place in which you will feel comfortable, and we will take care of everything else.

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
Fairy-tale photos, in which you turn into a prince and princess? It’s possible at our castle! Feel free to use our offer of various places for you unforgettable wedding photos. All our indoor and outdoor spaces and luxury room are at your disposal.

CELEBRATION AT THE CASTLE
Unique castle places, delicious food, festive decorations at your wishes, comfortable and reliable service, or interesting additional program is what will guarantee your unforgettable moments with your nearest ones.

Celebrate important moments with us, like birthday parties, anniversaries, graduation, baptisms or other special events. Share your ideas with us, choose your place that suits best to your requirements and we will take care of everything else.

CONFERENCES & CONGRESSES
Amazing combination of history and modern services is the most visible at the modern congress facilities located in the castle from the medieval times. Their total capacity reaches up to 400 people, while the participants of the event can be divided into seven independent congress spaces.

Modern technical equipment is a matter of course in each of them. The combination of unique congress spaces and the professionalism of event managers are the key of success for each congress, conference, training, seminar, colloquium or symposium.

TEAMBUILDING
Knight tournament, archery, ax throwing, medieval dances, historic casino or medieval feast in costumes. This is only a small part of what can be experienced in our catle hotel. All activities that can be experienced authentically under the guide of professional historical groups.

These activities strengthens the team, supports communication in the team, but most of all, everyone can experience a lot of fun and adventure. Our profesional team perfectly knows every inch of premises. After hundreds of teambuildings, we dare to say that we can prepare any kind of event for you.

CASTLE EVENTS
The courtyards of Vígľaš Castle serve as venues for various cultural, social, and entertainment events. In organizing them, we strive to uphold traditions with an emphasis on the uniqueness of each event.

Among them, the following must be mentioned: Sigimund’s Festivities on the first Sunday of May, dedicated primarily to a return to history. Grand Retro Show at the turn of July and August, when the castle welcomes nearly 50 pre-war historic vehicles.

Farewell to Summer at the end of August, during which all children with their parents are especially welcome at the castle. Additionally, the castle hosts occasional events like Children’s Day, Haunted Tours, or St. Nicholas’ Party.

One major event is the entire summer, during which musical performances, quizzes, film screenings, discussions with personalities, and concerts take place on the castle courtyard during summer evenings.

LATKY SKI RESORT – KOCANDA
You can find this ski resport in a peaceful part of Slovenské Rudohorie, at an altitude of about 900 meters. It is located between two villages Hriňová and Kokava nad Rimavicou, about 1 km from the village Látky. This favourite ski resort operates for more than 15 years.

Nowadays there are 2 ski-lifts which can transport 900 skiers per hour. Spacious slopes are oriented northeast, and they offer nice view on 1111-meter high mountain called Bykova. Slopes are suitable mainly for families with children, and beginners.

Surrounding area is great for cross-country skiing, even for the most demanding cross-country skiers (2 km from the ski resort Látky – Kočanda is a cross-country ski resort Látky – Mláky with 10 km of cross-country ski runs).

Látky Ski Resort – Kočanda also offers evening skiing. During Christmas holiday season there is evening skiing every day. Expect holiday season evening skiing takes place in this ski resort 3 times a week, every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

SKI KRALIKY 
Is located in Kremnické vrchy about 10 km from Banská Bystrica. It offers slopes of easier difficulties. The transport for skiers is provided by an express 4- seater lift (670 m long and 120 m high), two ordinary ski-lifts and one cable way.

For cross-country skiers, several kilometers of cross-country ski runs are located near this resort. There is a ski and snowboard school, a ski and snowboard rental, three snack bars and two restaurants. The slope under the cable way has artificial lighting for evening skiing.

SKI RESORT LATKY
Is located near village Látky in Veporské vrchy, close to the road II / 526 from Hriňová (12 km) to Kokava nad Rimavicou (18 km). This ski resort has two ski lifts and one cable way. It is ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers . You can find there a ski and snowboard rental, ski school, restaurant and fast food.

PARK SNOW DONOVALY 
Is one of the most popular ski resort in Slovakia. The village of Donovaly is located between two National Parks, Nízke Tatry and Veľká Fatra. This ski resort is 25 km away From Banská Bystrica and 29 km from Ružomberok.

The total length of the slopes is 11 km. Slopes are concentrated in two main areas – Zahradište and Nová Hoľa. These two areas are connected by three short ski lifts. Záhradište is ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers.

SKI CENTRUM KOSUTKA
New and modern ski resort is located in Veporske vrchy about 1.5 km from the center of Hriňová. The center of the ski resort can be accessed by car directly. The center of Košútka with a ski-lift station is situated at an altitude of 503 m. You can find there a car park for 70 cars.

There is also a multifunctional building with a cash desk, ski rental facilities, mountain services, toilets and a self-service restaurant. From the center of the complex there is one ski lift with a total length of 960 m, which takes the skiers to an altitude of 723 m. Slopes are located northeast and they provide great conditions for all skiers as well as snowboarders.

Rooms: 55

Price: from 106 EUR per night

Source: www.grandviglas.com