On April 22, 1925, the Esplanade Hotel in Zagreb was officially opened
Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
A magnificent 100 years of excellence, timeless elegance, impressive history, and art deco glamour
Big birthdays deserve big celebrations, and in 2025, the iconic Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is hitting the big 100. That’s a whole century of dazzling elegance, standout stories and being at the heart of everything Zagreb. Since opening its doors in 1925 to pamper weary travellers from the legendary Orient Express, the Esplanade has been the city’s ultimate symbol. Through wars, earthquakes, political shifts and a global pandemic, this beloved landmark has stood tall—and looking fabulous all along.
Marking this grand anniversary, the hotel’s General Manager, Ivica Max Krizmanić – who has been closely connected to the Esplanade for over three decades – shares: “To be at the helm of the Esplanade Hotel at the moment we celebrate 100 years of its existence is an immense honor, but also a great responsibility. The Esplanade is a symbol of an era – a place where history, glamour, and genuine warmth come together. Over the decades, we have created something beyond exceptional service – we have created a sense of home for every guest, whether they are global stars, royalty, or dear individuals who return to us year after year. What I am especially proud of is our team – the people who, every single day, with passion and dedication, craft experiences that go beyond expectations. Their professionalism, paired with sincere service and heartfelt hospitality, is the foundation of our success. The Esplanade will continue to be a place where elegance meets approachability, and where luxury is always accompanied by a smile.”
Built in the golden age of travel in 1925, the Esplanade was designed as the ultimate rest stop for passengers aboard the Orient Express, the legendary train route linking Paris, Venice and Istanbul. It quickly became a symbol of luxury, glamour—and the occasional scandal—offering a romantic escape that captured the essence of the Belle Époque. Fast-forward 100 years, and while the hotel retains its old-world charm, it now pairs that classic elegance with modern comforts and a forward-thinking vision. Whether you’re here to taste the glamour of a bygone era or simply enjoy a relaxing city break, the Esplanade delivers the best of both worlds.
For a hotel that has stood the test of time, the Esplanade has always had its eye on the future. It has a remarkable list of “firsts” to its name: from being the first to serve champagne and caviar, to introducing mini-soaps and chocolates with coffee, to pioneering iPad menus for a tech-savvy touch. Yet, no matter how innovative its offerings, the hotel remains rooted in its history—offering a window into the kind of timeless elegance that would have made Agatha Christie’s Poirot feel right at home.
Yet, the hotel doesn’t just look to the past; it embraces the present with fresh ideas and approaches. From the opening of Zagreb’s first ice rink in the city centre in 2010, organizing magical Christmas fair at the terrace to ongoing collaborations with local producers, Esplanade continues to contribute to the life of the city with a strong community spirit. This blend of tradition, glamour and innovation is what makes the Esplanade both timeless and ahead of its time.
Located in the heart of Zagreb, the Esplanade remains a social hub for the city’s most glamorous events and weddings, with a dedication to its community that has only grown deeper with time. The beautiful Oleander Terrace, with its sweeping city views, kicked off the trend for outdoor terraces that have since become a staple of Zagreb’s signature café culture. Inside, the Emerald Ballroom has become synonymous with opulence, hosting everything from fashion shows and state banquets to weddings and private events. Whether hosting charity galas, concerts or the beloved Zagreb Advent, the Esplanade remains at the very centre of the city’s social scene.
After a major renovation in 2004, the Esplanade expertly preserved its period charm, blending its exquisite neoclassical and Art Deco features with all the modern comforts you’d expect. From elegant architectural details to plush furnishings and marble bathrooms, every inch of the hotel oozes old-world glamour. With 208 luxurious rooms and suites designed for ultimate relaxation, plus soundproofing, blackout curtains and a fabulous spa, guests are treated to a truly indulgent stay. And as the cherry on top, the hotel offers a bath menu, so you can customize your soak for the perfect unwind.
The Esplanade’s history practically glitters with star power. Trailblazing icons like Josephine Baker, cinematic legends such as Orson Welles, Alfred Hitchcock and Sophia Loren, and pop royalty like Tina Turner, Sting and Depeche Mode, U2 have all graced its halls. Add to that a parade of kings, queens and world leaders, each leaving their mark and adding a colourful chapter to the hotel’s legendary story.
Who could forget the time a Saudi prince arrived at the Esplanade with such a huge entourage that the hotel staff had to find 40 newest bicycles to keep them all moving around Zagreb? Or the memorable occasion when the legendary composer Ennio Morricone rehearsed in the magnificent Emerald Ballroom, offering a soul-stirring escape. These captivating stories are just a few of the many that contribute to the hotel’s colourful legacy—brimming with glamour, celebration, eccentricities and, of course, a dash of intrigue.
And naturally, many of the best stories revolve around food and the hotel’s legendary culinary prowess, which has been a hallmark from day one. The food here is truly worth its weight in gold—Queen Elizabeth II, who was so taken with the hotel’s Dalmatian fish dish that she handed the chef a gold coin on the spot as a token of her appreciation. Cambodian Prince Norodom Sihanouk, another devoted fan, loved his meal so much he rewarded the head chef with an entire gold dessert set.
The Esplanade’s culinary tradition continues to shine, with the brilliant head chef Ana Grgić Tomić at the helm of the hotel’s two award-winning restaurants, Le Bistro and Green Michelin Star Zinfandel’s, since 2012 chef Grgić Tomić has been blending modern Croatian cuisine with global flair, staying true to the hotel’s fine dining legacy while continuing to innovate. Her dishes, crafted with the finest local ingredients and an elegant twist, have earned international acclaim—and even a royal seal of approval. King Charles III loved her risotto so much he requested the recipe, and President Macron enjoyed an unexpectedly leisurely four-course meal during his visit.
From the best of contemporary Croatian cuisine to the iconic Zagreb štrukli—an irresistibly indulgent, oven-baked pastry smothered in cheese and cream, served since 1951 and widely considered the best in town—the food at the Esplanade is more than worth the visit. With options ranging from Halal, Kosher, vegetarian, special diets and kids’ menus, the Esplanade’s culinary offerings are as diverse as its guests. Plus, the hotel proudly champions local producers and sustainability efforts. The Esplanade’s gastronomic legacy is as much about the community it serves as the global palate it satisfies.
But perhaps what truly sets the Esplanade apart is its service. It’s a perfect mix of classy, professional and friendly—making every guest feel like part of the Esplanade family. From arranging private jets for guests during the height of Yugoslavian socialism to the hotel’s director lending his tie to a Scandinavian royal guest, no request is too big or small for the Esplanade’s dedicated staff.
The Esplanade isn’t just a hotel; it’s a living breathing part of Zagreb’s story. It’s where generations of locals have come to celebrate life’s big moments—from anniversaries to special weddings—and where visitors fall in love with the charm of the city. It’s a space where royalty, international A-listers and locals can all rub shoulders, whether they’re enjoying a signature cocktail in one of the swanky bars or sipping their coffee on the terrace. As it celebrates 100 years in 2025, the Esplanade continues to stand as a symbol of Zagreb’s elegance, resilience and community spirit. From its grand beginnings to its vibrant present, the Esplanade proves that some things really do get better with age.
To mark a century of existence and to express gratitude to its guests, partners, and the city that has embraced it, the Esplanade is planning a year-long birthday celebration through a series of activities. “We have already symbolically launched the celebration of our centennial – with a spectacular light show on the hotel’s façade as part of the Festival of Lights Zagreb, supported by the City of Zagreb and the Zagreb Tourist Board. The impressive installation, titled Circle of Light, transformed the hotel’s façade into a magical scene from the past, evoking the golden age of travel and the history of the Esplanade, built for the passengers of the legendary Orient Express. This captivating projection delighted thousands of Festival visitors. The celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Zagreb beauty continues throughout the year with a series of special activities. For example, our lavish Afternoon Tea, dressed in birthday flair, brings a new selection of treats inspired by the stops along the Orient Express. On April 29, we are preparing a gala dinner in collaboration with the historic Pera Palace Hotel from Istanbul, which was also built for passengers of the Orient Express. In addition, we will soon be launching a digital exhibition of Esplanade memories, where guests and citizens of Zagreb will be able to share their photos, letters, and recollections – and the most interesting contributions will be awarded. We are also planning guided tours of the hotel and Zagreb, accompanied by fascinating stories from the past, as well as an exhibition dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Esplanade at the Croatian Museum of Tourism in Opatija. We are preparing a collaboration with the Zagreb ZOO, which is also celebrating its 100th anniversary, and of course, additional surprises – because the Esplanade always keeps a few moments up its sleeve that cannot be announced in advance, but remain unforgettable stories for years to come,” said Ivica Max Krizmanić, General Manager of the Esplanade Hotel.
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IMAGES: (Esplanade Zagreb Hotel Archive):
Esplanade Zagreb Hotel – IMAGES (1)
BROCHURE – 100 YEARS OF HOTEL ESPLANADE
About Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
Opened in 1925, the Esplanade Hotel Zagreb is one of the city’s most famous and elegant buildings. Originally built for passengers of the Orient Express, this iconic hotel combines stylish luxury, genuine hospitality and a tradition of capturing the zeitgeist to reflect the art deco heritage. The hotel was recently renovated adding contemporary touches while retaining some of the classics. The effect was described by a guest as “very old Hollywood glam”. The hotel provides 208 spacious and lavishly furnished rooms and suites, signature restaurants, a health club, bar/lounges, conference facilities and Scented Baths and much more.
Published: Zagreb, 30 April 2025
