On a recent visit to Zagreb, I found what I’d been looking for: a European city that has a walkable historic center with interesting architecture, plus all the benefits of city life…without the crowds.
The capital of Croatia, Zagreb, is the country’s largest city. Unlike many European capitals that are overrun with tourists, Zagreb is full of stylish locals going about their daily lives. Getting around is easy, as everything is so close that you can walk or take the city tram.
For travelers who want to stay in a luxury hotel, art’otel Zagreb is the best location in the city…a stone’s throw from Ban Jelačić, the main square. Museums, parks, and dozens of chic restaurants and cafes are within a five to ten-minute walk.
Two paintings by Signature Artist Boris Bućan are featured in the lobby.
Why art’otel? As you might expect, every aspect of the hotel is creatively inspired. art’otel Zagreb opened in 2021 as one of the newest hotels in the Radisson Hotel collection. Each art’otel features a signature artist. In Zagreb, the late Boris Bućan’s work is showcased throughout the hotel.
The light and art-filled hotel lobby is the perfect place to admire Bućan’s work. There was always fresh water, sparkling wine, and fruit, so after spending hours walking around the city, I’d often relax there with a glass of water and a coffee table book.
Art’otel Zagreb takes a dedicated approach to environmental responsibility with a Green Key certification by the European Union. Throughout the hotel rooms have tempered glass windows, smart temperature control is built in, and if you leave the light on, it will shut itself off after a set period of time. You will not find any plastic water or drink bottles in the hotel. At the welcome station in the lobby, nothing is disposable except your orange peel.
Rooms at Art’otel Zagreb
The hotel has 110 guest rooms and suites, with five spacious and luxurious room designs. Rooms and suites can accommodate anywhere from one or two guests up to four. All have king beds, or the bed can be separated into twin beds.
Art Room with king bed
My Art Room had a street view, which in the historic heart of Zagreb means you look out upon some really cool architecture. Ebony-colored furniture and a dark floor gave the room a cosmopolitan feel that carried over into the bathroom with a walk-in shower and Kevin Murphy hair and body products. Other amenities include a work desk and ergonomic chair, an Illy espresso maker, a kettle, a 55-inch flat screen smart TV, a mini-fridge, bottled water, a bathrobe and slippers, fast wifi, a laptop safe, and complimentary access to the gym and swimming pool.
But, wait, there’s more. Perhaps the best amenity is the effortlessly hip rooftop bar with a DJ Thursday through Saturday, weather allowing. The bar is so popular with locals that if you plan to go on the weekend, you need to arrive early to get ahead of the queue. If you’re lucky, you’ll also get a photo-worthy sunset.
Dining at Art’otel Zagreb
Yezi is the hotel’s on-site restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The dining room dedicates a wall to objects d’art showcased against a neutral gray wall. The overall vibe is understated but elegant. There’s also a full bar adjoining the dining room.
Breakfast includes a buffet with fruits, veggies, freshly baked breads, yoghurt, juices, charcuterie and cheeses, pies and cakes, cereals, and smoothies, or you can order from the menu. Try the eggs Benedict with crispy pancetta.
Rainbow rolls at Yezi, a pan-Asian dining experience.
During dinner hours, the menu is pan-Asian, with the vibe a blend of Asian teahouse and European patisserie. Yezi’s menu includes an extensive selection of dim sum, as well as an array of pan-Asian dishes. I highly recommend the rainbow seafood dumplings and crispy prawns. Served on matte black stoneware, every dish was a work of art and tasted as delicious as it looked.
The art’otel Zagreb is popular with business travelers, but I also noticed families and couples. As a solo traveler, I was very comfortable there. The front of the house staff was helpful and always available with suggestions, directions, and a friendly welcome.
Valet parking is 30 euros per day. Radisson Rewards members can receive a 10% discount. Download the Radisson app to get more points. In my opinion, the breakfast included rate is worth it.
You can book directly with the hotel here.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
