YU-GO NOSTALGY
LOCATION
Kragujevac was once famed as the Detroit of Yugoslavia. The iconic Zastava manufacturer that reached its zenith just before the country dissolved hailed from the city. Behind the once-mighty company, a slew of colossal buildings was left behind, waiting for a new lease of life. One among the Snow Whites in the industrial colossus is Hotel Industrial. It sits within one of the administrative buildings in the heart of the industrial city centre. Nomen est omen is a befitting proverb for this hotel. The surrounding buildings of the former automotive giant incite curiosity and nostalgia. If you have time, visit the Old Gun Foundry museum, part of the Prince’s arsenal. The hotel is a kilometre away from the city centre.
ACCESSIBILITY
The only way to reach Kragujevac is by car. A mere hour from Belgrade will take visitors to the industrial city. Luckily for business guests, Belgrade Airport has excellent connections with the world and is the central air crossroads of Serbia. All sustainable travel enthusiasts can take the train or bus to Kragujevac, both options being well-organised and frequent. Guests arriving by car can expect spacious parking. We suggest opting for the surprisingly affordable taxi service to get around Kragujevac. During our visit, the offer was enriched by a rent-a-car, which you can rent at the reception. The hotel offers charging stations if you recently switched to the electric side.
COLD STARTER - Architecture and aesthetics
The hotel building features a red brick facade, binding it with the complex of the Old Gun Foundry, protected as architectural heritage. The hotel boasts countless industrial details, reminding guests of the famous past. Among them, guests will be astonished by a table set on six-cylinder-engine legs, sketches of patents on the walls, cogwheels, differentials and whatnot. Altogether, the details form an intriguing ambience. Despite the unusual location, the architects successfully transformed the architecture into one of the most convincing hotels in Serbia. It will impress lovers of technical heritage and even luxury lovers, who will appreciate the exclusive spa centre and well-equipped rooms.
WARM ENTRÉE - The staff and the culinary experience
Hotel Industrial’s trump card is its exquisite cuisine. We had not eaten such steaks in a hotel for a long time. The bar is equally well-stocked, and the wine list is above average, including the wines of local winemakers. Thus, it is no surprise that local guests flock to the hotel. In addition, the glassed atrium can serve for larger receptions. The hotel breakfast may be one of the best in Serbia, with little room for improvement. Above all, you will pay a reasonable price for an authentic culinary experience. The restaurant and hotel experience goes hand in hand with the utmost friendly and professional personnel. Even though the information system failed during our departure, the check-out was accompanied by a smile and unmatched professionality. Everything runs smoothly, thus contributing to an excellent final impression.
MAIN COURSE – The meetings offering at the hotel
Hotel rooms
A combination of dark furniture, white walls and elegant wooden flooring with grey carpets oozes the feeling of elegance. The Japanese-inspired sliding walls give the room extra luxury. Rooms with visual elements of the roof on the top floor have a special allure. In addition, the bathroom in elegant grey shades and dark furniture is an inspiring touch. The room appears elegant, spacious and industrial due to projectors that pleasantly illuminate the room.
Meetings centre
A multifunctional hall, capacitating up to 80 attendees, is equipped in the style of the hotel. It offers in-house catering and excellent technical equipment. The meeting hall has become sought after by organisers of receptions and celebrations.
DESSERT – The extras
The spa centre, designed in zen style, includes a large jacuzzi and two saunas. A fitness centre with modern equipment will delight active guests. There is more than enough room, and a visit to the spa beautifully concludes the hotel story.
FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES
Considering the quality of the hotel, charging for an espresso seems unsuitable. Given the restaurant’s quality, they could improve the offer of a la carte breakfast dishes.
TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES
The utmost friendly and professional staff is always there where you expect them. Such service is more of an exception than a rule nowadays.
FINAL IMPRESSION AND CREDIBILITY
The hotel does not have a central location. In fact, it sits amid an industrial wonderland. Hotel Industrial compensates for that drawback by offering unparalleled boutique service. Generally, the feeling in the hotel is pleasant, in the style of a luxury saloon. The icing on the cake is the excellent hotel service and kind staff. An enticing look and splendid content make Hotel Industrial worth paying a visit.
FINAL GRADE: 4.81 GOLD Boutique 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
