Big birthdays call for big celebrations, and in 2025, the legendary Esplanade Hotel in Zagreb will mark its grand 100th anniversary—a full century of timeless elegance, unforgettable stories, and its iconic presence in the very heart of the city’s social and cultural life. Since opening its doors in 1925 to welcome passengers of the legendary Orient Express, the Esplanade has stood as a symbol of Zagreb. It has withstood wars, earthquakes, political upheavals, and a pandemic, remaining unshaken and impeccably elegant through it all.

To mark this extraordinary milestone, General Manager Ivica Max Krizmanić, who has been closely tied to the hotel for over three decades, shared:

“Leading the Esplanade as we celebrate its 100th anniversary is an immense honor and a great responsibility. The Esplanade is a symbol of its era, a space where history, glamour, and human warmth intersect. Over the decades, we’ve created more than just exceptional service—we’ve created a sense of home for every guest, whether they are global celebrities, royalty, or cherished visitors who return year after year. What I’m most proud of is our team—the people who, with passion and dedication, create experiences that exceed expectations. Their professionalism, along with their heartfelt service and hospitality, is the foundation of our success. The Esplanade will continue to be a place where elegance meets warmth, and luxury comes with a smile.”

Built during the golden age of travel and officially opened on April 22, 1925, the Esplanade was designed as the perfect stopover for passengers of the Orient Express, the legendary train connecting Paris, Venice, and Istanbul. This romantic destination captured the spirit of the Belle Époque and quickly became a symbol of luxury, glamour, and significant encounters. A century later, the hotel still exudes this timeless charm—now complemented by modern comfort and inventive services. Whether you’re visiting to experience a taste of a glamorous bygone era or simply to enjoy a relaxing city escape, the Esplanade offers the best of both worlds.

A Pioneer Through the Ages

A hotel that has stood the test of time, the Esplanade has always looked to the future. It proudly boasts many firsts: the first to serve champagne and caviar, to offer mini soaps and chocolate with coffee, and more recently, to introduce digital menus for tech-savvy guests. Yet, despite these innovations, it remains true to its heritage, still offering the kind of timeless elegance that would make Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot feel right at home.

Honoring Tradition While Embracing Innovation

Far from relying solely on its past, the Esplanade continues to introduce fresh ideas and experiences. From opening an ice rink on the iconic Oleander Terrace to hosting the magical Fooling Around Advent Festival, the hotel remains an essential part of Zagreb’s cultural life. This blend of tradition, glamour, and innovation makes it a truly timeless place that’s always a step ahead.

Located in the heart of Zagreb, the Esplanade remains a social hub for the city’s most elegant events. Its Oleander Terrace, with its panoramic city views, helped pioneer the beloved local tradition of outdoor cafés, while the Emerald Ballroom is synonymous with opulence—frequently hosting glamorous fashion shows, lavish celebrations, state banquets, exquisite weddings, and private parties. From humanitarian galas and concerts to the beloved Zagreb Advent, the Esplanade remains at the very center of the city’s social scene.

Refined Luxury in Every Detail

After a major renovation in 2004, the Esplanade masterfully preserved its historic charm, combining Neoclassical and Art Deco elements with modern luxury. From elegant architectural features and plush furnishings to marble bathrooms, every corner of the hotel exudes sophistication. With 208 luxurious rooms and suites designed for ultimate comfort and relaxation, and a boutique health club offering exclusive face and body treatments, guests are truly treated like royalty.

A Century of Stars and Stories

The Esplanade’s legacy sparkles with the presence of iconic stars: Josephine Baker, Orson Welles, Sophia Loren, Tina Turner, Sting, and Depeche Mode have all graced its halls. Royals and world leaders have stayed here too—each leaving behind stories that enrich the hotel’s storied past.

There’s the time a Saudi prince arrived with an entourage so large the hotel had to arrange 40 brand-new bicycles for their city tour, or when Ennio Morricone held a private rehearsal with an orchestra in the Emerald Ballroom, creating a once-in-a-lifetime musical moment. These are just some of the many unforgettable tales woven into the fabric of the Esplanade’s legacy.

A Culinary Icon

Some of the best stories are rooted in the hotel’s culinary heritage. Queen Elizabeth II was so delighted by a Dalmatian seafood dish that she personally gifted the chef a gold coin. Cambodian Prince Norodom Sihanouk was equally impressed, gifting a golden dessert set to the head chef.

Today, that tradition continues under the leadership of celebrated Executive Chef Ana Grgić Tomić, who has led the hotel’s restaurants Zinfandel’s and Le Bistro since 2012. Blending modern Croatian cuisine with international influences, her dishes—crafted from the finest local ingredients with a touch of elegance—have won global acclaim and royal approval. King Charles III, then Prince of Wales, was so impressed by her risotto that he requested the recipe, while President Emmanuel Macron praised both the food and service after the hotel flawlessly executed a four-course state luncheon under strict protocol. Ana’s achievements have been widely recognized, including the honor of preparing meals for dignitaries at the Croatian Presidential Inauguration in February 2025.

From contemporary Croatian cuisine to the iconic Zagorski štrukli—served since 1951 and still considered the best in town—dining at the Esplanade is a true gourmet experience. The hotel’s culinary offering is as diverse as its guests, catering to halal, kosher, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dietary-specific preferences, as well as children’s meals. The Esplanade proudly supports local producers and sustainable practices, creating a gastronomic legacy that’s inspired by the community it serves and the world-class palates it delights.

Service Beyond Expectations

What truly sets the Esplanade apart is its unparalleled service, a perfect blend of elegance, professionalism, and warmth that makes every guest feel like part of the family. From arranging private flights during the socialist era to the time the current general manager Ivica Max Krizmanić lent his tie to a Scandinavian royal guest, no request is ever too big or too small for this dedicated team.

A Living Part of Zagreb’s Soul

The Esplanade is more than a hotel—it’s a living piece of Zagreb’s story. Generations of locals have celebrated life’s milestones here, from anniversaries to fairytale weddings, while visitors have fallen in love with the city through its doors. This is a place where royalty, global stars, and locals meet, whether over a signature cocktail at Esplanade 1925 bar or the best coffee in town on the sun-drenched terrace.

As it turns 100 in 2025, the Esplanade remains a true symbol of Zagreb’s elegance, resilience, and community spirit. From its majestic beginnings to its dynamic present, the hotel continues to prove that some things truly get better with age.

A Yearlong Celebration
To mark its centennial and express gratitude to guests, partners, and the city that embraced it, the Esplanade has planned a series of events throughout the year.

“We’ve already kicked off the celebration symbolically—with a light spectacle projected on the hotel’s façade during the Zagreb Festival of Lights, supported by the City of Zagreb and its Tourist Board. The impressive installation, Circle of Light, transformed the hotel into a magical portal to the golden age of travel and the Esplanade’s early history as a stopover for Orient Express passengers. Thousands of festival visitors were captivated,” said General Manager Krizmanić.

Other planned highlights include:

A luxurious birthday-themed afternoon tea, featuring a selection of new bites inspired by Orient Express destinations, a gala dinner on April 29, in collaboration with the historic Pera Palace Hotel in Istanbul, also built for Orient Express travelers, a digital exhibition where guests and locals can share photos, letters, and memories—some of which will be awarded, special tours of the hotel and city - featuring fascinating tales from the past, a 100th-anniversary exhibition at the Opatija Museum of Tourism, a partnership with the Zagreb Zoo, which is also celebrating its 100th year, and of course, many surprise moments, because, as Krizmanić notes, “The Esplanade always keeps a few unforgettable stories up its sleeve.”