This Croatian landmark is one of the most luxurious hotels in all of Europe, thanks to its prime downtown location.
From Istanbul to Paris, the Orient Express stopped in Zagreb in the 1920s, and its passengers disembarked to spend the night at the magnificent Art Deco Esplanade Zagreb Hotel.
Originally intended to house Zagreb’s upper class, it has now become the city’s social epicenter. Since opening a century ago, this five-star hotel has welcomed everyone from Lawrence Olivier to Queen Elizabeth II. In addition to being one of the most convenient hotels in the heart of the city, this Croatian landmark is also among the most luxurious in all of Europe.
Hotel Esplanade
Who for?
You can’t get much more central than the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, which is located in one of the city’s most recognizable structures. This hotel is perfect for those who want a glamorous atmosphere, enjoy dressing up, and enjoy rubbing elbows with famous people.
What makes this place special, though, is that even if you are on a tight budget when traveling, you can still check in and treat yourself to an experience that would normally be out of your price range.
Accommodation
The Esplanade Zagreb Hotel was recently renovated with the hotel’s illustrious past and a touch of Hollywood glamour in mind. There are a total of 208 rooms available to guests, and they range from “Superior” to “Deluxe” to “Suites,” each of which is generously equipped and tastefully adorned. Goose down is used to stuff the pillows and duvets. Fortunately, there are other options that are hypoallergenic.
If you’re willing to splurge, the Deluxe Room has a spacious sitting area, a bedroom, and a bathroom with a marble tub and a separate walk-in shower. L’Occitane products are provided, and the soft bathrobes and towels will make you feel like you’re floating on air. Browse the bath brochure and have guest services set up a luxurious L’Occitane bath experience for you or a loved one.
Food and drink
Zinfandel’s, located at the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, is the hotel’s main restaurant and is often voted the best in the city. Ana Grgic, the Esplanade’s executive chef, had experience in Michelin-starred restaurants in Brussels and Berlin before joining the staff here in 2012.
Many people in Croatia have seen her on “Celebrity MasterChef.” Fresh seafood from the Adriatic, foraged truffles, and farm-fresh butter and cheeses are just a few of the premium components that make up Zinfandel’s menu. To get the most out of your meal, pair it with a bottle of wine from Croatia; they have quite the selection.
Le Bistro, the Esplanade’s second dining option, offers a fusion of Croatian and French cuisine. The Art Deco decor is stunning, but during the warmer months, customers prefer to eat their grilled meals outside on the patio. Breakfast is served here, and the hotel boasts the best coffee in town, so it’s no wonder that’s where the majority of guests opt to start their mornings.
A seat at the bar at the hotel’s lounge and cocktail bar, Esplanade 1925, is ideal for pre-dinner cocktails or a nightcap. The best mixologists in Croatia are in charge of the bar, which serves both classic cocktails and original drinks inspired by the Orient Express’s stops. As a starting point, we recommend the Zagreb, a tasty concoction of brandy, honey liqueur, and orange.
Facilities
Since its opening, the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel has served as the city’s premier venue for everything from costume balls to high-profile banquets and celebrations.
You may have 365 of your closest friends and family members over for a party in the Emerald Ballroom, which is stunning and has a dome ceiling. There are a number of conference and meeting rooms, as well as the Oleander Terrace, which offers a scenic view of the city and is perfect for smaller gatherings.
But if all you want to do is relax, your attention should be focused on the spa and other wellness offerings. Across the street is Zagreb’s first fitness park, which has a health club, spa, and gym.
How much
When booked in advance online, a stay in a Superior King Room at the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel starts at €112.
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What’s nearby?
Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, is a city steeped in history dating back over a thousand years; guests staying at the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel will be at the heart of it all. Since Zagreb was a member of the Austro-Hungarian Empire for a while, that empire’s style permeates the city’s buildings and traditions.
Take your time and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the historic district of Old Town, where you can see landmarks like the iconic St. Mark’s Church, the Croatian Parliament, and the old City Hall.
If you’re a museum buff, you’ll love Zagreb’s selection. The Museum of Broken Relationships, the Zagreb Chocolate Museum, and the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum are all worth a visit. If you buy a Zagreb Card in advance, you can save money on admission fees and ride the subway for free.
If you’re in Zagreb and it’s getting close to noon, stop by the Dolac Market, the city’s biggest and oldest farmers market, and pick up some food to enjoy on the go. The Maksimir Park, designed in the 18th century, is a great place to relax in the sun, or you can go on a hike in the nearby Medvenica Nature Park or take a dip in Lake Jarun if you’d rather get some exercise.
Conclusion:
Book your stay at the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel now, since there are very few other locations in the world where you can get a room in a five-star hotel for less than £100 per night. The hotel is the crowning glory of a stunning but unexpectedly undiscovered city, and its staff will treat you like a celebrity.
