Zagreb art’otel review: ‘A sleek haven of relaxation and exploration’

Whether strolling through the quaint, cobbled streets or popping into traditional restaurants or lively alfresco bars, there was always something interesting to catch my eye.

Zagreb itself is full of charm and vibrancy, and I’m already planning my next visit to explore more of its hidden gems.

Chic comfort and modern amenities: inside art'otel

Inside art’otel Zagreb is as chic as it gets, blending sleek black and white modern decor with artistic touches that feel both luxurious and welcoming.

The room, which had all the modern conveniences you could hope for, truly made it feel like a retreat from everyday life.

There was something indulgent about being able to open the curtains with a button next to my bed, setting the mood lighting to whatever level suited my mood, and enjoying a fresh espresso from the in-room coffee machine every morning.

Inside art’otel Zagreb is as chic as it gets, blending sleek black and white modern decor with artistic touches (Image: Amy Clarke)

Every detail seemed carefully thought out, from the smart TV that connected seamlessly to Netflix and YouTube, to the in-house system that kept us up-to-date on hotel events, like when breakfast was served or when the rooftop DJ would be on.

One thing I don’t usually get excited about when staying in hotels is breakfast, but art’otel changed that for me.

The breakfast buffet was expansive, offering everything from fresh pastries and cheeses to meats, fruits, and vegetables.

On top of that, there was a hot menu where I discovered crispy eggs (complete with bacon, hollandaise source, and a potato rostie) —my new favourite hangover cure—and French pancakes, waffles, and more, all made to order.

Breakfast at art’otel - 'crispy eggs' and french pancakes (Image: Amy Clarke)

One of the highlights of our stay was, without a doubt, the spa at art’otel.

After busy days of exploring the city, we retreated to the serene atmosphere of the spa, which featured two incredible saunas, a pool with a waterfall feature, and mood lighting that added to the sense of tranquillity.

I didn’t book a massage, but the masseuse was clearly knowledgeable and passionate about his craft.

One of the highlights of our stay was, without a doubt, the spa at art’otel (Image: Amy Clarke)

The range of treatments on offer—everything from facials to full-body massages—was impressive.

I can imagine leaving that place feeling like a completely new person.

Lying back on one of the beautiful lounging beds by the pool, all the worries of my busy London life seemed to melt away.

Discovering Zagreb: a walkable city full of hidden gems and historic sites

The location of art’otel couldn’t have been better - and staff were so personable and brilliant at recommending places to go.

Practically everything in Zagreb was a short walk away, and what wasn’t within walking distance could easily be reached by tram.

We made the most of the hotel’s central location, walking everywhere we could and discovering little secrets along the way—unexpected historic buildings, hidden courtyards, secret tunnels and charming little shops and markets. It’s truly a city made for exploring on foot.

Zagreb is a city with so much to offer, and I loved how walkable it was, especially from our hotel which had the perfect location.

It has tones of cool historic spots, and the must-sees are Zagreb Cathedral and Saint Mark’s Church.

The Cathedral is a stunning Neo-Gothic landmark.

Saint Mark’s Church, with its colourful tiled roof, is a true icon and one of the oldest buildings in the city, dating back to the 13th century.

I loved the Funicular railway—it’s only 66 meters long, making it the shortest in the world and the city’s first public transport from the 1890s and provided stunning views of the city.

There are a variety of things to see and do in Zagreb (Image: Amy Clarke)

There are also plenty of quirky museums we didn’t have chance to check out – but the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum, the Museum of Broken Relationships, or the Chocolate Museum have been put on my list for the next visit.

We visited Tolkien’s Bar, a Lord of the Rings-themed spot that was full of fantastical character and craft beers, and enjoyed alfresco drinks in the many outdoor bars scattered around the city.

The atmosphere was young and energetic, likely due to the student population, and it gave the city a fresh, vibrant feel.

One of the surprises during our stay was stumbling upon a long-jumping competition that had the locals out in full force, cheering on the athletes.

It felt like there was always something happening, whether it was sporting events, music, or outdoor performances. Zagreb’s energy was contagious.

Dining and drinks at art'otel: pan-Asian flavours and rooftop views

When it comes to dining, art’otel doesn’t disappoint, and YEZI, the hotel’s pan-Asian restaurant, was an experience in itself.

The restaurant is a celebration of flavours from across Asia, all served with a modern twist.

Each dish felt like a piece of art, especially with the tableside theatre that accompanied some of the signature dishes, like smoke-filled domes lifting to reveal the treats underneath.

Highlights of the meal included slow cooked beef short ribs and the flavourful teriyaki chicken and the foraged mushrooms and yuzu truffle bao buns – what was even more fun was that they were shaped like mushrooms.

To top it all off, the dragon fruit flight cocktail for two was bold, punchy, and perfect for sharing.

We finished the meal with some exquisite Asian teas, served in beautifully designed glasses.

The whole experience felt like something special, with the right balance of refinement and comfort.

YEZI, the hotel’s pan-Asian restaurant (Image: Amy Clarke)

After the meal, we headed up to the rooftop bar at art'otel Zagreb and it was nothing short of spectacular.

Offering panoramic views of the city skyline, it became our go-to spot for unwinding after a day of exploring.

As the sun set, the bar transformed into a lively yet intimate space, with a resident DJ playing on Fridays and Saturdays, setting the perfect backdrop for a chic evening.

The bartenders were true mixologists, crafting high-end cocktails that were as delicious as they were artfully presented.

the rooftop bar at art'otel Zagreb (Image: Amy Clarke)

If you’re looking for a mix of culture, comfort, and indulgence in one of Croatia’s most lively cities, art’otel Zagreb is the perfect place to stay - I do think that it is one of Europe’s most underrated cities.