Planning a stay in the heart of Zagreb ? Choose
In this article, discover our experience at the Hôtel Esplanade and a few photos to convince you to stay.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Why stay at Hôtel Esplanade?
Here are 3 good reasons to choose Hotel Esplanade for your stay in Zagreb:
- The history of the establishment, originally intended for passengers on the Orient Express calling at Zagreb,
- The Art Deco charm of this iconic 1925 building combined with contemporary comfort.
- Top-of-the-range amenities: exclusive health club, award-winning restaurants and the famous Oleander terrace overlooking the gardens.
We highly recommend the Esplanade for its unique setting and professional service. It’s one of the best places to stay in Zagreb.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Croatia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
See our tips (coming soon)
Is the Hotel Esplanade worth it? Our review
Oh yes, it’s worth it! We loved its timeless elegance, worthy of a movie set. Hotel Esplanade is a historic gem in the heart of Zagreb. Its Art Deco architecture, contemporary comfort and location a stone’s throw from the main railway station are real assets. Not to mention its unique charm and the quality of its service. This refined, authentic stay is an experience we’ll always remember and highly recommend.
Decoration and atmosphere
The Hotel Esplanade exudes timeless elegance thanks to its Art Deco style. As soon as we walked through its doors, we noticed its luxurious materials such as marble and brass blending in geometric patterns with deep colors. The ambience subtly transported us back to the days of the Orient Express.
The decor, designed by Maria Vafiadis of MKV Design, plays on the harmony between historic charm and discreet modernity. The subdued lighting and meticulous details invite you to relax in a setting that’s both chic and warm. We had an amazing experience that we won’t soon forget, where history and luxury meet.
The room
Our 30m² room had an ideal layout, and we appreciated the warm tones of the precious wood furniture, which matched perfectly with the refined textures of the fabrics. The king-size bed offered us exceptional comfort, while the sitting area allowed us to relax while admiring the exceptional view of the city.
We spent long moments gazing out of our window at the carefully tended flowerbeds below the terrace. The modern facilities – flat-screen TV, silent air-conditioning and adjustable lighting – ensured that our stay was a blend of heritage and contemporary technology. This room, like the rest of the hotel, was a haven of peace where we could recharge our batteries after exploring the city.
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The bathroom
Our bathroom amazed us from the outset, with its gleaming marble and perfectly preserved Art Deco lines. We particularly appreciated its spacious configuration, which included both a deep bathtub where we relaxed after our long days of exploring, and a separate glass-enclosed shower. The WC, also separate, gave us welcome privacy.
L’Occitane toiletries reminded us of the delicate scents of Provence, and we loved wrapping ourselves in the soft bathrobes provided. Every detail, from the chrome fittings to the bevelled mirrors, reminded us of the refinement of the golden age of travel.
The breakfast
Breakfast in the Restaurant Zinfandel was an exceptional experience. We were won over by the abundance of the buffet, where freshly baked pastries rubbed shoulders with fine Croatian charcuterie, mature cheeses and seasonal fruit. Eggs prepared to order, smoked salmon and local specialties allowed us to discover the local gastronomy at dawn.
We enjoyed our coffee in the fine porcelain crockery, under the restaurant’s high chandeliers. The impeccable service and hushed atmosphere turned our first meal into a true gourmet ceremony. This royal breakfast gave us the energy we needed to explore Zagreb with gusto.
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Equipment and common areas
We discovered that the Esplanade hid many surprises beyond our room. Right from the lobby, the clocks above the front door fascinated us, recalling the days when the hotel synchronized its travelers with the time zones of the Orient Express.
The ballroom literally took our breath away, with its glittering crystal chandeliers and majestic gilding. We had fun imagining the sumptuous receptions of that glorious era.
The wellness area offers a welcome interlude. Here, you can unwind under the expert hands of masseurs or work up a sweat on state-of-the-art Technogym machines, to compensate for the gourmet delights enjoyed in the hotel’s various restaurants.
Close proximity to the train station makes it easy to get away to Samobor and the Plitvice lakes.
The restoration
Hôtel Esplanade offers 3 food and beverage outlets:
Restaurant Zinfandel proudly displays its Michelin star with reinvented Croatian gourmet cuisine. The chef, Ana Grgić, offers modern reinterpretations of local classics in an intimate atmosphere where each table benefits from personalized service.
The Restaurant Bistro offers an efficient bistronomic menu in a more relaxed, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Regulars mingle with international travelers to enjoy generous daily specials and house classics.
Bar Esplanade 1925 seduced us with its alcohol-free cocktails. We settled into this historic setting, tucked into velvet armchairs, savoring mocktails crafted with as much care as their alcoholic counterparts. We spent the evening there, hypnotized by the hotel’s mythical decor.
A little history
The Esplanade embodies almost a century of history since its construction in just 313 days, an architectural feat for its time. The architects incorporated revolutionary innovations such as one of the first air-conditioning systems in Central Europe and a network of underground tunnels linking the kitchens to the reception rooms. During the Second World War, the hotel miraculously survived bombing raids as neighboring buildings collapsed, becoming the headquarters of various factions.
The establishment’s records tell ofAlfred Hitchcock writing his screenplays here,Orson Welles shooting scenes here, and Josephine Baker giving an impromptu concert in the ballroom. The peace treaty that sealed Croatia’s independence in 1991 was negotiated in its hushed salons. Today, the Hotel Esplanade remains the only Croatian hotel where every president of the Republic has stayed, perpetuating its tradition as theepicenter of power and glamour.
Practical information about Hotel Esplanade in Zagreb
Type
The Hôtel Esplanade is a 5-star hotel.
Hotel Esplanade location
The establishment is located at 1 Mihanovićeva, in Zagreb’s Railway Station district.
- 2min walk from the Botanical Gardens
- 2min walk from Glavni kolodvor main station
- 17min walk from Zagreb Cathedral
- 20min walk from the upper town
How to get there
- From Zagreb airport, it’s about a 15-minute drive to the hotel.
- By train, the main Glavni kolodvor station is just 150m away, a 2-minute walk.
- You can also use the streetcars, which stop close to the station.
- It’s an easy 15-minute walk to the city center.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Croatia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
See our tips (coming soon)
Parking
- The hotel has a private parking lot accessible to guests, located in front of the establishment with access via a wide, tarmac road.
- The rate is €30 per day, with spaces adapted for people with reduced mobility.
- Rarer parking spaces are also available in the surrounding streets.
For people with reduced mobility
- The Hôtel Esplanade is equipped with elevators and offers rooms adapted for people with reduced mobility.
- Special equipment is in place to facilitate access and comfort for disabled customers.
- For further information, please contact the hotel directly here.
Is the Hôtel Esplanade family-friendly?
- The Hôtel Esplanade adopts a discreet yet benevolent approach to families. The hotel offers connecting rooms ideal for families wishing to preserve their privacy while remaining close, as well as a babysitting service on request.
- Baby cots and extra beds are available free of charge, and restaurants can adapt their menus to suit the tastes of younger guests.
- However, the establishment remains primarily geared towards adult customers looking for elegance and tranquility – no kids’ club, play areas or dedicated entertainment.
- The “VIP Dog” program is further proof of this personalized welcome philosophy: every customer, whether traveling with children or pets, benefits from a tailor-made service.
- Families are therefore welcome, but those with young children may prefer establishments more explicitly geared to family entertainment.
