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Zagreb's Esplanade Hotel continues to occupy a prominent position on the international hotel scene. New European and global accolades, received over recent days, confirm the quality for which this iconic hotel is recognized among generations of travelers: top-tier service, personal attention and the art of creating an unforgettable stay.
At the European Hotel Awards ceremony held last week at the Grand Hotel del Mare Resort & Spa in the Italian town of Bordighera, the General Manager of the Esplanade Hotel, Ivica Max Krizmanić, was presented with the Art of Hospitality Excellence 2026 award, while in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, the hotel was included among the top ten hotels in Central and Southern Europe, as the only Croatian hotel on this regional list. Its international reputation was further confirmed by retaining the MICHELIN Key designation for 2026. Together, these awards combine guest trust and the evaluation of distinguished experts, highlighting the Esplanade as a hotel where historic splendor and contemporary comfort meet consistently high standards of hospitality.
These accolades arrive at an important moment for the Esplanade, which is opening a new chapter in its history with the renovation of rooms and public areas throughout this and next year, while preserving the recognizable Art Deco elegance and personal approach to guests that have shaped its identity for more than a hundred years.
"I am proud that the Esplanade is once again in the select company of internationally recognized hotels that set high standards of hospitality. A special value of these accolades is that they come from both guests and the industry. They confirm the quality we have been nurturing for over a century, and the greatest credit goes to our team. At a time when attracting and retaining quality employees is an increasing challenge, their dedication, personal approach and understanding of guest needs are truly invaluable. I am also particularly pleased with the ongoing renovation of the hotel, through which we are opening a new chapter for the Esplanade. While preserving the Art Deco elegance, tradition and recognizable charm of the hotel, we are offering guests newly designed rooms and modern comfort, along with the personal attention that remains our trademark. The completion of the renovation of all spaces is planned for the second half of 2027. I believe that the renovation will give a new sparkle to the timeless beauty of the Esplanade and give guests even more reasons to return," highlights Ivica Max Krizmanić, General Manager of the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel.
European Hotel Awards: recognition for the art of hospitality
Recognition in the Board’s Choice category highlights the Esplanade as a hotel whose reputation is based on impressive architecture and historical heritage, as well as on the continuity of top-tier service, personal attention to the guest and the hotel's ability to make its heritage live and relevant for new generations of travelers. The Esplanade has been recognized precisely for the way it connects architecture, gastronomy and its role in the social life of Zagreb with an authentic, personalized experience. A special place in this belongs to the employees who daily convey the standards nurtured through generations with professionalism, discretion and an understanding of guest needs. More information can be found here.
Condé Nast Traveler: among the best according to traveler choice
In the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 by Condé Nast Traveler magazine, the Esplanade took eighth place among the top ten hotels in Central and Southern Europe, with a score of 97.13, as the only Croatian hotel on this regional list. The Esplanade found itself in the company of well-known hotels such as the Hotel Sacher in Salzburg, Rosewood Hotel in Vienna and Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace in Budapest. In this year's Readers’ Choice Awards survey, a total of 798,867 reader votes were collected, rating their travel experiences across the globe. Their personal experiences and ratings lend special value to this recognition. For the Esplanade, re-entering the list is confirmation of guest trust and the quality of experience that makes them want to return. The list of hotels can be found here.
MICHELIN Key: confirmation of a special hotel experience
In 2026, the Esplanade retained one MICHELIN Key, a designation by which the prestigious guide highlights hotels that offer a special stay experience. When evaluating hotels, Michelin inspectors consider architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, personality and character of the hotel, value for money, and contribution to the destination and immediate surroundings. The reconfirmation of this designation recognizes the complete Esplanade experience: a blend of historic ambiance, modern comfort and attention to detail that makes every stay personal and memorable.
Joining these international accolades is the Esplanade's inclusion this summer on the 50 Best Discovery platform, which brings together selected hotels, restaurants, bars and wineries from around the world based on the votes of international experts, further confirming its status as a prominent address in global hospitality.
