Lifestyle

Esplanade Zagreb Hotel – A Century of Tradition, A Decade of Evolution

Miodrag Spahić - Dec 23, 2024

For nearly a century, the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel has been more than a charming place to stay — it stands as a revered landmark, deeply woven into Zagreb’s identity and cherished by locals and visitors alike. Approaching its 100th anniversary in 2025, this fascinating hotel continues to embody timeless charm, sophistication and the warmth of Croatian hospitality that have defined it since 1925.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, top-notch 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. Its timeless elegance, sophistication and charm, which back in 1925 attracted passengers of the famous Orient Express, today is considered an elite venue and cultural historic landmark of Zagreb. Known as the temple of comfort and cuisine, during the last 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 most well-known hotels of the time became far too small for the increasing number of passengers who arrived in Zagreb stepping off the famous Orient Express. In order to meet the changing needs of the city, the construction development 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 – once, the only link with Europe and the rest of the world – which was one of the stops of the prestigious Orient Express en-route between Paris-Venice-Istanbul.

In 1917 an international tender was announced which attracted numerous excellent architects of the time. The success came to a German, Otto Rehnig, whose original plans were 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 22 April 1925, drew over 200 distinguished guests, including Mayor Heinzel of Zagreb. Journalists wrote words predicting a bright future on an international level, and among the first guests of the hotel was a 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. The impact that the Esplanade had back then upon the social life of the city is best evidenced by recent common opinion that “once you step inside, the experience is worth mentioning to your grandchildren”. It is not surprising that many generations have spoken in awe of the elegant and magical areas of the hotel. Famous sentence of the writer Miroslav Krleža who once said that the ‘Oleander terrace is the border between Balkans and Europe’ best describes the perception of the Esplanade Hotel as one of the most prestigious places in Zagreb and region.

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 Thorne-Smith, Orlando Bloom, Armand Assante, Hugh Laurie, Rami Malek and a host of others. The hotel has often 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. 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 entered a new phase as the hotel closed its doors followed by a complete renovation. Zagreb experts responsible for shaping the hotel and an architecture design company based in London, called MKV Design, led by award-winning interior designer Maria Vafiadis, had a mission to renovate the hotel and return it to its original glory. Finding original designs and photographs greatly assisted the redesigning of the hotel which finally found the right balance between the Neoclassical and Art Deco style of the existing building and the introduction of modern elements appropriate to a luxury hotel at the beginning of the 21st century. Following two years of extensive restoration and demanding work, the Esplanade Hotel reopen within the familiar splendour and new image. Once again, the Esplanade has regained the title as the centre of the social life of the city, as the hotel has become 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 flexible 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 in this ‘city of a million hearts’, as its charmingly dubbed.

SOPHISTICATED CULINARY CONCEPTS

The accommodation is supplemented by the exceptional culinary experiences made possible through Executive Chef Ana Grgić Tomić’s uniquely modern interpretation of traditional Croatian and Mediterranean cuisine. The sophisticated ambience and elegance of Zinfandel’s, with its well-known Oleander terrace with offering magnificent view of the park and fountain, create an unforgettable fine dining experience at this Green Michelin star restaurant. A creative combination of modern 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 just enjoying the city’s finest 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 Oleandar 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 first 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. The increased demand for quick and accessible internet motivated the Esplanade to offer its guests yet another novel and practical service – Wifi2Go 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.

FESTIVE HUB OF ZAGREB

Esplanade Hotel has always been the ultimate address in Zagreb, and the iconic epicenter of Zagreb’s social life. This lavish hotel is the favorite setting for family gatherings, milestone celebrations, gala events, and a home to the best Christmas market in Zagreb – Fooling Around – placed at the famous Oleander terrace. With its fantastic energy and atmosphere, this magnificent fairytale location with amazing views brings the finest and the most exciting of Zagreb’s Advent – the very top of the local culinary scene, amazing decoration, and superb musical and stage performances. This sparkling spectacle is definitely something you should not miss. Let the grande dame of Zagreb hotels be your plush base from which to take in all the festive season has to offer. Best of all, you don’t even have to leave the hotel to experience the finest of Advent in Zagreb.Indulge in the glittering holiday atmosphere of this unique historical hotel in the heart of Zagreb – where good fun is guaranteed.

ONE OF A KIND

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.

Visit www.esplanade.hr