UNDER THE SAVA BRIDGE
LOCATION
Well before the Belgrade Waterfront was erected, a slew of entertainment establishments and high-end culinary institutions mushroomed on the right bank of the Sava River. Sava Mala and Beton Hala drew them in like a magnet. Both are some of the oldest city quarters that enjoy a fantastic location. Beton Hala has gained fame after turning from an abandoned warehouse to a culinary mecca. Several beloved bars are lined one next to the other here, just a few minutes from the landmarks in the city centre. This part of Belgrade is home to the city’s newest promenade, and crowds are impossible to overlook in the summer. Hotel Calisi thus has an enviable position, halfway between Beton Hala and Branko’s Bridge. The views of the bridge, illuminated in national Serbian colours, are stunning. You will struggle to find a better hotel location in Belgrade. Location, location, location…
ACCESSIBILITY
Belgrade has established itself as a regional air crossroads over the last decade. In addition, the airport is relatively close to the city centre. The journey from the airport to the hotel is straightforward on paper, as long as you avoid rush hour. Public transport is improving year-on-year in Belgrade. Train connections are on the up, too, yet the traffic infrastructure has not kept pace with the swift development. The sprawling city takes up a vast surface, and taking the omnipresent and affordable taxis is the easiest option to reach the city landmarks. We miss a better cycling network and less traffic in the city centre. That would raise the quality of living substantially. Still, you can come a long way in Belgrade with some patience. If you arrive by car at the hotel, the staff will direct you to an underground parking garage stretching across two floors. This navigation adventure will set you back 15 EUR per day. In any case, we recommend opting for the parking garage to leave all worries at the entrance.
COLD STARTER - Architecture and aesthetics
The refined white facade with Secession details stands out from its surroundings thanks to its elegance and clean lines. The architects decided not to design a building that protrudes above the city skyline. Thus, the hotel seeps into its surroundings. Its monolithic charcoal-hued entrance adds to the elegant look. Inside, the Secession details abound, dominating the exceptional fusion restaurant guests enter through an oval-shaped portal. A restaurant that doubles as a lounge is also a cafe and breakfast room, functioning as the heart of the hotel. It is an inviting space perfect for convening or enjoying the ambience. The cosy loungers pair beautifully with the black-and-white tiles that will undoubtedly catch your eye. All your senses will awake in this hotel, and the pleasant smell will enchant you. Art elements of grand formats in the lobby nicely complement the elegant space. In Hotel Calisi, you will feel at home thanks to select quality materials.
WARM ENTRÉE - The staff and the culinary experience
The staff seems to be a perennial problem for hotels. Most often, there is an acute shortage of personnel in hotels. In this hotel, you may have to wait at the reception longer than you had expected. The hospitable, if shorthanded, staff could do with an additional colleague or two. We must admit, though, that kindness is an omnipresent feature of all staff members. They will make you feel at home in the hotel. The restaurant serving brunches bets on fusion cuisine, trying to compete with fierce competition. Considering the hotel sits amid the city’s culinary epicentre, it will need to up its game. The best grill in town is supposedly just around the corner. Breakfast is adequate. However, the two chefs could focus some energy on communicating with guests. It seems the hotel could improve its gastronomy and use its full potential, as hotel breakfasts in Belgrade face stiff competition from local coffee shops. Belgrade is waking from a culinary slumber, and exceptional form is needed to be among the best.
MAIN COURSE – The meetings offering at the hotel
Hotel rooms
Our evaluation of the room on the highest, fifth floor, is a tad biased. We were impressed by the views from a charming terrace that outweighed the raucous atmosphere. The room itself features an eye-catching pink wallpaper. The compact wooden flooring is praiseworthy, too. The writing desk with Secession ornaments is wide enough for writing or browsing the internet on your computer. The open wardrobe follows the same design. Quality furniture daubed in blue and green pairs nicely with pastel-coloured walls and pink wallpaper. The bathroom is impressive, although the shower is strangely separated in line with the latest design fads. A wet floor after a shower shouldn’t surprise you. Otherwise, the room is spacious, only missing a few spots for dropping a shopping bag or book. Luckily, the superb terrace makes all the difference. The phenomenal views of the Sava promenade are well worth the stay.
Meetings centre
The tiny hotel hall on the mezzanine floor is a charming addition to the offering. Up to 30 attendees will feel excellent in the spacious and well-designed space. Event organisers can also host their events in the restaurant, which is an impressive event venue in its own right.
DESSERT – The extras
Sitting on the boutique terrace adjoining the hotel entrance is a pleasant experience. With great views and even better coffee, the terrace is ideal for coffee breaks during business events in the hotel.
FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES
The hum and rattle of the trams and traffic on Branko’s Bridge is unavoidable. If you want to sleep well, we suggest closing the terrace window all the way. Still, if you are unbothered by the city’s throbbing noise, you may even enjoy being in the thick of it.
TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES
The views from the top floors are unparalleled. When staying at Hotel Calisi, book a room on the 4th floor or higher.
SUSTAINABLE ENDEAVOURS
Hotel Calisi has not come further than “towel management” in its sustainable endeavours. They have a long way to go in terms of sustainability.
FINAL IMPRESSION AND CREDIBILITY
The hotel is a solid representative of the boutique category. For guests seeking a more exclusive stay, Belgrade offers many boutique alternatives. In such a competitive market, every detail matters. In our opinion, the hotel has some improvements to make to become one of the leading boutique hotels in Belgrade.
Nonetheless, the ambience in the hotel is spacious and inviting, crafted with an eye for detail but with occasional irregularities typical of newly-opened hotels. I sincerely hope the management will address the tiny inconsistencies and evolve the hotel into one of Belgrade’s best. Hotel Calisi is one of those hotels event organisers should consider when looking for a spacious and practical boutique hotel for smaller corporate events. Not least, the price performance is excellent. We hope other boutique hotels in Belgrade do not overshadow this detail-oriented boutique gem.
FINAL GRADE: 4.84 THREE MEETING STARS⭐⭐⭐Boutique Meeting Hotel
3 MEETING STARS⭐⭐⭐ final score from 4.81 to 5.00
2 MEETING STARS⭐⭐ final score from 4.61 to 4.80
1 MEETING STAR⭐ final score from 4.41 to 4.60
