Zagreb is Croatia’s capital and one of the best choices for tourists looking for something more than beautiful beaches and amazing water. And if you want to make your stay as pleasant as possible, choosing one of my favorite hotels recommended below solves the main question: “Where to stay in Zagreb?”
I have spent enough time walking these streets to know that where you base yourself changes everything. I also know that the hotel you choose will make or break the experience – and I am sure that the ones recommended below are the absolute best.
Zagreb’s Top Hotels at a Glance
If you are short on time and just want my top recommendations, here is a quick breakdown of the best options across the city:
| Hotel | Best For | More details |
| The Esplanade | Iconic stays, history lovers | Check it out |
| Hotel Central | Best budget choice | Check it out |
| The Westin | Wellness, incredible views | Check it out |
| Art’otel Zagreb | Design lovers, rooftop pool | Check it out |
| Hotel Dubrovnik | Walkability, central action | Check it out |
Zagreb Hotels Map
I highly recommend checking the embedded map below to see exactly where these hotels are located relative to the city center and other potential attractions you care about.
Seeing the layout helps you pick the right spot for your specific travel plans – my recommendations are marked with red pins:
Now let’s get a bit more in-depth and see why each of these hotels made it on my list!
The Esplanade: The Best Historic Choice
The Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is one of the best known in Zagreb for a reason: it has history, culture, class, and style woven into every corner of it. It is actually one of the best hotels in all of Europe, but with a price to match.
Sitting diagonally across from the main train station, it dates back to 1925 and was originally constructed for travelers arriving on the famous Orient Express. It was designed over a century ago for the most glamorous travelers in the world, and it has never lost that energy.
The list of famous guests who have stayed here includes Woody Allen, Richard Nixon, Elizabeth Taylor, Queen Elizabeth II… The hotel has a celebrity wall with photos of the famous guests and walking past that is a little bit surreal in the best possible way.
And all these famous people chose it for a reason: its unmatchable quality. The rooms are huge, with high ceilings, and are loaded with amenities, including marble bathrooms.
The fitness center is excellent, and there is a champagne welcome when you check in. There is also music playing softly in the corridors, which sounds like a small detail but adds a lot to the atmosphere.
As I said, because it is a luxury 5-star hotel, you are going to pay for it. But even so, it is no mystery why business travelers and tourists from all over the world keep coming back.
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Hotel Central: Best Budget Choice
If you want to save your money, Hotel Central is your best bet. It also sits directly across from Zagreb’s main train station, so it has great neighbors (and is in a perfect area).
I love this place for its pure practicality. While it’s not a luxury resort, it offers exactly what a smart budget traveler needs: clean rooms, comfortable beds, and an unbeatable location.
The rooms are on the smaller side, but they are modern and spotless. And that is what matters most when you are paying a fraction of the price of the big properties up the road.
You also get a solid buffet breakfast included in your room rate. I always appreciate a free breakfast: it’s convenient and it saves you another ten to fifteen euros every morning.
One quick tip: the front of the building faces the main road and tram lines. Ask the front desk for a courtyard-facing room to ensure a quiet night of sleep.
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The Westin Zagreb: Spa Luxury and Skyline Views
Now part of the Marriott Bonvoy family, The Westin is one of Zagreb’s largest and most reliable luxury properties.
The hotel has 349 rooms and suites spread across 17 floors, making it one of the tallest buildings in the country. But the mahogany interiors give the rooms a warm, personal feel that a lot of large hotels struggle to achieve.
The real highlight when you check in is the view, especially if you manage to get an upper floor room: it’s a delight to see Zagreb in all spectacular glory, especially at night.
What the Westin is most famous for, beyond the rooms, is its Heavenly Bed. This is their patented bed design, found across all Westin properties worldwide, built specifically to give guests the kind of sleep that makes you forget you are in a hotel. Now that’s something I always appreciate!
Location-wise, you are in Lower Town, adjacent to the Mimara Museum and the Croatian National Theatre. Museums, galleries, restaurants, and the main square are all within easy reach.
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Art’otel Zagreb: Modern Luxury
A more recent addition to Zagreb’s hospitality scene, this hotel opened in late 2023 right in the heart of the city, and it immediately shook up the luxury market.
It stands as the biggest direct competitor to the historic properties, offering a completely different aesthetic – and it’s perfect for those who prefer modern approaches to historic charm.
The property is heavily inspired by original artwork, with bold colors and custom pieces throughout the building. They also have a rooftop pool, which is a rare find in central Zagreb and a massive perk if you are visiting during the warmer months.
If you are someone who appreciates boutique design but wants full 5-star amenities, I highly recommend checking the rates here.
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Hotel Dubrovnik: Great Central Location
Hotel Dubrovnik sits right on Zagreb’s main square, Ban Jelačić, and that location alone puts it in a top category.
Basically, if you choose this one, you walk out the front door and you are already there in the heart of the city. Trams, cafés, the cathedral, and the old town are all within a few minutes on foot.
While the common areas are clean and well-maintained, some guest rooms can feel a little dated, depending on which part of the hotel you are assigned. My honest advice: if you book here, request one of the renovated rooms.
Despite its central location, the hotel has soundproof windows throughout, and most guests report sleeping well despite being essentially on top of one of the busiest squares in the Balkans.
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Where to Stay: Zagreb’s Main Areas
Zagreb is split into two main central areas:
Gornji Grad (Upper Town) is the historic medieval core with cobblestone streets, the famous St. Mark’s Church, and stunning views. I love walking through there, but it is highly preserved and has very few large hotels.
Donji Grad (Lower Town) is the bustling 19th-century center full of parks, museums, wide avenues, and most of the city’s premium accommodation.
Almost every hotel on this list is in Lower Town because it simply makes the most logistical sense for visitors. You get the best of both worlds: easy access to transport and a short walk up to the historic sites.
And if you decide that it is a vacation by the sea that rounds up your travels, check out my recommended All-Inclusive hotels in Croatia.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, the best hotels in Zagreb for an amazing vacation. I am sure you will love them all.
If you have questions, experiences from your own stay at any of these hotels, or if you think I missed something worth adding to this list, leave a comment below and let us all know.