Something of an urban landmark ever since it first opened in the 1970s under the Intercontinental banner, this cool five-star slab has frequently been the top choice for high-end Zagreb visitors: the Rolling Stones, Sophia Loren and Nick Cave have all graced its halls. In 2016, a huge renovation gave the hotel its contemporary feel and current 349-room, 13 conference-room look. The rooms come equipped with fog-proof mirrors and marble-effect bathrooms. The north-facing units have grand views of the Old Town and Sljeme mountain. The hotel's 'Heavenly Bed' philosophy prioritises a good night's sleep with deluxe mattresses and pillows and high thread counts. The sparkling, jet-set-worthy fitness and beauty centre contains Turkish and Finnish saunas, cutting-edge Nautilus equipment, and massage treatments alongside pedicures, manicures and facials. The 17-metre pool is surrounded by tasteful wooden lounge chairs and black stones, bathed in an ethereal blue light. Newly fashionable, this attractive, Habsburg-era city is just the right size for a long weekend break. It combines a Mediterranean lifestyle – think al fresco cafes and street markets – with a healthy dollop of Eastern European attitude and hedonism at night. Cutting-edge modern art, wonderful boutique shopping and sightseeing opportunities aplenty complete the winning mix, while its gridded layout and concentrated city centre mean it's not overwhelming.
This review is sponsored by the Westin Hotel, Croatia Full of Life and Zagreb Tourist Board.
