“Stara dama Esplanada”
Renovation: The Regent Hotel Esplanade *****
The comprehensive yet careful modernization of the luxury hotel preserved its historical splendor while aligning it with the zeitgeist. After being rebuilt in record time, the building celebrated its reopening – as an elegant refuge and as part of the living history of Zagreb.
Sensitive remodeling of a cultural icon
Possibly the most charming hotel in Zagreb was built between 1923 and 1925 as an exclusive stop-off for the passengers of the legendary “Orient Express.” In 2002, we were commissioned to comprehensively renovate the prestigious piece of the nation’s heritage in the heart of the capital. The express wish: to restore the “Stara dama Esplanada” (the venerable lady of the Esplanada), as the luxury hotel in Zagreb is fondly known, to its position as the “number one address on the square.” We began the challenging project with the approach of accompanying the building into a new époque while retaining all its unique historical charm.
We were well aware that remodeling the hotel would not be an easy task. The richly historical existing fabric, its listed status, and the culturally informed people of Zagreb were amongst the factors that we had to take account of.
Dario Travaš, ATP Partner and Managing Director in Zagreb
Stylish symbiosis of old and new
Our concept respects the art deco character of the historic building while incorporating the latest standards for comfort and service offering, in order to meet the strictest demands. Particular attention was paid to the authentic recreation of the facade and the “ballroom.” At the same time, the new interiors built a bridge between the past and the present. Working closely with the well-known London-based interior designer Maria Vafiadis (MKV Design) we were able to successfully complete the challenging project in just 15 months. During the renovation, a total of 209 rooms and suites – including the 280 m² Presidential Suite –, an elegant lobby, seven function rooms, a bar, a restaurant, a bistro, two kitchens, and numerous other areas were fully modernized. The result: a five-star establishment that has fully rediscovered not only its historical splendor but also its position in the cultural life of Zagreb.
