Zagreb’s iconic Esplanade turns 100 today – a century of elegance
- by croatiaweek
- in News
(Photos: Arhiva hotela Esplanade)
Today marks a truly special milestone for one of Zagreb’s most iconic landmarks. The legendary Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is celebrating its 100th birthday.
Opened on this day, 22 April 1925, the Esplanade quickly became a symbol of sophistication in the Croatian capital.
Its grand opening was attended by then-Mayor Vjekoslav Heinzel and nearly 200 invited guests – a fitting welcome for what was then one of the most modern and luxurious hotels in the region.
From the very beginning, the Esplanade was ahead of its time.
(Photo by Arhiva hotela Esplanade)
With 200 rooms offering both hot and cold running water, over 100 bathrooms, telephones in each room, stylish suites, elegant lounges, fine dining restaurants, and a grand ballroom adorned with Ionic columns and sculptures, it set a new standard for hospitality in this part of Europe.
The hotel wasn’t just a place to stay – it quickly became a key part of the city’s social fabric.
Famous Croatian writer Miroslav Krleža once said that the Oleander Terrace “is the border between Europe and the Balkans,” highlighting the unique charm and status the hotel held. Locals often said that crossing the threshold of the Esplanade was a moment worth telling future generations about.
(Photo by Arhiva hotela Esplanade)
Over the years, the Esplanade has been home to countless stories and memorable events.
One of its very first guests was a gentleman by the name of Mr Glück – the German word for “luck” – and as fate would have it, the hotel’s journey has indeed been marked by good fortune and international acclaim.
(Photo by Arhiva hotela Esplanade)
Despite some turbulent periods, including temporary closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, after the 2020 Zagreb earthquake, and a major renovation in 2002, the Esplanade has always bounced back stronger.
It has become a favourite among global celebrities, dignitaries, artists, and business leaders.
(Photo by Arhiva hotela Esplanade)
The hotel’s guestbook reads like a who’s who of the 20th and 21st centuries – with stars like Josephine Baker, Charles Lindbergh, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Arthur Miller and Laurence Olivier, among the many who have walked its halls.
(Photo by Arhiva hotela Esplanade)
(Photo by Arhiva hotela Esplanade)
The Esplanade’s reputation as a beacon of fine dining, impeccable service, and timeless elegance has only grown with time.
(Photo: Arhiva Esplanade)
It holds a special place in the hearts of Zagrebians and continues to win awards that confirm its position as a leader in hospitality – not just in Croatia, but across the region.
(Photo by Arhiva hotela Esplanade)
As it turns 100, the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel remains a living piece of the city’s heritage – a hotel that is not just a building, but a story, a legacy, and a symbol of a century of style.
(Photo by Arhiva hotela Esplanade)
(Photo by Arhiva hotela Esplanade)
