Скачать или смотреть Esplanade Hotel Room 416 - Zagreb, Croatia

According to their site, “Opened in 1925 as a refuge for passengers from the Orient Express, the über-stylish Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is an architectural gem. Located within easy reach of key attractions, the city’s most iconic hotel combines art deco glamour with every contemporary convenience. Long-established as a haven for A-List movie stars, politicians, singers and artists, the hotel’s fairytale exterior and gracious guest accommodation make it easily the most prestigious hotel in Zagreb.”

When WWII was upon the world and until 1945, the hotel became the headquarters of Gestapo and Wehrmacht. It would go on to take the hotel nearly 20 years to recover from that time period, serving as a public kitchen until the early 1960s. In 1964, it would all change - they joined the Inter-continental hotel chain and the celebrities came flocking again.

Then, nearly 30 years later in 1991, Croatia proclaimed independence and the war started. The hotel became headquarters for journalists and also accommodated its first group of refugees from Vukovar. Most of the 70 refugees left within several weeks however, one stayed behind a a nurse who is still living at the hotel to this day! Still, the hotel suffered with lack of reservations during this time period. It would take about three years to renovate it (again) to attract people to it.

Today, the “who’s who” grace the lobby bar, its restaurants, and its rooms once again.

OUR EXPERIENCE: We stayed in the Deluxe Suite, which was about $750 for three nights. It was well-worth if for us, since we work evenings. The bed was heavenly!

The Spa

We also took advantage of the spa - try the magic honey and the ginger therapy ones. Both were so relaxing for us!

Dining

While Zinfandel’s was closed for renovations, Le Bistro and Esplanade 1925 were both open. As we learned the hard way, Le Bistro needs reservations in advance however, the lounge and cocktail bar does not and it has a wonderful food and drink menu! We highly recommend the gluten-free Štruklji, which is the Croatian name for “white lasagna”, and is the chef’s signature dish. It is unbelievably amazing. We also recommend the tea service and cocktails.