EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL
LOCATION
Radnička ulica has thoroughly transformed in the past two decades. On the spot where former industrial buildings thrived, a new business centre of Zagreb has emerged. Today, it is represented by business edifices such as the Green Gold building complex. Similarly, the office building in which the Hilton Garden Inn resides is an example of recent investments. The hotel and its twin brother, DoubleTree by Hilton in Zagreb, form the heart of the offer in this part of town. Symbiosis with the expansion of this city area enables the hotel to attract guests and thus fill its congress capacities. The city centre is a short walk away.
ACCESSIBILITY
According to air accessibility, the capital of Croatia is among the most accessible regional cities. Zagreb is one of the regional air travel crossroads, and since the renovation of the airport, it has recorded a stable growth of passengers and several new flight connections. Nonetheless, most guests choose to arrive at the hotel by car. They are greeted by a commendable underground garage that costs 11 EUR per day. From the aspect of public transport, the city is well-managed. Thus, Zagreb can be labelled as an easy-accessible European capital city. You can decide to go on foot to the city centre.
COLD STARTER - Architecture and aesthetics
The architectural design is expected and unspectacular. The three main neomodern columns rise eight floors above the Radnička ulica. The dullness of the grey facade is to an extent rectified by the metal slats. Equally unsurprising is the classic interior that has been encountered countless times in similar hotels. Upon setting foot in the hotel, one can already sense what to expect from the hotel. In essence, that might not be unwanted, considering guests appreciate this. The entire interior style can be labelled as contemporary minimalism, embellished by designer details. Architecture-wise, the restaurant is the stand-out element and features industrial design. Its inviting ambient has also proven to be excellent for organising events.
WARM ENTRÉE - The staff and the culinary experience
During our visit, the hotel was not fully-booked, and the check-in was swift and professional. The staff we interacted with was in line with expectations. Not too much, not too little, seems to be the maxim of the hotel chain. On the upside, the hotel prioritises anti corona restrictions and cleanliness. We have to admit that the tidiness was above standard. Breakfast was solid and included everything a business guest expects of such a hotel. It was executed in line with anti corona restrictions and served by the staff. We did not try out the restaurant’s culinary offer, given the intriguing gastronomical offer in the area that offers everything from fast food to fine dining.
MAIN COURSE – The meetings offering at the hotel
Hotel rooms
The hotel rooms boast minimalistic designs. Shades of white and furniture in bright tones with a few industrial design details (on the closet) are featured elements. Decorative photos of Zagreb’s streets are a welcome feature. The star of the room is an excellent bed that can be hardly found even in hotels of higher categories and ensures a good night’s sleep. Just as good is the bathroom that offers basic cosmetics and an overall functional and welcoming design. Another praiseworthy element is the lighting with Croatian design lights. Although a classic room, it is more than solid and if you stay on the upper floors, views of Zagreb and Sljeme will await you.
Meetings centre
The congress centre is located on the eighth floor and offers spectacular views of Zagreb. Two spacious halls, North and South, can be divided into six smaller conference rooms. The exhibition space and coffee break room are equally impressive. Meeting planners will be thrilled upon seeing the 7-metre high ceiling that ensures airiness. Before the corona crisis, the largest hall could capacitate up to 470 guests. Now, it can accommodate half of that, placing it among the larger congress hotels in Zagreb. An appealing alternative for organising events is the ground-floor restaurant that also serves as a special venue.
DESSERT – The extras
Hilton eases and advocates the sense of safety and cleanliness. It is evident that their guests highly appreciate this. The Hilton Clean Stay standard evokes trust and a sense of anti-corona safety.
FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES
The lift to the congress centre can be a bottleneck when the congress centre is fully-booked. Albeit it works effectively, when 470 participants come at once, congestions can occur.
TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES
The meticulous adherence to anti corona restrictions, including room disinfection and guidelines, is exemplary and a good practice case.
FINAL IMPRESSION AND CREDIBILITY
Hilton Garden Inn is a classic business hotel where you get precisely what you expect of a four-star hotel. Everything is where it is supposed to be, yet the final impression is comme ci, comme ça. If you are looking for such a solution for your event, the hotel will certainly not disappoint you. Ultimately, I like to go for a burger in the nearby fast food joint here and there. The hotel’s quality standard and predictability are convincing. If you wish to find something more exciting, the Hilton chain offers further options in Zagreb; namely, the Canopy by Hilton and Doubletree by Hilton. Story and standard-wise, Hilton Garden Inn Zagreb lives up to all Hilton promises for the subbrand. We can easily forgive the hotel for having a few drawbacks and being slightly dull given the hotel price list.
FINAL GRADE: 4.74 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