COLOSSAL NEO-ANTIQUE STYLE
LOCATION
If you have ever journeyed to Serbia, chances are you have tried or seen one of the advertisements for the Knjaz Miloš mineral water. While most are familiar with the iconic mineral water brand, few know the town where they discovered the water’s positive health benefits in 1811. Aranđelovac, within spitting distance from Hotel Izvor, holds bragging rights as the home of the most popular Serbian water brand. The brand is the pride and joy of the town and is strategically important as an employment centre. The healing thermal water led to the inception of Bukovička Banja, which fostered the town’s development. The specialised health centre Bukovačka Banja is the heart of the medical offering, while Hotel Izvor represents the local tourism epicentre. The resort was named after the eponymous Bukulja mountain towering above the scenic town. Unsurprisingly, the lush Aranđelovac is considered one of the most charming towns in the Serbian region of Šumadija. Finding a conference centre within the hotel is impossible, as it functions more as a park adjoining the thermal resort. It stretches a surprisingly large 22 hectares. The open-air museum dotted with marble sculptures sets the hotel apart from competitors. Artists have been crafting them ever since 1966. The undiscovered region of Šumadija hides many other compelling stories. If you stay in Belgrade for a few days, we recommend hopping to the green heart of this Balkan country.
ACCESSIBILITY
Aranđelovac is some 75 kilometres away from Belgrade. A ride by car will take you approximately an hour. You can head on the E-75 motorway towards Niš before exiting at Mladenovac and following the signage for Aranđelovac. The ride across the verdant countryside will reward you with stunning views of the Šumadija region, famed for its green, rolling hills and vineyards. Several buses ride to and fro Aranđelovac daily, including established travel and transport companies such as Lasta, Autokodeks and Transprodukt. Air accessibility is exemplary – Belgrade has the most connections to the rest of the world out of all regional airports. Upon arriving at the recently renovated airport, an endless selection of rent-a-car companies awaits. Likewise, companies with organised transfers abound. When you reach the hotel, you will be greeted by a spacious parking garage with electric charging stations.
COLD STARTER - Architecture and aesthetics
The hotel functions as an impromptu eclectic art gallery, replete with artworks curated by Mr. AleksiĆ and his team.
Assuming by the exterior design, the hotel belongs among monolithic hotels or modern interpretations of neo-antique styles. That is reflected in the facade, which combines marble elements (pillars) that go hand in hand with the glass panels. The interior and rotunda atop the spa stem from antique architectural styles. While opinions differ, this style is beloved by Miroljub Aleksić, the owner of the Serbian hotel chain A-hotels. He is renowned as an avid art collector. This hotel holds some of his most treasured artworks. The hotel thus functions as an impromptu eclectic art gallery, replete with artworks curated by Mr. Aleksić and his team. The interior is elegant, dominated by marble elements and an imposing staircase. Hotel Izvor’s neo-antique style is contrasted by the omnipresent gilded decorative details and rustic wood. The bespoke iron balustrades add prestige, particularly the one crowning the central staircase. The hotel stretches over 32,000 square metres. Wherever you find yourself here, you will experience the hotel’s interpretation of luxury that could be labelled as the antithesis of the “less-is-more” approach. A spacious aqua park adjoins the resort, with a slew of slides for thrill-seekers, various pools and attractions that give the complex a different, more playful and family character.
WARM ENTRÉE - The staff and the culinary experience
The staff are undoubtedly worthy of the five-star label. The personnel made good on the promise of Central Serbia as the home of authentic hospitality, barring a few, such as the inexperienced students who need more experience and learning. Otherwise, we cannot praise the hotel enough for the service. One of the stand-out peculiarities about this hotel is the dinner-bed-and-breakfast approach, meaning a dinner at the hotel restaurant is included in the price. We tried the well-stocked buffet dinner that featured several Serbian cold appetisers, classics and an array of international classics. We were impressed by the copious selection of bread and desserts, similar to that during breakfast. That is one reservation we had at breakfast – dinner and breakfast were almost indistinguishable. We thought the morning version was a copycat, missing a few a la carte dishes that usually befit a five-star hotel. The store-bought juices and barely digestible coffee should stay out of such hotels. The management should consider improving the breakfast offering.
MAIN COURSE – The meetings offering at the hotel
Hotel rooms
The deluxe room we stayed in comprised a spacious bedroom abutting a separate living room bedecked with plush blue loungers and a divan. The walls featured unique illumination that looked appealing but bordered on eclectic design. We were more impressed by the well-made wooden flooring and the blue carpet in the living room, both oozing luxury. We hoped for a work desk in the living room, but in vain. The bedroom, with a massive headboard behind the bed, appeared elegant. We were pleasantly surprised by the fantastic quality of the bed and the bed linen. Both rooms have access to a charming balcony that delights smokers and seekers of Instagrammable views alike. We were in awe of the wooden furniture and the bedroom. Conversely, the bathroom seemed out of place, clashing with the rest of the design. The shower was a tad unusual and unexpected. Regardless, the rooms of this hotel are the hotel’s trump card.
Meetings centre
The hotel features six multipurpose rooms: the Crystal Hall, Belgrade Hall, Topola Hall, VIP Room, Bukulja Hall and the Boardroom. The largest one, Crystal Hall, features 680 seats, while the smallest, Bukulja, can accommodate 15 attendees. Crystal Hall can be divided into two or three smaller parts. It is complemented by soundproof rooms for translators and journalists. That renders it the perfect choice for business events and various gala evenings.
DESSERT – The extras
In this hotel, the spa undoubtedly adds value. Ten indoor and outdoor pools, thermal water and a classy sauna centre will satisfy even the most demanding guests. You need not worry about relaxation before or after an event.
FLOP – UNPLEASANT SURPRISES
Turning off the air conditioning was impossible, as was managing the disturbing light of the console for managing the AC. It is difficult to fall asleep with so much light in the room (alongside the TV lights).
TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES
The bowling lanes in the underground offer the perfect activity for incentive groups. During our visit, some event attendees could be seen pumping their fists after scoring strikes.
SUSTAINABLE ENDEAVOURS
We failed to notice any sustainable endeavour, leading us to believe that “green” initiatives are not yet on the agenda of this hotel. Leaving irrelevant sustainability messages does not mean the hotel has done anything relevant in the field. We were further disappointed by the shampoo in old-school miniature plastic bottles. The hotel has plenty of room for improvement, starting with its communication on sustainability.
FINAL IMPRESSION AND CREDIBILITY
Hotel Izvor prides itself on its holistic, additional offering that caters to every type of event organiser, particularly incentive organisers. During our stay, an incentive group occupied the hotel. They seemed entertained and free from any worries. Upon opening, the hotel stood out from the Serbian average, even though it divided opinions because of its architectural style. Yet, the quality of its diverse offering was never up for discussion. After fourteen years, the hotel still upholds a praiseworthy level of service. The hotel has proved that investing in quality materials pays off. Only minor interventions in the rooms have helped it stay in step with time and competitors. Hotel Izvor proves that visually pleasing, functional design can stand the test of time. The design goes hand in hand with usability. Although the price is substantial considering the competitors, we believe it is justified.
FINAL GRADE: 4.89 THREE MEETING STARS⭐⭐⭐ Spa 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
