Discover Croatia’s Storybook Capital Of Zagreb
Explore the unique cultural, gourmet and hospitality institution, as well as Zagreb’s trademark Hotel that perfectly blends history and tradition, exceptional art deco style, topnotch service and old-world glamour
At almost 100 years old, Esplanade is the iconic hotel with more than just few stories to tell. The Esplanade opened its doors with a grand gala ceremony on April 22, 1925. This amazing Hotel is one of a kind and is by far the best known and most luxurious hotel in Zagreb and the region. Known for its timeless elegance, sophistication and charm, which back in 1925 attracted passengers of the famous Orient Express, today Esplanade is considered an elite venue and cultural historic landmark of Zagreb. Known as the temple of comfort and cuisine, during almost 100 years it positively kept up with contemporary trends, while equally fostering the harmony of tradition and the past.
EXCLUSIVELY BUILT FOR THE ORIENT EXPRESS PASSENGERS
In the early 20th century two of the best-known hotels of the time became far too small for the increasing number of passengers who arrived in Zagreb, stepping of the famous Orient Express, en-route from Paris via Venice to Istanbul. In order to meet the changing needs of the city, the construction of a new luxurious hotel imposed itself as a priority. The hotel was to be built on a vast open field (Spanish: Esplanade) close to the railway station. In 1917 a German architect Otto Rehnig won at an international tender which attracted numerous excellent architects of the time. His plans were then reworked by Dionis Sunko, who today is considered the architect of this masterpiece of architecture of the “Belle Époque”. The construction of the largest hotel in Zagreb took place over a mere 26 months. The opening ceremony, on April 22, 1925, drew over 200 distinguished guests, including Mayor Heinzel of Zagreb. Journalists predicted a bright international future for Esplanade, and among the first guests of the hotel was Mr. Glück (German for happiness), which was an indication that this prediction was to become true. And so it was!
CENTRE OF ZAGREB’S SOCIAL SCENE
The hotel was luxurious, sophisticated, and extremely comfortable, equipped with the latest advances of modern science. There were two hundred rooms available with running hot and cold water, one hundred bathrooms, a phone in every room, numerous apartments, salons, and restaurants with excellent cuisine and a magnificent ballroom decorated with iconic columns and sculptures. Many generations have spoken in awe of the elegant and magical areas of the hotel and the common opinion was that once you stepped inside, the experience was such that it was worth your grandchildren’s admiration. Miroslav Krleža, a famous Croatian writer, described its oleander terrace as the border between the Balkans and Europe.
GOLDEN BOOK OF WORLD’S FAMOUS GUESTS
This “most fashionably appointed hotel of Central Europe” attracted many famous personalities. Various diplomats and world statesmen have stepped through the doors of the Esplanade such as Queen Elizabeth II, Nikita Khrushchev, Leonid Brezhnev, Richard Nixon, Josephine Baker, Charles Lindbergh and Orson Welles. Recent names include Depeche Mode, Simple Minds, U2, R.E.M, Robbie Williams, Joe Cocker, Sting, Lenny Kravitz, José Carreras, Chris Rea, Sade, Shakira and Maestro Ennio Morricone, not to mention stars of film and TV including Courtney Torne-Smith, Orlando Bloom, Armand Assante, Hugh Laurie, Rami Malek and a host of others. The hotel has ofen been home to many athletes and sports personalities who have stayed in Zagreb: from David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pep Guardiola to endless famous basketball, handball and football teams. Politicians, diplomats and royalty are frequent hotel guests. Former First Lady of the United States and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Princess Anne, Emir of Qatar, Japanese Prince and Princess Akishino, Swedish King Carl Gustaf XVI and Queen Silvia, the Danish Queen Margareta II and Prince Henrik, King Charles and many others. The hotel has also hosted famous Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho, renowned photographer Peter Lindbergh, violinist Julian Rachlin, British artists Gilbert & George, designer Karim Rashid, DJ David Guetta, music producer Dave Clark, musician Maksim Mrvica and many others. These are just some of the distinguished guests who signed the Esplanade guestbook and of course, certain celebrities, statesmen, and politicians chose to pass through the hotel incognito.
RETURNING TO ITS ORIGINAL GLORY
In 2002, the Esplanade closed its doors for a complete two-year renovation, conducted by Zagreb experts and MKV Design, a London based architecture company, led by an award-winning interior designer Maria Vafadis. Their mission was to bring the original glory to the hotel, and find the balance between its existing Neoclassical and Art Deco style and the luxury requirements of the 21st century. Once again, Esplanade became a favourite meeting place for business people, celebrities, journalists and all those who admire exceptional service and luxurious surroundings.
INDULGENT AND INSPIRATIONAL
The elegantly modern interiors and enchanting combination of Art Nouveau architecture, highly personalized service, and stateof-the-art trends in technology afford each guest an unforgettable stay in this historic hotel, located near all the city’s notable landmarks. Each of the thoughtfully designed and spacious rooms and suites offers not only traditional Hollywood glamour and a true sense of ‘home’, but also free superfast Wi-Fi, access to the hotel’s Health Club, and many other innovative services. Any of the hotel’s numerous fexibile spaces, including the magnificent Emerald Ballroom, can serve as an ideal backdrop for a conference, celebration, magical wedding reception, open-air party or other unforgettable glamorous event.
SOPHISTICATED CULINARY CONCEPTS
Exceptional culinary experiences at Esplanade are made possible through Executive Chef Ana Grgić Tomić’s uniquely modern interpretation of traditional Croatian cuisine. The sophisticated ambience and elegance of the Zinfandel’s Restaurant, with its well-known Oleander terrace and a view of the park and fountain, offer an unforgettable fine dining experience. A creative combination of modern Mediterranean cuisine, cosmopolitan trends, and an innovative culinary approach, mixed with fresh ingredients from local suppliers, transforms each plate into a work of art. The selection of top-quality wines and champagnes in Zinfandel’s wine list, compiled by hotel’s sommelier, serve to further refine the culinary experience. The lively Le Bistro provides a pleasant Parisian chic atmosphere and is, as such, the perfect choice for hosting dynamic business lunches, dinner with that special someone, or the city’s finiest cup of coffee with delicious cake. Inspired by the ambience of the 1920s, the cosmopolitan Esplanade 1925 Lounge Bar offers a creative selection of cocktails, delicious bites and finest Afternoon tea, while a DJ takes care of the music. In the summer months, you can kick back and relax on iconic Oleander terrace with a glass of bubbly. Keeping step with global culinary trends, the hotel has recognized certain guests’ special needs with regard to dietary restrictions, as such introducing kosher, halal, and gluten-free standards to make the experience carefree for everyone.
INNOVATVE GUEST SERVICES
For years, the Esplanade has found itself at the forefront of hotel trends, and is the frst hotel in Croatia and this part of Europe to have become a Tesla and Porsche Destination Charging point, which enables its guests, owners of these electric cars, the opportunity to charge their vehicles for free. Te increased demand for quick and accessible internet motivated the Esplanade to ofer its guests yet another novel and practical service – Wif2Go for those wishing to surf the web wherever they are. Hotel developed specially designed App where you can find out more about the latest promotions, browse the attractive menu and wine list, order room service with just a few clicks and connect to your in-room smart TV with integrated remote control to easily choose channels and other hotel content. For those who wish to relax and unwind in the comfort of their own room, the Esplanade has created a selection of bath products inspired by the natural Esplanade SPA Ritual by L’Occitane.
ONE OF A KIND
The Esplanade Hotel, continues to follow its well-known tradition of discreet and elegant service at a high level, which guests always appreciate. A symbol of the city itself and a synonym for top-quality service and elegance, the Esplanade has succeeded in earning true regional star status, underlined by the numerous impeccable service awards it has been presented with. New trends within the hotel industry, the perfect blend of timeless elegance and tradition of a hotel with modern, dynamic, contemporary design and functionality has launched the Esplanade to the top of the list of most luxurious hotels in the region and equally, across the globe.
The melding of tradition, refined taste, sophistication, extraordinary service and a unique, sincere tie to the city of Zagreb, its residents, and each and every guest, all render the Esplanade one of the world’s must-visit unique hotels.
CONTACT US:
- A: Mihanovićeva ul. 1, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
- T: +385 1 4566 666
- E: [email protected]
- W: esplanade.hr
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