Esplanade

Zagreb, Croatia

Everything about Esplanade in Zagreb whispers old-school glamour. After all, the grande dame, built on the site of an old skating rink in 1925, was a stopover for passengers aboard the Orient Express. Movie stars, politicians, artists and singers have stayed here at one time or another. A century on and, following a sympathetic refurb, the Art Deco aesthetic continues to shine. Behind the fairytale facade, the lobby is a vision of gilt, marble and crystal with golden lifts and a dark-wood concierge desk (where the service is impeccable); sweep up the grand staircase and you’ll be following in the footsteps of Orson Welles, Elizabeth Taylor, Ella Fitzgerald and Maria Callas, not to mention presidents and royalty. With this retro charm comes modern-day comfort – rooms are sumptuous to look at and opulent to stay in, with cloud-soft beds and marble bathrooms with tubs, walk-in showers and heated floors. The white-tableclothed, chandeliered restaurant Zinfandel’s (named after the grape) offers fine dining that’s exquisitely presented and meticulously executed; Le Bistro brings a more contemporary spin to Croatian flavours. A negroni in the Esplanade 1925 bar will transport you straight back to the Roaring Twenties.

Key Information

• Rooms: 208
• Starting Rate: $132
• High Season: June-August
• Dining: Zinfandel's Restaurant
• Drinking: Esplanade 1925 Lounge & Cocktail Bar
• At the Hotel: Health club, beauty salon
• 385 1 4566 600
• Visit Esplanade's Website

Location

Mihanovićeva 1, Zagreb, 10000