Major European and global accolades

European Hotel Awards Art of Hospitality Excellence 2026, Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards and MICHELIN Key reaffirm the international standing of Zagreb’s iconic Esplanade Hotel as its ongoing renovation ushers in a new era, preserving its magnificent heritage and distinctive standards of service.

Esplanade Zagreb Hotel continues to hold a distinguished place on the international hospitality stage. Major European and global accolades received in recent days recognise the qualities that have endeared this iconic hotel to generations of travellers: exceptional service, personal attention and the art of creating unforgettable stays.

At a recent European Hotel Awards ceremony at the Grand Hotel del Mare Resort & Spa in the Italian town of Bordighera, Ivica Max Krizmanić, General Manager of Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, accepted the Art of Hospitality Excellence 2026 award on behalf of the hotel. In the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, Esplanade was named one of the ten best hotels in Central and Southern Europe, as the only Croatian hotel on this regional list. The hotel further reaffirmed its international standing by retaining one MICHELIN Key for 2026. Together, these accolades reflect the trust of guests and the judgement of respected industry experts, recognising Esplanade as a hotel where historic grandeur and contemporary comfort meet consistently high standards of hospitality.

The honours come at a significant moment for Esplanade. The renovation of its rooms and public spaces throughout this year and next opens a new chapter in its history, preserving the distinctive Art Deco elegance and personal approach to every guest that have shaped its identity for more than a century.

“I am proud that Esplanade has once again joined a select group of internationally acclaimed hotels that set high standards of hospitality. These honours are especially meaningful because they come from both our guests and industry professionals. They recognise the quality we have upheld for more than a century, and the greatest credit belongs to our team. At a time when attracting and retaining talented staff is increasingly challenging, their dedication, personal approach and understanding of our guests’ needs are truly invaluable. I am also delighted by our ongoing renovation, which opens a new chapter for Esplanade. While preserving the hotel’s Art Deco elegance, traditions and distinctive charm, we are introducing newly designed rooms and contemporary comfort, alongside the personal attention that remains our hallmark. The renovation of all spaces is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2027. I believe it will bring a renewed lustre to Esplanade’s timeless beauty and give our guests even more reasons to return,” says Ivica Max Krizmanić, General Manager of Esplanade Zagreb Hotel.

European Hotel Awards: honouring the art of hospitality

The Board’s Choice award recognises Esplanade as a hotel whose reputation rests on impressive architecture and historic heritage, as well as consistently outstanding service, personal attention and an ability to keep its legacy vibrant and relevant to new generations of travellers. Esplanade was recognised for the way it brings together architecture, gastronomy and its role in Zagreb’s social life to create an authentic, personalised experience. Its employees are central to this achievement, carrying forward standards nurtured over generations through their professionalism, discretion and understanding of guests’ needs. Further information is available here.

Condé Nast Traveler: among the best, as chosen by travellers

In Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, Esplanade ranked eighth among the ten best hotels in Central and Southern Europe, with a score of 97.13, as the only Croatian hotel on this regional list. It joins renowned properties including Hotel Sacher Salzburg, Rosewood Vienna and Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest. This year’s Readers’ Choice Awards survey collected a total of 798,867 reader votes, reflecting travel experiences around the world. These personal experiences and assessments give the award particular significance. For Esplanade, returning to the list affirms guests’ trust and the quality of an experience that inspires them to return. The hotel list is available here.

MICHELIN Key: recognising an exceptional hotel experience

Esplanade retained one MICHELIN Key in 2026, a distinction awarded by the renowned guide to hotels offering an exceptional stay. MICHELIN inspectors assess architecture and interior design, the quality and consistency of service, the hotel’s personality and character, value for money, and its contribution to the destination and local surroundings. Retaining this distinction recognises the complete Esplanade experience: historic ambience, contemporary comfort and attention to detail that make each stay personal and memorable.

Adding to these international honours, Esplanade was included this summer in 50 Best Discovery, a platform showcasing selected hotels, restaurants, bars and wineries around the world based on the votes of international experts, further affirming its standing as a distinguished destination for hospitality.

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PHOTOGRAPHS (Esplanade Zagreb Hotel archive and European Hotel Awards by Maïtza Mezzadri): Esplanade Hotel accolades 10-2026

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About Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
Opened in 1925 for passengers travelling on the legendary Orient Express between Paris and Istanbul, Esplanade Zagreb Hotel has held a special place in the city’s hospitality, gastronomy and social history for more than a century. Known for its Art Deco interiors, elegant ambience and personalised service, the hotel combines the heritage of a classic European grand hotel with the comfort of a contemporary stay. Zinfandel’s restaurant, the charming Le Bistro, Esplanade 1925 Lounge & Cocktail Bar and the Oleander Terrace are integral to its identity and favourite meeting places for hotel guests and Zagreb residents alike.

About the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme
Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is a member of Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, with a network of approximately 1,000 hotels in 100 countries. The award-winning GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme offers members special benefits, member rates and rewards in the form of D$ (DISCOVERY Dollars), redeemable at participating hotels. Membership also unlocks selected local experiences and offers that can be enjoyed without an overnight stay, subject to the programme’s terms and conditions.
@ghaDISCOVERY #RewardingLifesJourneys

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Media contacts

Sanda Sokol, Director of PR & Marketing
T. +385 1 45 66 036
E. [email protected], [email protected]

Matea Sušac, PR & Marketing Associate
T. +385 1 45 63 888
E. [email protected]

PRESS RELEASE
Zagreb, 9 October 2026