Bosnia's Hidden Gem: Hotel Hecco's Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Bosnia's Hidden Gem: Hotel Hecco – My Honest, Slightly Chaotic, And Totally Smitten Review!
Okay, friends, buckle up. I'm fresh off a whirlwind trip to Sarajevo and I’m still buzzing. And the reason I’m buzzing? Hotel Hecco. Forget those cookie-cutter hotels, this place is… well, it's Bosnia. In the best possible way. I’m talking historical charm mixed with modern luxury, all wrapped up in the heart of the city. SEO-wise? Let's dive in, because I need to share this with the world! And I promise, it's not all perfect, but that's what makes it real, right?
Accessibility (and a bit of a sigh): This is where things get a little tricky. Wheelchair accessible? Hmm… while the hotel has facilities for disabled guests, it’s not as straightforward as some modern high-rises. There's an elevator, thankfully, but navigating historic buildings can be… well, let’s just say plan your route thoughtfully. But the staff were awesome, super helpful, and always willing to assist. Getting around the city, well, that's a blog post for another day, but Hotel Hecco is centrally located, making it a good base.
Cleanliness and Safety (because we're still living in that world): Okay, major props to Hotel Hecco. I walked into a lobby that felt… clean. Notice I’m not saying sterile. It felt fresh and inviting. The anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and room sanitization between stays really put my mind at ease. They’ve got hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Seriously, this is a hotel that cares. They had Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. They are very conscious about Physical distancing of at least 1 meter They even offer "Room sanitization opt-out available" which is great if you're a bit eco-conscious. Kudos to those folks. There's a Doctor/nurse on call and a First aid kit. They are really good about their Hygiene certification and Staff trained in safety protocol. I saw CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property and the Security [24-hour] folks were constantly visible. The Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, and Smoke detector gave me peace of mind. Rooms Sanitized Between Stays, Professional-grade sanitizing services and Rooms Sanitized Between Stays all helped.
On-Site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: I didn't personally test every nook and cranny, but I saw no obvious barriers within the main dining areas. Again, ask at booking, they’re upfront.
Internet Access (and how I survived!): Absolutely crucial. Wi-Fi in public areas? Decent, but I relied on the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! It held up, although, let's be honest, sometimes my Instagram Reels felt like they were traveling to the moon and back. And hey! Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services are all there. And I will say, on the rare occasion I needed to, the Xerox/fax in business center was a lifesaver.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Because, Bosnia!): This is where Hotel Hecco truly shines. The Breakfast [buffet] was a masterpiece. Think fresh, local ingredients, pastries that made me weep (slightly), and a coffee selection to die for. They also had a Breakfast in room and a Breakfast takeaway service. I love that I can order an Asian breakfast if i wish. There’s a Coffee/tea in restaurant which is a must. If you are like me, you can order a Bottle of water. One day I found myself eating at a Vegetarian restaurant. The Desserts in restaurant are incredible. The bar is amazing! and the people are friendly. The Poolside bar at night is perfect, you can enjoy their Happy hour. It's all there: Restaurants, Bar, Snack bar, Coffee shop, Poolside bar, A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant and Room service [24-hour].
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Seriously, Spa Day!): Okay, the Spa is where things got… magical. Seriously, I’m not normally a spa person, I’m a "hike the mountains until I can’t feel my legs" kinda person. But after exploring Sarajevo all day, I caved and got a Massage. Oh. My. Goodness. They also have a Sauna, a Steamroom, there's a Pool with view. There's even Foot bath, Body scrub, and a Body wrap. The Gym/fitness is available if you are that kind of person. There's a Swimming pool and the Swimming pool [outdoor]. Hotel Hecco has an Indoor venue for special events and Outdoor venue for special events.
Services and Conveniences (Because Life is Easier When Someone Else Does the Hard Stuff): From the moment I arrived, I was pampered. Concierge service? Top-notch. Need Currency exchange? Done. Dry cleaning, Laundry service, and Ironing service? Absolutely. The Daily housekeeping was impeccable. The Doorman always had a smile, and the Elevator was a lifesaver (again, historical buildings!). They also have a Gift/souvenir shop, and Cash withdrawal. The Luggage storage was helpful, and they have a Safety deposit boxes. There are facilities for disabled guests and they offer Babysitting service. The Car park [free of charge] is a giant plus. Car park [on-site].
For the Kids (Family-Friendly Vibes): I didn't have kids with me, BUT I noticed the Family/child friendly atmosphere. I saw Kids facilities and even Kids meal. They are really good with making the kids feel welcome.
Available in All Rooms (Details, Details, Details!): Ah, the rooms. They were fantastic. Air conditioning worked like a charm (essential in the summer!), and the Blackout curtains were perfect for sleeping in. Free bottled water was a welcome touch. I loved having a Coffee/tea maker in every room, especially after a long day of exploring. The Desk was great for catching up on emails (when the Wi-Fi cooperated!). The In-room safe box was a nice security measure. The Mini bar was well-stocked. They have Non-smoking rooms and the most amazing Shower! The Wake-up service was reliable. The Wi-Fi [free] , you can’t complain, but the Mirror, and the Hair dryer, Seating area, Soundproofing, Toiletries, and Towels were excellent.
Getting Around (Don't Get Lost!) Airport transfer was smooth. And yes, there's Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], and even Car power charging station. They offer Taxi service, and Valet parking.
The Quirks and the Imperfections (Because, Real Life!): Alright, so, it's not all perfect. The walls are a bit thin in some rooms, so if you're a light sleeper, maybe pack some earplugs. (I did!) My room had a slight… architectural charm… which translated into a wonky window that didn't quite close properly. It's an old building, after all, which means it has a certain character. And sometimes, the elevators are a little slow – but hey, it's a good opportunity to admire the art (or sneak in a quick workout!).
Quirky Observations and Emotional Reactions: Okay, I can't NOT talk about the breakfast buffet again. I swear, I think I gained five pounds just looking at the pastries. The staff? Smiling faces everywhere, genuinely happy to help. They did everything! I felt like they genuinely cared. There was a small Shrine near the entrance that felt like a beautiful homage to their heritage. I was so thankful for them and their help, their kindness, and their hard work.
Stronger Emotional Reactions: Honestly, Hotel Hecco gave me feels. There's a certain je ne sais quoi to it, a warmth, a genuine welcome that I haven't experienced in a while. It's not just a hotel, it's an experience. It has Couple's room and it is the perfect Proposal spot. I felt safe, well-cared for, and completely transported. The Room decorations were amazing. I just loved
Indonesian Paradise: Your Private Pool Villa Awaits (V289)Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn’t your glossy brochure itinerary. This is a messy, loving, and occasionally disastrous dive into Hotel Hecco, Bosnia & Herzegovina. And trust me, it's a trip.
Subject: Hecco Hell - … Or Heaven? (Still Figuring It Out, TBH)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (Mostly in the Lobby)
- Morning (7:00 AM -ish): Dragged myself out of bed in… (checks notes) …London. Ugh. The flight went… okay. No screaming babies in my immediate vicinity, so a win. First impressions of Sarajevo? Grey. Beautifully grey. The airport’s small, efficient, and makes you feel like you’re in a low-budget spy movie.
- Late Morning (10:00 AM): Arrived at Hotel Hecco. And… wow. The lobby is… something. Think grand, slightly faded glory. Chandeliers, marble floors that have definitely seen some history, and a front desk that looks suspiciously like it was plucked straight from a James Bond set. The receptionist – let’s call her Ilvana – had the air of someone who has seen things. And probably fought off a disgruntled guest with a stapler once or twice. She offered a welcome drink (a suspiciously vibrant orange juice) and an even more suspicious smile. "Welcome, welcome!" she chirped. I think I mumbled something unintelligible about needing coffee and a place to lie down.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Finally in my room. Actually, bigger than expected. The balcony looks out over the city, and even though it's grey, it's breathtaking. The furniture's seen better days, but there's a certain… charm? Like a slightly over-the-hill celebrity who still knows how to work a microphone. Settling in, unpacking, the usual pre-adventure jitters. Starting to feel a little more "Bosh" in Bosnia.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): The coffee situation. Oh, God, the coffee situation. The hotel coffee? Let's just say it tastes like they ran it through a sock. I’m on a desperate mission to find a decent caffeine fix. This is a top priority.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Walked around the Old Town. Wow. Just… wow. The Bascarsija is incredible – a sensory overload in the best possible way. Cobblestone streets, the call to prayer, the smell of grilling meat, the clanging of the coppersmiths… felt like I'd stepped through the wrong door into a whole other world. Got hopelessly lost. Ate a delicious burek (think flaky pastry filled with cheese, a complete gift from the pastry gods).
- Evening (8:00 PM): Dinner at a restaurant recommended by Ilvana (against my better judgment, honestly). Cevapi (grilled minced meat) with the most addictively yummy flatbread. Tried to order dessert but accidentally pointed to something that, I think, was meant to be part of the main coursed. The look the waiter gave me… priceless. Anyway, it was all good. Just… a little overstuffed.
Day 2: The Bridge, the Wounds, and the Unavoidable Coffee Quest
- Morning (9:00 AM): Okay, coffee mission initiated. Found a little cafe down a side street. Legit espresso. The caffeine coursed through my veins with a life-giving jolt. I felt… human again.
- Morning (11:00 AM): Visited the Latin Bridge. The assassination site. It’s a heavy, emotional place, you can't avoid it. The weight of history hangs in the air. But you can still find life if you seek it. The nearby shops and alleys are loud with the present.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at a restaurant with a view. Ordered a salad and got… a mountain of greens. Seriously, I think they used a whole field in my meal. Gorgeous, though, and the view of the Miljacka River was stunning. Trying, trying, to embrace the slow pace of life here. It's hard when back home you are used to running.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): The hotel's "fitness center." Let's just say it's a room with a treadmill older than me and a rusty set of weights. It's not on the agenda for today.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Explored the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque and some other buildings nearby. The architecture is simply stunning, and the feeling I'm getting is… more and more connected or in tune with the country around me.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Okay, the real test: dinner alone. Still not quite sure how to navigate the language barrier and ordering system, but I'm giving it a shot. Going to attempt to retrace my steps from yesterday, and see how I do.
Day 3: More Coffee, More History, and the Great Burek Backfires
- Morning (8:00 AM): Coffee, coffee, glorious coffee. The little cafe is now my sanctuary. Starting to feel like a local, which is probably delusional, but nice, nonetheless.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Sketched in the Old Town. Trying to capture the essence of this place. The details are incredible, and the atmosphere is very alive.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch… the Burek incident. Decided to be adventurous. Went to a bakery, pointed at a burek that looked… suspiciously delicious. It was delicious. Too delicious. Ate the entire thing. Now regretting it. Heavily regrets. Why do I do these things.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Walked around the hotel to try to walk off this ridiculousness from the burek. Walked along the Miljacka river, then stumbled upon some sort of abandoned building. The eerie beauty of it was amazing.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner in the hotel restaurant. Trying to play it safe, for once. Chicken and vegetables. Ilvana’s watching. She's waiting for me to fail, I just know it.
Day 4: Departure & The lingering taste of… Everything
- Morning (7:00 AM): Last burst of coffee. Farewell to my little cafe. Am I going to miss that slightly-too-strong espresso? Absolutely.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Checked out of Hotel Hecco. Ilvana gave me a surprisingly warm goodbye. (Maybe she's not as bad as I thought.)
- Morning (9:30 AM): One last stroll through Bascarsija. Buying souvenirs (mostly for myself, let's be honest).
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): At the airport. The grey skies, still welcoming. Thinking how I'm going to miss the feeling from the people here.
- Evening (7:00 PM, back in London): Home. Tired. Overwhelmed. But also… changed. Sarajevo, and Hotel Hecco, were more than a vacation. Bosnia & Herzegovina is worth its history. And worth all the mistakes, the bad decisions, and the stomach-churning burek. A trip I will never ever forget.
Post-Trip Thoughts:
- The Hotel: Imperfect, yes. But full of character. And the staff? Ilvana, especially, turned out to be a quiet guide, always there watching. And even though it's faded, I loved it.
- The Burek: I don't want to talk about it. (But, actually, I probably do).
- The Coffee: Worth the early wake-ups.
- Would I go back? In a heartbeat. (Just, maybe, lay off the burek next time.)
So, that’s it. My messy, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt account of a trip to Sarajevo. Now, go. Experience it. Don't be afraid to get lost, to make mistakes, to eat too much burek. Just be open to the experience. It's worth it.
Hotel 39 Ukraine: Luxury Escapes & Unforgettable StaysBosnia's Hidden Gem: Hotel Hecco – Let's Get Real, Folks! An FAQ (That's More Like My Crazy Diary)
Okay, So, Hotel Hecco. Is It REALLY as Luxurious as They Say?
Alright, buckle up, because this is where it gets... messy. "Luxurious"? Yeah, sure. But here's the thing: luxury, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. I went in expecting the Taj Mahal, you know? Gold taps, private swans swimming in the fountain... (okay, maybe I got carried away).
The rooms? Stunning. Seriously. The view from the balcony? Sigh. Even *I* had to admit it was gorgeous. Polished wood, giant windows, all that jazz. But... and this is a big but… the minibar was, shall we say, *understocked*. I mean, seriously? No decent biscuits? I'd been dreaming of a late-night biscuit binge and all I got was a lukewarm Fanta.
And don't even get me started on the elevators. They were... characters. One morning, I swear, I spent a solid ten minutes stuck in one with a very confused-looking German Shepherd. The dog didn't speak English either. Awkward. So, yes, luxurious, but with a healthy dose of Bosnian charm (and the occasional elevator adventure).
What's the Food Like? Because I LIVE to Eat.
Oh. My. God. The food. Okay, so here’s the deal. I am a foodie. I live for the next meal, the next taste sensation, the… you get the point. At Hotel Hecco, the breakfast buffet? A masterpiece. Seriously. The *meze* spread? Forget about it, I was there almost an hour each day. The local cheeses? Creamy, delightful, and I may or may not have smuggled a few back to my room. (Don't tell anyone!).
There was this one night, though. We decided to try a fancy dinner. It was… memorable. The restaurant was swish, the service impeccable, and the wine list... well, let's just say my credit card wept. But. Here's the thing. I ordered this lamb dish. And it was… tough. *Really* tough. Like, could-chew-it-for-an-hour-and-still-not-swallow tough. I tried, I really did. I mean, I wanted to like it. I *needed* to like it. But after giving it a solid twenty minutes, I shamefully had to leave it. It happens. Life's not always perfect, and sometimes, the lamb just isn't your friend. (But the view was stunning, so you’re not *completely* down and out.)
Is Sarajevo a Safe Place to Travel?
Look, I was a bit twitchy about going – the history weighs on you, you know? But honestly? Sarajevo is lovely. The people are so friendly, so welcoming. I walked around day and night, I took public transport, I was generally just *out* and never felt unsafe.
There are certain areas that might be best to avoid late at night, but honestly, what major city doesn't have that? Just use common sense, trust your gut, and you’ll be fine. The biggest danger I faced was maybe getting hopelessly lost amongst those winding cobblestone streets (which happened, a lot!). Oh, and the temptation to buy *all* the souvenirs. My luggage was, ahem, a little overweight coming home. But hey, that’s just me being a responsible tourist, right?
What's the Best Thing About Hotel Hecco (Besides the Obvious Luxury)?
Okay, this is where I get a little… emotional. It wasn’t the fancy bathrooms, or the killer views. It wasn’t even the near-perfect breakfast buffet. It was the staff. Unbelievably kind, genuine, and helpful.
There was a doorman, I think his name was Samir, who always greeted me with a smile and a story, he told me about his family, and his love for the city. The waitresses were so patient with my terrible Bosnian attempts. They went above and beyond. One day, I was feeling a bit under the weather (the aforementioned lamb incident may have contributed), and a lovely lady brought me tea at the reception before checking in on me! It was small things like that, the little moments of connection, that made the entire experience. It made it...human. It made it special. Honestly, it's the people that made me fall in love with the place, even more than the actual hotel. I'll never forget it. And I left a generous tip. They deserved it and more!
Okay, Give Me the Rundown: Should I Go to Hotel Hecco?
Absolutely. YES. Go. Go now! Just... manage your expectations a little. It's not a sterile, perfect, five-star experience. It's real life. It's beautiful, it’s flawed, it’s slightly quirky.
Be prepared for the occasional elevator adventure, a bit of tough lamb (if you're unlucky), and the most stunning views you've ever seen. But most importantly, go and be open to the experience. Embrace the people, the culture, the history. Go with an open heart, and you'll have an experience you'll never forget. I promise you, Bosnia, and Hotel Hecco, they'll surprise you. They certainly surprised me.
And What About Traveling to Bosnia in General? Any Tips?
Pack comfy shoes. Seriously. Those cobblestone streets are no joke. Learn a few basic greetings in Bosnian – it goes a long way. Try the coffee. It's STRONG. And for the love of all that is holy, be prepared to eat. A little too much, maybe. Take your time, soak it all in, be open to the unexpected. Don’t be afraid to get lost. And for goodness stake, buy some burek, that stuff is amazing!
Oh, and always, ALWAYS carry some spare tissues. Because the beauty of this place will make you cry. From joy, from wonder, maybe even from a tiny bit of lamb-induced frustration. But mostly, from joy. Go. Just go.