A different kind of Hilton with a local signature
LOCATION
The creators of the new youth brand of Hilton have chosen Zagreb as the location for their first hotel in Europe. The closest Canopy is located in Reykjavik. The hotel is located in the Branimir Centre, where previously the Arcotel hotel stood. It is located in the vicinity of the train station and close to the city’s landmarks. The Canopy brand is positioned directly behind luxurious brands such as the Waldorf Astoria and Conrad and is a major gain for Zagreb, which desperately needed a lifestyle hotel. This is the reason behind the high hotel occupancy.
ACCESSIBILITY
Zagreb is one of the regional airports that has been registering constant growth and the acquisition of new routes after the airport’s renovation. In terms of public transport, the city is well-organised and can be evaluated as an easily accessible European capital. The hotel also assures an underground garage for guests arriving by car, which is located near to the hotel. We recommend taking the lovely Canopy bicycle and going for a ride through the city.
COLD APPETIZER - Architecture and Aesthetics
The exterior architecture is no surprise and can be put into the category of modern functional buildings. Because of this, the interior is a great surprise. The interior was made by the Franić Sekoranja studio, which has previously designed several eclectic restaurants. The new hotel is reminiscent of the golden years of industrialisation in the 50s and 60s. The walls are lined with old posters, bringing a feeling of nostalgia. Altogether it is more reminiscent of a museum than a hotel, as the Union and Kraš chocolate factories once operated in the same place. The motifs from industrial heritage are intertwined through the public spaces and create an inspiring ambience.
WARM APPETIZER - Staff and catering
The casual uniforms of the reception staff are an essential part of the experience. The staff are laidback and tattoos and piercings are a common sight. The cool atmosphere doesn’t shout inaccessibility. On the contrary, the staff are extremely kind and professional. They are indeed true Canopy enthusiasts.
The hotel’s young chef swears on local cuisine and ingredients and is doing a great job at this, as we found out at breakfast. The seasonal menu also attracts local guests to the hotel restaurant. The guests are impressed by the re-interpretation of local Zagreb dishes. There is room for everyone, and the restaurant is the best place to enjoy the local food or make new acquaintances.
MAIN DISH - Conference hotel service
Hotel rooms
The hotel rooms follow the philosophy of hotel design. The colour tones are pastel and soothing. The speciality of the room is the retro furniture. The rugs with the symbols are very interesting. Local is truly an important part of the hotel’s philosophy. On top of that, the bed and bed linen are exceptional, as a Hilton bed should be. We can also compliment the Nespresso® machine.
Meetings centre
ON the first floor, two conference halls can be either separated or joined together. They were named after the famous inventors Tesla and Penkala. They are also suitable for hosting smaller business events. The intention was to make the guests feel as if they were in a living room. Another virtue is the nicely arranged coffee-break area, equipped with a smaller kitchen.
DESSERT – The extras
Each floor has a water filter, where you can fill the bottles that await every guest in their room. It is a good and ecological solution and a hit among guests.
FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES
The classic meeting guests expecting room service will have to find another solution. We don’t necessarily take this as a bad thing.
TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES
Instead of hotel slippers, you can put on hotel socks that give the feeling of being at home.
OVERALL IMPRESSION AND CREDIBILITY
The recognisable signature of the Croatian designers is part of the hotel experience and differs from the majority of Zagreb’s competitors. The best part about it is that it was created for the needs of meeting and business guests. These guests are the focus group of the hotel. We can confirm that the general atmosphere in the hotel is great, while the inconsistency of the staff will hopefully improve in the future.
FINAL GRADE: 4.70 SILVER CITY MEETING HOTEL
GOLD final score from 4.81 to 5.00
SILVER final score from 4.61 to 4.80
BRONZE final score from 4.41 to 4.60
