50 Best Discovery Platform

The iconic Esplanade Zagreb Hotel has been selected for inclusion in the prestigious international 50 Best Discovery platform – a carefully curated collection of outstanding restaurants, bars, hotels and wineries from around the world, created by the organisation behind The World’s 50 Best.

The latest expansion of the platform has introduced more than 650 new venues worldwide, including over 130 hotels, bringing the total collection to more than 3,500 carefully selected establishments across over 800 cities and destinations globally.

The inclusion of the historic Esplanade Zagreb Hotel represents another significant international recognition for Croatian hospitality and further reinforces the hotel’s long-standing reputation as one of the region’s most distinguished historic luxury hotels.

Unlike many travel platforms, hotels cannot apply to be featured on 50 Best Discovery. Every establishment is selected exclusively through the votes of members of The World’s 50 Best voting academies, comprising more than 3,000 leading experts from the global restaurant, bar, hotel and wine communities. Rather than being a ranking, 50 Best Discovery is an expertly curated guide to exceptional destinations and memorable experiences, extending the globally renowned The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, The World’s 50 Best Bars, The World’s 50 Best Hotels and other prestigious 50 Best rankings.

Located in the heart of Zagreb, the Esplanade has been a symbol of elegance, exceptional hospitality and timeless glamour for more than a century. Originally built in 1925 to welcome passengers travelling aboard the legendary Orient Express, the hotel seamlessly combines its rich heritage with contemporary luxury, impeccable service and award-winning gastronomy. Its distinctive architecture, elegant interiors, celebrated culinary offering and unique atmosphere continue to make the Esplanade one of Croatia’s most iconic hospitality landmarks and a preferred address for discerning travellers from around the world.

“It is a great honour for the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel to be recognised and included in the 50 Best Discovery platform. This distinction is a testament to the dedication of our entire team, who are committed every day to preserving our tradition of excellence, authentic hospitality and personalised service. We are particularly delighted that through internationally respected platforms such as 50 Best Discovery, Zagreb and Croatia continue to strengthen their position among the world’s most desirable travel destinations,” said Ivica Max Krizmanić, General Manager of the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel.

Designed for travellers, gastronomes and lovers of exceptional experiences, 50 Best Discovery offers trusted recommendations for outstanding places to stay, dine and enjoy around the world. Through the recommendations of international experts, it showcases remarkable hotels, restaurants, bars and wineries—from globally celebrated icons to hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

More information is available at www.theworlds50best.com/discovery.

In recent years, the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel has received numerous international accolades, including a MICHELIN Key and recognition from leading global hospitality and travel organisations. Its inclusion in 50 Best Discovery further confirms the hotel’s position as one of the leading luxury hospitality destinations in this part of Europe.

“We are immensely proud that the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel has been selected for inclusion in the 50 Best Discovery platform. This international recognition demonstrates that quality, authenticity and outstanding hospitality always find their way onto the global stage. Since opening its doors in 1925, the Esplanade has been far more than a hotel—it has been an institution of hospitality, a gathering place for distinguished travellers, statesmen, artists and visionaries, and one of Zagreb’s enduring symbols. More than a century later, we continue to build on that legacy thanks to the passion and dedication of our employees, who deliver exceptional service to every guest, every day. We are especially honoured that the international hospitality community has recognised the value of what we create and that the Esplanade continues to be regarded as one of the most distinguished hotels not only in Croatia and the region, but also on the international hospitality scene,” added Krizmanić.

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About Esplanade Zagreb Hotel

The Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is Croatia’s most iconic and prestigious luxury hotel, renowned for its timeless elegance, Art Deco glamour and exceptional hospitality. Since opening its doors in 1925 to welcome passengers travelling aboard the legendary Orient Express on its route between Paris and Istanbul, the hotel has remained a symbol of sophistication and one of Zagreb’s most celebrated landmarks.

For more than a century, the Esplanade has set the standard for luxury hospitality, combining rich heritage with impeccable service, contemporary comfort and award-winning gastronomy. Its enduring reputation is built on the dedication and professionalism of its team, whose commitment to excellence has made the hotel one of Croatia’s leading hospitality destinations.

Throughout its remarkable history, the Esplanade has welcomed royalty, heads of state, celebrated artists and distinguished travellers from around the world, including Josephine Baker, Leonid Brezhnev, Charles Lindbergh and many others. Following its meticulous restoration, the hotel has preserved its distinctive Art Deco character while seamlessly embracing modern luxury, further strengthening its position as one of the finest and most acclaimed hotels in Croatia and the wider region.

PRESS RELEASE
Zagreb, 20 July 2026