HIDDEN GUEST: Hilton Belgrade

According to many of Belgrade’s residents, the real centre of the city is Vračar. The Church of Saint Sava is located at the highest point of the city, which is also its symbolic centre. The most intensive period of development in Vračar took place following World War I and the spirit of those times can still be felt today on the city’s streets. The once elite centre of the city is today a hot spot for new investment. Due to its excellent location, this part of the city was chosen by the investors in the new Hilton Belgrade. It is situated directly above the legendary Slavija Square, where the busy roundabout forms an iconic part of the city.

The location of the hotel in the heart of Belgrade is convenient and access is easy other that at rush hour. Belgrade is a bustling metropolis and, therefore, occasional traffic jams are inevitable. The hotel’s underground car park, which has 281 parking spaces, is a great bonus. There are bus and tram stops literally in front of the entrance to the hotel. All the city’s key sights of interest can easily be reached on foot from the hotel, which is a great advantage. For guests from abroad, aviation access is improving all the time as Belgrade is slowly becoming a Balkan transport hub.

Construction of the hotel began in April 2016 and, based on its appearance, it is an exceptionally high-quality construction. No expense was spared in the choice of materials, the architecture is stylish, sophisticated and timeless, and it looks like a Hilton. The minimalist architectural style in shades of brown feels pleasant and warm, other than the corridors that feel somewhat dark. In keeping with the times and latest trends, the lighting and heating is sophisticated and, according to hotel representatives, saves a large amount of energy. Since they were ‘up against the clock’ to be ready for the opening, a few details are still not entirely polished, especially in service areas, however, we are sure that within a short space of time, everything will be in perfect working order.

Employees have been schooled in accordance with Hilton standards, which, when mixed with Serbian friendliness, results in service that is heartfelt and exceedingly warm. It would be difficult to highlight anyone in particular, since the entire team seems to work exceptionally harmoniously, despite the fact that the hotel has only been open for a few months. This level of service is most appreciated by business guests, which, after all, is the hotel’s main target group.

Rooms are compact and equipped in the traditional Hilton style. Light brown pastel shades prevail, which nicely match the dark brown solid wood furniture. Bedheads are also dark brown with stylish red inserts. The huge panoramic mirror in rooms increases the feeling of spaciousness. Bathrooms, as befits a Hilton hotel, are excellent and equipped with superior Verbena toiletries. The high-quality beds and bedding are especially worthy of praise as well as the complex, though easy to use, lighting. The black and white photographs on the walls are a nice detail which round-off the positive room experience.

The essence of the hotel is its excellent congress centre, which was built with congress guests in mind. It features high ceilings, which make it suitable for more demanding productions, natural daylight and a wonderful garden that is ideal for coffee breaks or receptions.

The wonderful Garden Oasis next to the congress centre is added value, and is the envy of many of the city’s competitors. It is a suitable area for coffee breaks as well as more innovative events, though, of course, only in fine weather.

There were just a couple of things that we found somewhat annoying. The first is the charge for high-speed internet (normal is free). The system is set up in such a way that, whether you want to or not, you end up registering for payable internet, which these days is unacceptable. The other problem is the smart climate control system, which is almost impossible to ‘smartly’ regulate.

The congress centre is exceptionally spacious. Its high ceilings are impressive and, even more so, the exterior terrace, which in warmer months enables inspirational coffee breaks. The ballroom, when set up in a classroom layout, has a capacity for 526 guests, whilst the lobby area, ideal for exhibitions, is also very spacious (244m2). The functional design enables the centre to be hired on an exclusive basis and it is also well-designed in terms of security.

The Hilton Belgrade is a true ‘pure-blooded’ Hilton with a pedigree, which brings a fresh aspect to the Belgrade hotel scene, and particularly its congress scene. Its architectural and functional design has been implemented precisely and with a sense for detail. The result is a superior congress hotel which has just a few flaws that are the consequence of the hotel’s business policies and the fact that it has only just opened. A swimming pool would be a welcome addition, as would a more luxurious spa, however, this is a business hotel and therefore it is right that more space has been allocated to congress halls.

The Hilton Belgrade is a real Hilton and, for those who see added value in hotel chains, this Belgrade hotel will meet all expectations and even exceed them in terms of congress facilities and the friendliness of its employees.