Zagreb’s Hotel Esplanade included on prestigious 50 Best Discovery platform

(Photo: Esplanade Zagreb Hotel)

ZAGREB, 21 July 2026 (Croatia Week) – Zagreb’s historic Esplanade Hotel has been selected for inclusion on 50 Best Discovery, the international platform created by The World’s 50 Best showcasing a curated selection of leading hotels, restaurants, bars and wineries from around the world.

The latest expansion of the platform has added more than 650 new locations globally, including more than 130 hotels. 50 Best Discovery now features more than 3,500 selected establishments across more than 800 cities and destinations.

The inclusion of Esplanade Zagreb represents another international recognition for Croatian hospitality and further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of the region’s most distinguished historic luxury hotels.

Unlike many tourism and travel platforms, establishments cannot apply to be included in 50 Best Discovery. Locations are selected through the votes of members of international expert academies comprising more than 3,000 leading figures and specialists from the global restaurant, bar, hotel and wine industries.

The platform is part of the wider 50 Best ecosystem, which includes The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, The World’s 50 Best Bars and The World’s 50 Best Hotels. However, 50 Best Discovery is not a ranking. Instead, it serves as a curated guide to notable destinations and experiences recommended by international experts.

Located in the heart of Zagreb, Esplanade Hotel has been associated with the city’s hospitality scene for more than a century. Built in 1925 for passengers travelling on the Orient Express, the hotel combines its historic heritage with contemporary luxury, established service traditions and a strong gastronomic offering.

(Photo: Esplanade Zagreb Hotel)

Its architecture, interiors, cuisine and service have helped make the hotel a recognised address for international visitors to Zagreb.

“It is a great honour that Esplanade Zagreb has been recognised and included on the 50 Best Discovery platform. This recognition is a confirmation of the dedication of our team, which works every day to preserve a tradition of excellence, authentic hospitality and distinctive service,” said Ivica Max Krizmanić, General Manager of Esplanade Zagreb.

He added that he was particularly pleased that Zagreb and Croatia were being increasingly positioned among desirable international destinations through global platforms of this kind.

(Photo: Esplanade Zagreb Hotel)

50 Best Discovery is aimed at travellers, food and drink enthusiasts and those seeking high-quality experiences. Its recommendations cover hotels, restaurants, bars and wineries, ranging from established international icons to lesser-known places selected for their distinctive qualities.