As Novac writes on the 20th of June, 2020, Hotel Kvarner, otherwise the oldest hotel in Croatia and in the northern Adriatic, as well as a symbol of the City of Opatija, is currently undergoing the most extensive renovation in its entire history.
The value of the investment stands at an enormous 23.5 million euros. The hotel was built back in 1884 and was initially known as the Quarnero Hotel. Its design and architectural solutions are an example of sophistication and beauty and it has long been known as a hotel that stands out from the crowd. During the renovation, the hotel building will be reconstructed in accordance with all of the proper conservation guidelines in order for this luxury hotel to regain its former beauty once again.
As the best and most important hotel belonging to Liburnia Riviera Hotels (LRH), Hotel Kvarner will open its doors once again in time for the 2021 season. It will offer its future guests an extraordinary experience thanks to a larger number of apartments and bigger and more comfortable rooms, roof terraces, and a completely new museum space, which will feature items from the rich history of the hotel. During the renovation of Hotel Kvarner, the Zelengaj restaurant, which is also owned by LRH, will be converted into a brand new reception. In addition, the ground floor of the hotel will primarily be home to public spaces, such as a library, restaurants and a la carte restaurants, as well as a pool bar and a bar for cigar lovers.
“We welcome the valuable investment in the renovation of Hotel Kvarner, which will be significant for the entire destination. Raising competitiveness is possible only by constantly increasing the quality of the tourist offer, which includes, among other things, investments in accommodation facilities. In the mandate of our government, investments in tourism amounted to a total of 3.5 billion euros, which, in 2019, when compared to 2016, is an increase of 50 percent,” said Minister of Tourism, Gari Cappelli.
At the same time, Hotel Kvarner’s new indoor pool will have direct access to the beach and the sea, while the existing spa area will be expanded by an additional 800 m2 and will be spread over the site of the former Warmbäder hot tubs. The baths were sadly completely destroyed in a fire back in 1889. The famous Crystal Hall will retain its splendor, but along the way it will be modernised so that it can provide all of the benefits of digitisation for the needs of many future exclusive events.
In addition to the renovation of the building itself, the hotel will be surrounded by greenery and all of the hotel’s facilities will be open not only for hotel guests, but also for all visitors and friends of Opatija who want to enjoy the beauty of Hotel Kvarner and Kvarner bay in general.
“Thanks to its heritage and luxury, Hotel Kvarner will offer its guests an exceptional experience across its entire offer. By separating each of the properties within the group, our offer will increase and specialise, depending on the needs of our guests. Our goal is to make Opatija one of the most desirable destinations, as well as a unique place you want to return to again to gain even more unforgettable memories. We strongly believe in partnering with the community in which we do business; therefore, in the coming decades, we’re going to invest not only in our own property and our employees, but also in the destination and the region itself,” said Mr. Heimo Waldemar Hirn, President of the Management Board of LRH.
Investing in Hotel Kvarner marks the beginning of a long-term investment plan, according to which LRH will renovate all of its valuable real estate from Opatija all the way to Mošćenićka Draga, as well as the camp in Medveja, and raise the categorisation of its hotels and villas to four or five stars. By providing not only luxury accommodation, but also an exceptional holistic experience to all its visitors, LRH is seeking to change the profile of tourists visiting Opatija. The goal is to separate Opatija from the destinations of mass tourism and turn it into a leading European luxury destination – just as it was in the past.
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