DO NOT JUDGE INTERIOR AFTER EXTERIOR!
LOCATION
A better location in the heart of Belgrade for accommodation is hard to find. Courtyard by Marriott Belgrade is a hotel that primarily advocates its superb location next to the National Theatre, across from the National Museum and a shot away from the recently renovated Republic Square. All the city’s landmarks are within walking distance. Thus, the hotel’s location has numerous advantages. Yet, it also has a drawback for guests arriving by car. In that case, parking can turn out to be a challenge. If you visit Belgrade as a tourist, on the other hand, the location is ideal for exploring the city and perfect for sports enthusiasts. Only a kilometre away, await countless opportunities for recreation next to the confluence of the Danube and Sava river.
ACCESSIBILITY
Belgrade is, regardless of current times, easily accessible. It can be said that the city is the air hub of the entire region primarily due to Air Serbia and numerous low-cost airlines. Getting from the airport to the hotel is simple, considering you come to the city outside of rush hours. We can confirm that you will need 20 minutes for the trip. On the other hand, access by train and public transport are more complicated. In this area, Belgrade has a long way to go. Arriving by car can also turn out to be a stressful experience. Therefore, we recommend you decide on an eco-friendly choice and tour the city on foot. To get around town, the best option is the relatively cheap taxi service.
COLD STARTER - Architecture and aesthetics
The architecture of the hotel sent wawes across the Serbian public upon opening. The hotel is set in the heart of town, surrounded by iconic classicist buildings from the 19th century. They are of utmost importance for Serbian history. The modern, black facade and golden cubes of the hotel have been received enthusiastically and appallingly. It seems that there is no in-between the two extremes. In any case, the architects undoubtedly realized their purpose. The ornate facade is a standout eye-catcher. The hotel interior, though, is far more conventional, in classic style and does not stand out in any way. A radical description would be that the hotel’s interior is a bit like hotel fast food. At any given moment, you know precisely what awaits you behind the next doors.
WARM ENTRÉE - The staff and the culinary experience
The hotel’s staff is its strong point. They are attentive, professional and effective. We had not experienced such a swift and uncomplicated check-in in quite some time. It also seems that the management of the hotel is obsessed with cleanliness and tidiness. Despite being six years old, the hotel is in great shape and truly well upheld.
The hotel restaurant is acceptable; however, it faces fierce competition from an endless list of restaurants in Belgrade. The restaurant is sure to amaze you with its Meditteranean offer. What is more, the hotel breakfast can be labelled as above average and very well thought out. The daily offer of front cooking, including the offer of healthy dishes, likewise passed with flying colours.
MAIN COURSE – The meetings offering at the hotel
Hotel rooms
The classic rooms are not exactly spacious and can be dubbed as average. The pastel colours complement the darker shades of the room’s furniture. Although the rooms are suitable, they do not offer any surprises. We did not experience any wow effect as far as the rooms go. Everything is in line with the standards of the hotel chain. The upside of this is that the bed is fantastic, while the lighting and desk are excellent. Equally impressive is the room’s bathroom, while the minibar can be filled by guests themselves in the hotel lobby.
Meetings centre
The hotel offers three smaller conference halls, with the largest one capacitating up to 45 participants. They are adapted to smaller meetings of business guests.
DESSERT – The extras
The hotel is doing a great job with the covid restrictions. Disinfectants and warnings are on every step and contribute to the general feeling of safety in the hotel.
FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES
We had not encountered such a bothersome air-conditioner in some time. Any combination of orders reset the system, which then needed to be set again. Altogether, very bothering and disturbing at night.
TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES
The excellent breakfast deserves extra praise. It is particularly appreciated by business guests, for whom the breakfast is primarily intended.
FINAL IMPRESSION AND CREDIBILITY
The first Marriott hotel in Belgrade did not bring about anything too dramatic apart from the superb location where it is located. Everything is according to expectations and high revs of guests. Although the bold hotel facade promises much, the interior is the exact opposite and can be described as a classic hotel design. Price-wise, the hotel is placed in the upper mid category. Belgrade has an array of choices in this price range. Thus, we can conclude the hotel gives a hot and cold impression. In certain areas, such as staff kindness and professionality, the hotel deserves high praise. In other areas such as tiny details – managing the air-conditioner, the hotel deserves the exact opposite. In any case, to find a more swanky experience, one will have to look into the exclusive brands of the Marriott branch. As soon as they are also available in Belgrade, that is.
FINAL GRADE: 4.59 BRONZE 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