Where to Stay in Zagreb, Croatia

The capital of Croatia, Zagreb is an inviting city of moderate size that offers a small selection of hotels in the popular neighborhoods of Donji grad (Downtown) and Gornji Grad (Upper Town). When deciding where to stay in Zagreb, it’s useful to note that the majority of the most important sights are within walking distance of Jelacic Square. These ‘where to stay’ options are near or on Jelacic Square, and they give preference to hotels with modern amenities and services, including free WiFi. Note that private accommodations are a popular form of accommodation throughout Croatia, and these have been considered when compiling this list of where to stay options.

Ilica Street, Zagreb’s main shopping street

5-Star Hotels in Zagreb

Regent Esplanade
There are only a few 5-star hotels in Zagreb, and the Regent Esplanade is the best of the best. From the glamorous façade reminiscent of Prussian palaces to the art deco interior with old-world décor, it offers luxurious accommodations near Zagreb’s central train station and within walking distance of Jelacic Square.

The staff goes above and beyond to help guests get the most out of Zagreb, and unique services and amenities include a luxury bath menu, off-roading facilities, a “Very Important Dog” program, a ballroom, a beauty salon, and jogging services, such as maps of popular jogging routes.

The hotel is also home to two restaurants, a spa and wellness center, and gym. The rooms come with drench showers, marble bathrooms, goose-down and anti-allergic pillows, and free WiFi.

4-Star Hotels in Zagreb

Dubrovnik Hotel
Dubrovnik Hotel is in the middle of everything. Overlooking Jelacic Square, it is a modern hotel inside of a historic building constructed in 1929, and its staff excels at providing professional and accommodating service.

Along with classic decor, each of the 237 rooms and 8 suites comes with air conditioning, free WiFi, a minibar, and safe. A diverse buffet-style breakfast is included in the room price, and hotel amenities include a fitness center, the Italian-inspired Restaurant Piccolo Mondo, an Aperitif bar in the lobby, and the Dubrovnik Café, which is a quintessential Zagreb café popular among locals and visitors alike. A massage service is also offered. Make sure to request a large room, as some are on the smaller side. Further, why not book a room overlooking the square?

Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria
Located mid-way between the train station and Jelacic Square, this hotel offers the reliable service and standards of Best Western hotels for a good value; however, travelers looking for a hotel with fitness and spa facilites should look elsewhere.

Each of the 100 rooms and 2 suites comes with free WiFi, Yves Rocher bathroom amenities, air conditioning, minibar, and TV with several free, English-language channels. Note that some rooms are on the smaller side. Amenities include free parking (subject to availability), and the Ragusa restaurant. A large buffet breakfast is offered for an extra charge.

Hotel President Pantovcak
A bit out of the ordinary, this luxury boutique hotel is hidden in a wooded area in proximity of the Croatian president’s residence, yet it takes roughly 20 minutes to walk to Jelacic Square, with popular shopping streets along much of the way.

Note that it is located on a hill; there’s a public bus stop at the bottom of the hill, and the bus runs within a short distance of the hotel. A design hotel, it combines ultra-modern décor with carefully chosen antique pieces. The seven rooms all feature free WiFi, individualized air conditioning, sitting areas, minibars, and safes, and there is one large apartment also available. Amenities include a patio, a lounge bar with panoramic windows, and a restaurant with intricate woodwork and floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the woods. The staff is especially inviting, and the breakfast is above average.

3-Star Hotels in Zagreb

Hotel Jagerhorn
Completely refurbished in 2011, this hotel, located just around the corner from Jelacic Square, has operated since 1827. The staff has a reputation for going above and beyond in terms of service, and the rooms are modern and well maintained. Each of the 11 rooms and 2 suites comes with individualized air conditioning, free WiFi, hairdryers, and more are available on request. Hotel amenities include free parking and a summer terrace and garden where guests can enjoy their breakfast during warmer months. The buffet breakfast is included in the room price.

Hotel Jarun
Located just outside of the city center, this modern hotel is next to a tramline that provides easy access to the city center. Though short on amenities, it verges on 4-star status quality in terms of the quality of the rooms and services, offering travelers a good value.

Each of the spacious rooms and suites comes with free WiFi, satellite TV, air conditioning, a safe, minibar, and bathrobes. Room price includes parking, access to a large movie library, and breakfast. As an added benefit, Lake Jarun is a short walk away. For light sleepers, request a room in the back of the hotel.

Hotel Central
This basic hotel offers a good location for a good value, and, just a block from the train station, it is ideal for travelers who want to stay near the train station.

Jelacic Square is a 12-minute walk away. Those sensitive to street noise should either request a room off of the street or else look elsewhere for accommodations. Clean and comfortable if a little dated, each of the 76 rooms features free WiFi, individualized air conditioning, satellite TV, hairdryer, bathrobe, and safes. The room price includes a simple buffet breakfast. Amenities include a bar and a small casino.

Budget and Alternative Accommodations in Zagreb

Funk Hostel
Though located a half-hour walk from Jelacic Square, this hostel provides a unique, positive experience for the money-conscious traveler.

Travelers are welcomed with a complimentary shot, and the freebies don’t stop; a hostel bed, which runs between 12 and 20 euros, includes free breakfast, WiFi, lockers, soaps, maps, access to the fully equipped kitchen, and, perhaps most importantly, expert advice from the managers. Tours around Zagreb are offered; there is no lock out time; and the hostel has a lounge, bar, and restaurant.

 Written by Terri Fogarty for EuropeUpClose.com