Zagreb has never been Croatia’s most popular destination. Located in the country’s mountainous northwestern region, close to the Slovenian border, the Croatian capital is inevitably overlooked by tourists seeking out the sunnier climes of the Adriatic Sea and the Dalmatian Coast (Split and Dubrovnik, anyone?).

But we’re here to tell you that other travelers’ oversights are your gain, as there’s much to see, much to do, and many wonderful places to stay in Zagreb. The Croatian capital has that rare town-like feel to it, despite being the country’s largest city by land area and population. It’s a homey city, where you’ll soon recognize landmarks, distinguish one square from the next, and build a rapport at your local coffee shop or bar. 

Culture vultures will be happy to hear that this is the cultural (as well as the political) capital of Croatia, and you’ll be spoiled for choice when you’re deciding which museum or art gallery to visit next. Why not start at the unusual Museum of Broken Relationships, move on to the Croatian Museum of Naive Art, and end at the Mushroom Museum or the Museum of Illusions?

Start planning your trip to the Croatian capital as we explain where to stay in Zagreb!

Where to stay in Zagreb

Zagreb is a tale of two towns: the Upper Town (Gornji Grad) and the Lower Town (Donji Grad). Both districts have coexisted for centuries, and both “towns” are where you’ll find the best boutique hotels in Zagreb. But they couldn’t be more different places to stay.

The Upper Town is located on a plateau overlooking the Lower Town. This is the medieval heart of the city, dating back to Zagreb’s founding in the 11th century AD. It’s where you’ll find historic sights like the Zagreb Cathedral, as well as historic hotels, cafes, and restaurants. The two distinct districts are said to meet at Ban Jelacic Square, one of the most famous public squares in Zagreb.

The Lower Town was built later. While Zagreb’s elite stayed on the hilltop, the merchants and businesspeople developed the Lower Town into a bustling center of commerce. Here you’ll find a wealth of Austro-Hungarian architecture and many of Zagreb’s oldest hotels, including the famous Esplanade Hotel.

It’s safe to say that the Upper Town and Lower Town are the best places to stay in Zagreb. Both are within walking distance of one another, although if you prefer flat streets to steep hills, it’s best to book a hotel in the Lower Town. Other districts of interest include Kaptol, another historic area just north of the Upper Town, while British Square on the edge of the city has become a popular boutique destination for tourists in recent years. 

Keep reading as we list our top 12 boutique hotels in Zagreb!

The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Zagreb

1. Esplanade Zagreb Hotel

One of the best hotels in Zagreb is the magnificent Esplanade Zagreb Hotel. This five-star Zagreb institution has history, elegance, tradition, opulence, and heritage, and it’s perfectly located in the heart of the city’s Lower Town. 

Esplanade Zagreb Hotel first opened its doors in 1925. Ever since, it’s been the favored choice of politicians, royalty, celebrities, and film stars alike, providing a wonderful combination of updated modern luxury and understated early 20th-century charm. 

The exceptional architecture is designed in a distinct art deco style that you’ll fall head over heels for, while the interior of the hotel is furnished with vintage features and antique furniture. 

The 208 luxury rooms, with their vibrant color schemes (think bright purples and deep blues), will remind you of the roaring 1920s, while the marbled bathrooms, luxury toiletries (all L’Occitane branded), and plush bedding are designed to promote elegant comfort. 

The art deco style continues in the hotel’s bar and restaurant areas, where you can drink and dine like an aristocrat or Hollywood movie star. Your culinary experience is presided over by Head Chef Ana Grgic, a Michelin-trained chef whose resume includes working in many of Europe’s best restaurants. 

At Zinfandel Restaurant, you can enjoy a sublime array of Croatian dishes served with a touch of Grgic’s culinary flair. Le Bistro Esplanade offers classic French cuisine prepared using Croatian ingredients, while the team at Esplanade 1925 Lounge & Cocktail Bar knows how to mix award-winning drinks.

2. Hotel Le Premier

Hotel Le Premier is one of the best hotels in Zagreb. This five-star boutique stay is located in a quiet suburb to the southeast of the Upper Town, but you’re never more than a short walk from Zagreb’s major tourist attractions.

You’ll find Hotel Le Premier within a grand turn-of-the-20th-century apartment complex built in the Austro-Hungarian fashion of the day. There’s a magnificent stone facade, and the building’s topped off with a classic Croatian red roof.

There are just 60 luxury rooms available at Hotel Le Premier, plus one luxurious penthouse apartment on the top floor. You’ll love how the vaulted ceilings create a real sense of space, while the muted tones and light colors are intended to promote calm and well-being after a day’s sightseeing. Tall windows let the light flood inside, while the walk-in showers and heated marble bathrooms add another layer of opulence to the five-star allure.

Underground, you’ll find D Lounge & Cigar Bar in a converted stone cellar beneath the hotel. With wooden floors underfoot and 18-year-old whiskies behind the bar, you’ll feel as if you’re enjoying a tipple in one of Zagreb’s most exclusive lounge bars. 

Above ground, you can reserve a table at the equally exclusive Restaurant Le Premier for dinner. Choose between Adriatic Sea Tuna Tartar and Goose Liver Pate to start and Monkfish Fillet and Veal Cheeks for your main; then let the dedicated team of pastry chefs decide what to serve for dessert!

3. Hotel President

If you prefer your hotels to be located in a quiet, suburban spot outside of the city center, then look no further than Hotel President. 

This four-star boutique hotel is technically in the Upper Town, but given the green garden and tranquil surroundings, you might as well be deep in the Croatian countryside. The hotel is actually just a short walk from British Square, where you’ll once again feel as if you’re in the beating heart of Zagreb!

Luxury rooms at Hotel President all offer soothing views of the grounds through floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors. The unique, modern design allows as much light into the hotel as possible, and you’ll love sipping cocktails in the panoramic lounge bar at the end of the day. When the sun is shining, the bar and restaurant spill out into the garden, where you can eat and drink in the shade of cherry trees.

Each of the rooms has been individually designed, with spacious king-size beds and elegant wooden flooring. No two rooms are the same, and you’ll find each has been decorated with individually selected artwork and antiques (some are several hundred years old!) adorning the walls.

4. Hotel Dubrovnik

One of our favorite boutique hotels in Zagreb is Hotel Dubrovnik, which you’ll find in a supreme position along the capital’s popular Ilica Street. 

In fact, you couldn’t ask for a better location, as Hotel Dubrovnik overlooks Ban Jelacic Square, the city’s most famous public square. This is the crossroads between the Upper Town and Lower Town, and you’ll be surrounded by great restaurants and cafes and within walking distance of Zagreb’s best tourist attractions. 

Like the capital itself, Hotel Dubrovnik is a tale of old and new. This four-star hotel has 214 rooms and eight suites, which are spread out across two distinct wings. The original wing features a historic facade overlooking the square, and you’ll love how it dates back to 1929. The new wing offers a fierce contrast of glass panels and modern architecture that sits starkly next to the art deco style of the old wing. 

Regardless of which wing you choose, you’ll love the level of luxury present in every room at Hotel Dubrovnik. All feature bright drapes and plush, colorful bedding alongside soft carpets and much-needed soundproofing (you’re right by Zagreb’s busiest street, after all!).

Don’t forget to pop into Cafe Dubrovnik for coffee and cake during your stay. The hotel’s famous cafe is one of Zagreb’s oldest institutions, with a history dating back to the 19th century (it’s older than the hotel!). The modern Lobby Bar serves up cocktails, while the American Steak & Grill House offers exactly what its name suggests. 

5. Hotel Capital

The art deco influence is strong in Zagreb. The distinctive style popularized across Europe in the 1920s is particularly strong at Hotel Capital, a four-star boutique hotel that’s found just a few minutes’ walk from Ban Jelacic Square. 

This is a hotel that’s flush with heritage. The art deco facade dates back to 1923, when the building was originally opened as a branch of the Wiener Bank-Verein after being designed by two famous Austrian architects. Many of the architectural features have been preserved, including an underground banking vault that once stored customers’ most valuable items. 

Luxury rooms at Hotel Capital also feature many period features and furnishings, including vaulted ceilings, elegant chandeliers, and antique tables, chairs, and wardrobes. You’ll love the marble basins, tiled floors, and walk-in showers in the bathrooms, while the best rooms also offer small balconies overlooking the city.

The art deco theme continues in Caffe Capital, where you’ll find bright, colorful furnishings designed for lounging. Enjoy the relaxed but lively atmosphere as you order your favorite coffee or try a slice of the cafe’s iconic Sacher Torte or Chocolate Cake. For a true taste of Croatia, reserve a table at Restaurant Capital, where your culinary experience is accompanied by local vintages served exclusively using the Coravin wine system.

Check Prices & Availability on Booking.com

6. Sheraton Zagreb Hotel

The timeless Sheraton Zagreb Hotel has long been a top pick in the Croatian capital. This is one of the best Zagreb hotels, and you’ll find it hard to find any faults with this five-star institution during your stay in the city. 

The Sheraton Zagreb Hotel is located in the Lower Town, where you’ll have convenient access to the city’s central train station. Convenience, though, is just one of the reasons to book a luxury city getaway here. 

Rooms at this historic Zagreb hotel feature marble bathrooms and a king bed as standard, while you’ll love the light tones and decor designed to induce a sense of comfort away from home. All guests have complimentary access to the heated indoor swimming pool and fully equipped gym in the hotel’s excellent spa. 

And you’ll need to relax after sampling the food and drink on offer in the Sheraton Zagreb Hotel’s bars and restaurants. Fontana Restaurant serves up a hearty international breakfast and lunch buffet, while King Tomislav Restaurant provides a formal setting for a gourmet Croatian dining experience. Top it all off with a nightcap at the Piano Bar. 

7. Hotel Jagerhorn

Hotel Jagerhorn has an exalted history dating back to 1827. That makes this unique Zagreb hotel the oldest hotel in the city, and you’ll love how Croatia’s most famous historical characters have all spent the night here. 

You’ll find Hotel Jagerhorn overlooking Ilica Street in the heart of the Upper Town. It’s a befittingly historic location for such an institution, and convenient too. You’re just a short stroll away from Ban Jelacic Square, the city’s main square. Incidentally, the square is named after an army general who supported Croatian independence in the 19th century, and of course, Ban Jelacic once stayed at Hotel Jagerhorn.

In the beautifully appointed terrace and courtyard nestled away in the Upper Town, you’ll find Cafe Jagerhorn. The cafe is as old as the hotel, and it’s a great place to enjoy a coffee or light bite before venturing out into the city.

Hotel Jagerhorn is best described as an intimate affair. There are just 18 select rooms available, each of which is decorated with royal blue colors and beige fabrics reminiscent of the Croatian aristocracy and furnished with antique Croatian Abonos oak and historic cast iron features. But rooms are modern, too, and you’ll appreciate the plush bedding, flat-screen televisions, and luxury toiletries after a day of sightseeing. 

8. The Westin Zagreb

Sleek, modern, and contemporary, The Westin Zagreb is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. You’ll find this five-star hotel in the Lower Town, where it’s conveniently placed for sights and attractions like the Ethnographic Museum, the Mimara Museum, and the Opera House. 

Luxury rooms at The Westin Zagreb offer sweeping views of the capital from tall windows that allow natural light to flood in. You’ll love the comforting features of the “Westin Heavenly Bed” (king-size, of course) alongside the plush ergonomic sofas and spacious work areas. 

You can work out in the hotel’s World Class Health Academy, where you’ll find a fully-equipped gym with the latest high-tech Nautilus One equipment. The 17-meter-long indoor pool is perfect for a post-workout dip, while the Finnish sauna is the perfect place to relax after a day out in Zagreb. The Spa Zone also offers a range of treatments and relaxation rooms for you to enjoy, including a “Sensory Welcome” that offers mood-lifting botanicals and soothing natural teas. 

You’ll love the dining options after a workout session. Start with a cup of freshly brewed coffee and a slice of cake at Rendez Vous Cafe, then move on to the hand-mixed cocktails at Diana Bar. Save room for a gourmet fine dining dinner at Kaptol Restaurant, and finish the day with a classy drink on the Allegro Terrace.

9. Hotel Puntijar

If you love nothing more than a countryside retreat, look no further than Hotel Puntijar. Here you can have the best of both worlds, as you enjoy the sights of Zagreb during the day and then escape to your boutique hotel 15 minutes due north of the city by night. 

This is one of the most unique hotels in Zagreb, and Hotel Puntijar describes itself as part hotel and part museum. The Puntijar family has run a restaurant and hotel here for five generations, and you’ll be staying in a Zagreb institution that dates back to 1838.

The hotel’s bright yellow exterior was rebuilt in recent years, but step inside, and you’ll find over 700 paintings, antiques, sculptures, photographs, and other historical gems that tell the story of the Puntijar family and their beloved Zagreb. 

This four-star hotel has 35 boutique rooms, each of which features little snippets of history in the decor and design. You’ll love the quiet location, but not quite so much as you’ll love the food. 

The Puntijar family is best known for their culinary expertise, and for almost two centuries, they’ve been passing traditional Croatian recipes down through the family. Book a table at Stari Puntijar Restaurant, and you’ll have an exceptional gastronomic experience!

10. DoubleTree by Hilton Zagreb

The DoubleTree by Hilton Zagreb is a modern, five-star hotel with a supreme level of amenities. Few other hotels in the city can match this one for style, and you’re going to love the panoramic views from the top-floor swimming pool. 

The swimming pool is located indoors, and it’s heated, but you can jump in the Finnish Sauna or Turkish bath if you’re still feeling a bit chilly. The panoramic views over Zagreb are perhaps more unique when you’re sweating it out in the sauna (yes, the sauna does have a viewing area!). The luxury rooms offer equally astounding views from the floor-to-ceiling windows, while plush king beds and walk-in rain showers are more than welcome at the end of the day. 

This hotel is located just to the southeast of Zagreb’s central train station. It’s in the heart of the business district, but it’s not just business travelers that the DoubleTree by Hilton is popular with. The area is surrounded by upmarket shops, restaurants, and cafes, and the on-site Oxbo Grill Restaurant & Bar serves up one of the meanest steaks in Zagreb. 

11. Movenpick Zagreb

Movenpick Zagreb offers industrial chic in a unique location in the southern suburbs of the city. This four-star hotel is found in an urban area between Bundek City Park and the Croatian countryside, making this one of the best hotels in Zagreb and a wonderful alternative to the traditional Upper Town and Lower Town hotel choices. 

The hotel features 104 practical, comfortable, yet wonderfully stylish boutique rooms. You’ll love the plush beds, which rather quirkily come complete with an attached “bedroom bench” made from the same soft materials. The wooden flooring adds a touch of class, while the spacious rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, and dedicated work area make the Movenpick Zagreb a favorite among business travelers. 

As this is a Movenpick hotel, you’ll enjoy 60 minutes of free chocolate goodies once a day. You don’t have to venture back into the city for dinner, either, because on-site you’ll love the gourmet Zurich-style Veal and the Movenpick’s signature “Riz Casimir” curry served at Nikola’s Restaurant. 

12. Timeout Heritage Hotel Zagreb

Timeout Heritage Hotel Zagreb is one of the coolest hotels in Zagreb, and you’ll love the packed bar and terrace if you’re looking to make friends when you’re in the city.

This four-star hotel is located in the Upper Town, overlooking the endlessly popular Ilica Street. They offer long-term discounts for digital nomads, while it’s a favorite haunt of backpackers and solo travelers looking for a bit of luxury for a change.

The building itself dates back to 1874, but you’ll find that the colorful rooms offer a practical style of industrial-chic that’s very modern. Heritage rooms also feature period furnishing and antiques, while the best rooms in the hotel have small balconies overlooking Ilica Street. 

The hotel’s Out Garden Restaurant offers a unique dining experience that once again also features industrial chic surroundings. The menu changes daily, with chefs focusing on sustainably sourced, local produce that presents Croatian culinary traditions in all their flavorsome glory. Head upstairs to the Rooftop Terrace for cocktails, late-night DJ sets, and magnificent views over the Upper Town.

That completes our list of the 12 best Zagreb hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Zagreb? Comment below so we can add them to the list!

SHARE THIS ON PINTEREST