Winter weekends in Zagreb require a bit more than warm clothes – and choosing where you’ll stay for a holiday requires you to think a bit harder about the perfect escape when those 0-degree temperatures come out to play.
Fortunately, the Canopy by Hilton Zagreb offers all that and more, and I don’t remember the last time I had such an enjoyable stay in the capital city.
Canopy opened in late 2018 and is located just steps away from Zagreb’s central rail station and the Branimir Centar shopping. Boasting 151 rooms and eight spacious suites, Canopy’s interiors mix today’s trends with Croatian culture. The neighborhood’s industrial history is highlighted in its textiles and artwork, enhanced by retro Nikola Tesla paintings and standout images of Croatia’s most recognized brands.
And while the decor and overall city buzz through its walls are enough to bring me back, there are a few things that stole the show on my December trip to Zagreb.
Service
I arrived at Canopy by Hilton on a chilled Zagreb evening, quickly shocking my Split bones. While I knew I didn’t have much time to spend in my hotel room after checking in, I knew I wanted to snag whatever bit of comfort I could before braving the crisp air on the way to my next event. The check-in process could not have been more seamless, and the Kraš chocolate gift hit my sweet tooth just right while paying homage to the building’s past and the industry that once flourished within its walls.
I also have to point out that Croatian-made products for purchase are displayed behind the check-in counter, showcasing some of Croatia’s best designers!
Eco-friendly
One of the things I was most excited to learn at check-in was that the 4th floor hosted the hotel’s refillable water station, which certainly fed my obsessive water-drinking habit. It didn’t help that my hotel room happened to be right around the corner. Better yet, the hotel doesn’t expect you to keep your refillable water bottle from home handy – they provide a glass bottle in your room to refill at your convenience.
And should you need ice? They have it, too!
Breakfast
I don’t know a single person who wouldn’t be excited about a buffet breakfast, but in a country that is still learning its way around this morning meal, I also know not to expect too much. Canopy’s buffet breakfast, however, pulled out all of the stops.
From wellness shots to freshly-blended smoothies, a selection of cold cuts and cheeses and fruit plates to eggs served scrambled and sunny-side up, sausages, sauteed veggies, stellar štrukli, and bread offer for everyone’s palate – this breakfast spread transported me to the hotels I was used to visiting in America.
Coffee pots were placed on every table, and should you prefer a latte instead? The attentive staff made sure your favorite hot drink was never far away. I could hardly wait to wake up in the morning!
Safety reminders
Canopy by Hilton is taking the pandemic seriously, which is seen thanks to various reminders around the hotel.
Canopy also boasts the Safe Stay in Croatia label, confirming it adheres to the prescribed epidemiological measures.
Location
And if you are going to Zagreb for Advent this year, the one location you won’t want to miss is Fuliranje, located on the Esplanade hotel terrace. Just a 5-minute walk from the Canopy Hilton, Zagreb’s best Advent location is within perfect reach, making those hazy mulled-wine walks home at night a breeze.
Marko Lukunic/PIXSELL
Canopy Hilton has also become a hotbed for remote workers, with its cafe bar transforming into Zagreb’s hippest coworking space no matter the time of day. They also hosted the 2021 Digital Nomad Week!
A fantastic new addition to the capital, I’m not sure I’ll be able to stay anywhere else.
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