May 19, 20203 min read

Esplanade Zagreb Hotel: our best hotel experience in Croatia

Updated: Jun 25, 2022

So the next stop on our European tour, we come to visit a very special place… The famous Luxury Hotel -- Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, in Croatia.

Zagreb is the Capital of Croatia with over 900 years of history. It is a picturesque maze of streets, Austro-Hungarian architecture, and many museums and galleries. There are plenty of places to eat, with many cafes and restaurants throughout the city. There is plenty to explore in this East European city which is quite unique on our journey.

Location - 9/10

We chose to stay in the Esplanade Luxury Hotel due it’s convenience and renowned reputation. The Esplanade is one of the most famous and elegant buildings in the whole of Zagreb. It was originally a stopping off point for the travellers for the Orient Express and so during it’s long and interesting history it has been home to many famous visitors. Renowned for its highly personalised and professional service, it is easily the most luxurious and elegant hotel in the region. It is beautifully and conveniently located near the Zagreb railway station which means it is easy to reach, with an impressive fountain and courtyard display, surrounded by a verdant horseshoe of parks and gardens. Being very central to Zagreb, Esplanade Zagreb is very accessible to all the main attractions of the city.

Some of the famous names that have stayed here include, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo; Orlando Bloom, Elizabeth Taylor, Woody Allen, Tina Turner, Orson Welles, Louis Armstrong, Laurance Olivier, Pierce Brosnan (and also world leaders; Queen Elizabeth II, King of Spain, Alfonso XIII, Prince of Napal and former King of Egypt, Abbas Hilmi, Richard Nixon,and many more!). So we have now entered the list alongside these famous people lol!

As we approached the hotel we could see that outside of the building is imposing and impressive (it looks a little like the White House). Well-lit from a distance it can be seen from afar overlooking the oleander trees and fountain.

After being greeted at the large lobby and made to feel welcome by the friendly and polite staff, we were taken to our suite.

Every room and suite in the Esplanade has been designed in an art Noveau style and offers ultimate comfort, sophistication, and the attention to detail is marvellous. Impressive furniture and fittings adorn each room.

The suite we had was enormous and wonderfully decorated in warm colours, hints of gold, and delicate textiles and furnishings. The bed was large, comfortable, and had goose down pillows and duvets. A beautiful bathroom, with marble effect, walk in shower with rainfall showerhead, the spa like experience was enhanced by the provision of L’Occitane cosmetics. It was a dream come true! The room was simply a magical place to stay.

After a long hard journey, we decided we needed to have something to eat….

Food - 8/10

Zinfandel’s is an elegant dining space with overlooking chandeliers beautifully laid out tables, and a wonderful view over the hotel’s Oleander Terrace. This restaurant was the meeting place for many of the elite in Zagreb society over the generations and the restaurant has kept this feel.

In Zinfandel’s you can find an array of culinary delights made from local Croatian produce, and a fantastic selection of delicious wines. The restaurant is a specialist in providing fine cuisine, innovative menus, excellently sourced ingredients, and perfect service. The gourmet food was simply divine. (see separate gastronomy blog)

Amenities - 8/10

Located near the entrance of Zinfandel’s there is also the Lounge and Cocktail Bar which is set in an intimate setting for relaxed conversation, whether that be a nice glass of wine, cocktail or coffee. The interior design has been kept with the traditional Orient Express in mind and so you feel like you’ve travelled back in time a little.

The Esplanade has it’s own Health Club which provides an oasis of clam and areas for relaxation. There is plenty to chose from; basic massages, personal coaching sessions, sports massage, Mediterranean massage, and bamboo massages…along with aromatherapy, ginger therapy, hydrating treatments, anti wrinkle treatments, manicures, and use of the gym and sauna. The gym and sauna is an intimate and elegantly furnished space which promotes a relaxing and calm atmosphere which is free to guests.

Service - 8/10

All the staff were very attentive and very professional albeit there was missing. I think it was the warmth and the extra mile that i wanted to see.

Best Hotel Experience verdict: 8/10

Overall I would give Esplanade an 8. The location, the feel of luxury and the design of the hotel brought it to a different level.

Would I recommend to family and friends?

Yes, definitely.

Would I go back?

Yes, I think Esplanade is the #BestHotelExperience in Zagreb, Croatia.