Among Slovak and foreign tourists, travelling connected with learning about history is becoming more and more popular. The Orlová Manor brings a perfect combination of relaxation, great gastronomy, but also history, which dates back to the times of Maria Theresa. Its facilities, location and services make it an ideal place not only for relaxation, but also for important meetings, weddings or conferences.

The history of the Orlová manor house, located in Považská Bystrica, began in the 17th century when it was built by the Baláš family as a one-storey cottage. A few years later, in the next century, after extensive reconstruction and rebuilding, it was expanded into its present form, and at that time a unique late Baroque Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk was added to it.

After some time, the historic building fell into the hands of the priestess Šarlota Majlátová and then into the hands of Jan Kubelík, a well-known Czech composer and violin virtuoso. Later, however, the manor house fell into the hands of the state, the ravages of time took their toll and it began to deteriorate. When Nodari Giorgadze, the owner of GINO Holding, was given the opportunity to buy the land and the manor house, he decided to take the more difficult path of reconstruction and thus preserve the history for future generations. He saved the building and since then Orlová Manor is the seat of the Gino Park Palace Hotel****, which has accommodation, restaurant, café, lounges, wellness and fitness centre, as well as the historical chapel and park.

It offers first-class service, great gastronomy and unforgettable experiences. This place is sought after not only by history lovers, couples in love, but also by families with children who have come here to relax. The unconventional historical space is especially interesting for organizers of business events and businessmen who are tired of classic congress halls. In the Orlová Manor, events have a touch of historical luxury with white glove service, delicious cuisine and excellent service.

The rescued jewel

Only a few kilometres from the D1 motorway exit separates guests from Považská Bystrica and a visit to this unique place that breathes of the ancient past. The history was also taken into account during the reconstruction itself, which was subject to strict controls by the monuments office. The reconstruction brought, for example, a change in the colouring of the individual parts of the manor house.

Orlová Manor is a great place for relaxation, private events, as well as business meetings, which will gain a hallmark of uniqueness with the local atmosphere.

Within the chapel, in addition to the gold leaf on the ceilings, the original dark red paint was also discovered, replacing the blue colour of this unique room, which is the only one in the manor house that is two storeys high. Today, visitors can admire rare objects and paintings of great historical value, a 19th-century organ, as well as the artistic design of the main and side altars in the chapel. Every Saturday, public services are held here and it is often the place to meet newlyweds who have chosen to take their vows here, drawing on the benefit of having the ceremony in the same area where the entire wedding reception is held.

With respect to history

But let's take a look behind the walls of Orlová Manor itself, which functions as a hotel facility, but the spirit of history can be felt in every step. The reconstruction was guided by the motto that the hotel adapts to the manor and not the manor to the hotel. Each room has a different dimension, as the renovation was careful to preserve the dimensions of the original rooms of the mansion. As a result, you can find rooms of different standards and styles, from the opulent presidential suite to the historic rooms de luxe or the rustic classic rooms with exposed beams. This makes the mansion exceptional and, moreover, highly desirable, as evidenced by the increased interest from visitors in recent years.

The Manor really gives guests a choice - whether you prefer the royal comfort of high ceilings, loft rooms or rooms overlooking the park, one thing is for sure: the perfect comfort awaits you and will make you think of other things. In addition to accommodation in 47 comfortable rooms, the hotel provides visitors with relaxation in the cosy wellness centre. Brick arches add a historic touch, while three saunas, a whirlpool bath, loungers and a Kneipp bath to stimulate the blood circulation provide the perfect relaxation.

There is also no shortage of activities in the hotel, guests can play billiards in the hunting lounge, table tennis, sit down to a great meal or a fresh dessert or solve the mystery of the interactive historical cipher game, which will guide you through the corners of the mansion.

The perfect place for a wedding or corporate event

Exceptional events deserve exceptional surroundings and it doesn't matter if it's a family celebration, a wedding or a grand corporate party. The benefit of Orlová Manor is its representative environment, the possibility to accommodate, but also to serve in the restaurant more than a hundred guests. "We approach each event individually and prepare the event for our clients on a tailor-made basis.

Specific are, of course, weddings, when everything must be perfect, exactly according to the wishes of the newlyweds. Over the years we have had countless events and we can say that we specialise in weddings and events, which is why we have been awarded the Historic Hotels of Europe - Historic wedding experience award," says Business & Development Manager Elizabeth Šilhanová.

In addition to the aforementioned weddings and celebrations, teambuilding events are also popular in the manor, where guests can enjoy Georgian wine and brandy tasting, a tour of the manor, a tasting dinner, live music or even listen to an organ concert.

Gastronomic experiences 

It is definitely worth mentioning the excellent original cuisine of the hotel under the leadership of chef Matej Gašpierik, who brings guests new gourmet experiences. These will certainly include those that you can experience during the rich gastronomic programme, which is open not only to guests but also to the general public. Popular events include tasting dinners or special menus tied to various festive seasons such as Easter, Valentine's Day or New Year.

"We always like to prepare something new and unusual for our guests. In October, we are looking forward to a gastronomic experience workshop Mlsný jazýček with the chef of the manor. In December, we are looking forward to the Christmas party, which will be combined with a Christmas bazaar, music and delicacies that guests can enjoy right in the courtyard of the manor," says Elizabeth Šilhanová about the plans for the coming period. "We are happy to welcome guests who wish to stay during these events, as well as the public from the surrounding area or from all corners of Slovakia. Although we are a hotel, the manor house and its park are always open to the public except for private events such as weddings."

Relax in the park and explore the surroundings

In the Orlová Manor, guests will love to get lost not only in time, but also in the beautiful park, which dates back to the 18th century. Here they will find a historic lime avenue, planted by the Balas family, as well as many other rare historical trees and woods. The park is home to many species of birds and animals, and while walking along the many paths and quiet corners, you can spot squirrels as well as wild deer.

However, relaxation is not the only thing guests can enjoy during their stay. Those who are more active will also find something to enjoy. The hotel organises educational excursions in the surroundings with a professional guide. They can get to know the Považský Castle or discover the charm of the Sulovské Rocks or the Manín Gorge.

For those who like to explore the surroundings from the saddle, bicycles are available at the hotel. The cycle paths in the Upper Považie region offer activities for cyclists of all abilities and even beginners will find something to enjoy. They can enjoy, for example, an easy cycling tour from Považská Bystrica, which takes them through the Manínska Gorge Nature Reserve.