Hotel Esplanade in Zagreb: 95 years of elegance and sophistication

by croatiaweek
November 8, 2020
in Entertainment

(Photo: Arhiva hotela Esplanade)

This year, Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in Zagreb, is celebrating its 95th birthday.

The iconic Zagreb hotel opened in a ceremony, which was attended by the then Mayor Heinzel and almost 200 guests, back on April 22, 1925.

Even then, the hotel was luxurious, sophisticated, and equipped with the latest advances in modern technology. Guests had at their disposal two hundred rooms with running hot and cold water, a hundred bathrooms, a telephone in each room, numerous apartments and lounges, restaurants with excellent cuisine, and a luxurious ballroom decorated with Ionic pillars and sculptures.

(Photo: Arhiva hotela Esplanade)

The role of Esplanade Zagreb Hotel in the social life of that time is best evidenced by the common opinion that “exceeding its threshold is an experience worth mentioning to grandchildren”, and a frequent guest of the hotel Miroslav Krleža once concluded that “Oleander Terrace is the border between Europe and the Balkans”. The thesis that the Esplanade is much more than an ordinary hotel – that it is a kind of institution and icon of the city of Zagreb that one should be especially proud of.

(Photo: Arhiva hotela Esplanade)

For generations, they spoke with awe about the elegant and mystical spaces of the hotel. Many interesting events took place here, and the history of the hotel abounds with interesting and intriguing stories. Journalists predicted a bright future for the hotel internationally, and among the first guests was Mr. Glück (Luck in German), who raised hopes that the predictions will come true. And so it was.

(Photo: Arhiva hotela Esplanade)

The hotel has experienced many ups and downs throughout its long and sometimes turbulent history. It has gained the status of the centre of the social and cultural life of Zagreb, as well as a favourite gathering place for business people, celebrities, journalists, and all those who are admirers of exceptional service and luxurious ambiance.

(Photo: Arhiva hotela Esplanade)

The endless list of celebrities includes numerous statesmen, royal families, and stars from the world showbiz scene such as Josephine Baker, Charles Lindbergh, Arthur Miller, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Laurence Olivier, Prince Albert of Monaco, Hillary Clinton, Prince Charles, and many others.

(Photo: Arhiva hotela Esplanade)

Several times in its history, the hotel has closed its doors, most recently due to damage caused by the March 22 earthquake and the coronavirus crisis, and also back in 2002 for a major renovation which lasted two years.

(Photo: Esplanade Zagreb)

(Photo: Arhiva hotela Esplanade)

A number of awards and recognitions are an additional confirmation of the leading position the hotel has in Zagreb and the region. Esplanade was and remains a temple of top gastronomy and a hotel of refined taste, sophistication, outstanding service, and a special, sincere connection with Zagreb, fellow citizens, and every guest.