HIDDEN GUEST: Stellar Boutique Modules

Stellar Boutique Modules is located in the very heart of Zagreb, on the edge of Vlaška ulica, steps away from the central Ban Jelačić Square. The location is doubtless one of Zagreb’s most strategic and sought-after. Guests can stroll to the main landmarks, venture into boutique stores, visit galleries, dine in lavish restaurants and feel the throb of Zagreb’s urban lifestyle. Steallar Boutique Modules is located in a thoroughly renovated building that formerly housed the Jadran Hotel. Following a comprehensive renovation, the old hotel was bedecked with modern designer elements. The architects of Studio UP worked hand in hand with multimedia artist Silvio Vujičić to pay homage to the historical identity, while imbuing the new hotel with a refined, minimalist aesthetic that gives the space character and fresh energy. The stunning location ensures effortless accessibility – guests can experience the true urban Zagreb all on foot, from the morning coffee to evening saunterings around the city. The hotel could easily be the starting point of a tour around Zagreb’s city centre. The unique combination of the centre of Zagreb, excellent connectivity and a dynamic urban environment makes Stellar Boutique modules one of the most fashionable hotels in the town.

Zagreb’s public transport has undergone a significant evolution in recent years – it is manageable, reliable and user-friendly.

Stellar Boutique Modules hotel is tucked away about 450 metres away from the Ban Jelačić Square, making it part of the city centre’s pedestrian zone. Active guests wanting to explore the town on foot or by bicycle will find the location ideal. Conversely, guests arriving by car will find access cumbersome. Still, they can park in the nearby Importanne parking garage for around 30 EUR per day. A stone’s throw away from the hotel, instantly recognisable ZET trams whizz by, allowing guests to navigate the city efficiently, intuitively and at a fair price. Zagreb’s public transport has undergone a significant evolution in recent years – it is manageable, reliable and user-friendly. Traffic jams are relatively rare, particularly if you avoid early morning or late afternoon hours. The mobility is complemented by ample taxi services that easily rival quality and reliability standards in other European capitals. Uber and Bolt are omnipresent and most often available within minutes. To boot, both are affordable and highly reliable. Another contributing factor to Zagreb’s excellent accessibility is Zagreb Airport, fast becoming one of the region’s key entry and exit points. Zagreb’s connections to European and international destinations are improving year on year, strengthening the city’s status as a vital regional air traffic crossroads.

The edifice does not protrude awkwardly from its surroundings; it seeps into the area with its tidiness, cleanliness and urban look, in sync with the rhythm and identity of Vlaška Street.

The design of the Stellar Boutique Modules hotel relies on the holistic renovation of the former Jadran Hotel, which now exudes a strikingly modernist charm. While the facade has retained its historic patina, the architects of Studio UP have transformed and modernised it with discreet contemporary interventions that subtly hint at the renovation. The edifice does not protrude awkwardly from its surroundings; it seeps into the area with its tidiness, cleanliness and urban look, in sync with the rhythm and identity of Vlaška Street. In the interior, the hotel breathes differently. Its decor stems from futuristic designer principles, enriched by conceptual artistic elements crafted by multimedia artist Silvio Vujičić. These elements imbue the interior with a singular, visually recognisable identity that transcends conventional hotel design. The space is refined, yet distinctly characterised. Both the layout and selection of materials reflect the idea of modularity. Metal surfaces, perforated textures, reflective elements and precisely planned illumination ooze a sense of controlled futuristic elegance. The entire design gives the impression that every aspect, from the hotel corridors to the common areas, was crafted down to the last detail. The first impression is unambiguous: the hotel targets guests who appreciate modern design, a distinct visual signature and thoughtful reinterpretations of historical spaces. To put it in culinary terms, the design resembles a cold starter that promises unforgettable courses to follow. Minimal aesthetic is the common thread.

the rooftop has ambitions to become one of the most alluring culinary spots in Zagreb.

The service at the Stellar Boutique Modules hotel is grounded in a modern, discreet approach typical of urban hotels that makes guests tick – at least those who wish to spend most of their time exploring the city centre. The staff appeared tidy and professional, not excessively formal, but warm enough to create a welcoming atmosphere. We must single out the benevolent Filipino waiter who embodies the hotel’s service: his natural kindness, accuracy and attention to guests’ needs prove that genuine hospitality relies on authentic personal energy. The bar aligns with the minimalist setting, doubling as an urban hub for meetings and chats. Similarly, the verdant, lush autrium offers a serene retreat for refreshing beverages or moreish morsels. Guests longing for more hearty dishes can choose from the à la carte menu, replete with refined modern takes on international classics, sourced from quality ingredients and crafted with technical precision. Atop the hotel, the rooftop has ambitions to become one of the most alluring culinary spots in Zagreb.

Hotel rooms

In the midst of the room’s whiteness, the bed appears like an elevated altar where you can spend time with your companion, focus on self-reflection, admire the theatre happenings on the street below or endlessly surf Netflix. Minimalist and charming – how little is needed to make simplicity stand out. The room has been stripped of excess elements. Only the pure, innocent whiteness remains where you can reflect on yourself and your companion. We immediately noticed the heated white concrete floor – warmer than many carpets that are reminiscent of sunny beaches on the Adriatic. We were most impressed by the attention to detail. The Stellar 509 room is an ode to the past and a step forward into the future of hospitality. The chic chairs and table are the brainchild of, you guessed it, world-renowned Swiss brand Vitra. Everything screams “less is more”. If you nurture an affinity for such design, you will be impressed. Au contraire, if you are used to typical hotel kitsch, you will be somewhat disappointed. This budget room deserves recognition and is the fruition of innovative Croatian design. This is what delights us most. In 2025, the rooms at this hotel are doubtless among the most refined and least generic in town. We must commend the hotel and note that five stars can be found where you least expect them.

Meetings centre

The iconic location of the former Jadran Hotel has been repurposed, even for events and conferences. Although the Stellar Boutique Modules hotel does not rank among typical conference hotels, its urban, boutique-designed concept combines smaller flexible rooms for meetings, socialisation and creative work. The hotel predominantly caters to intimate event formats, inspiring conferences and private presentations that demand an individualised approach, even within an unexpected lush oasis in the city centre.

The hotel’s trump card is the panoramic rooftop, poised to become one of the most sought-after event spaces in the centre of Zagreb.

Admiring the neighbouring rooftops creates a unique setting, while the space is designed to host small private events, business gatherings or evening presentations in an intimate, yet lavish ambience. Extra locations, including the bar, lobby and backstairs garden, can be transformed into micro areas for informal meetings or parallel programs if needed. The modular design is thus reflected not only in the rooms but also in the event segment.

DESSERT – The extras

The à la carte breakfast in a four-star hotel is a pleasant surprise. Kudos to Maistra – the selection of dishes is exceptional, but the execution could be more consistent.

FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES

White surfaces adorning the halls seem elegant, but they quickly wear down. Hence, some details already show their age. We were also bothered by the loud beats echoing across the hotel corridors in the wee hours of the morning. We hope this is not a regular occurrence. Another drawback is the costly parking: perhaps expected for the city centre of Zagreb, yet still a less pleasant experience for guests.

TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES

One of the hotel’s key assets is its visual identity, which pairs futuristic-designed elements with the historic context of the location. That fosters a unique aesthetic image unique to the hotel.

SUSTAINABLE ENDEAVOURS

The hotel has been implementing sustainability through numerous small, yet noticeable practices that are organically imbued into its daily operations. The modular concept of the rooms helps reduce the construction’s carbon emissions, and most design elements are responsibly sourced and made from sustainable materials. Energy efficiency was prioritised when conceiving the renovation. Partnering with local suppliers for the gastronomy also helps reduce the mobility footprint. Not least, the central location prompts guests to walk, take the tram or cycle through the town. At this hotel, sustainability is present across multiple levels, even though it is not specifically highlighted in the hotel’s communication. It seems to be a self-evident feature of this contemporary hotel.

Stellar Boutique Models has tremendous potential to become one of the most notable hotels in the heart of Zagreb.

With a revamped look, Stellar Boutique Modules appears like a hotel aspiring to set standards for boutique, urban design hotels in Zagreb. Its concept is unmistakable: futuristic design, a polished look, modularity and exceptional location in the city centre. The fact that the designers are on to something is reflected in the consistent execution, from the architecture, interior, to the adjoining offering, which is still being developed. It is already exuding a unique charm. Some elements still need refinement, as expected of a new hotel. Still, its intention is clear: Stellar Boutique Modules caters to guests who appreciate design, urban location and thoughtfully crafted details. It has tremendous potential to become one of the most notable hotels in the heart of Zagreb. More importantly, the price is balanced. The result is clear: a trendy, technologically modern hotel that remains affordable, guest-friendly and well-equipped. What more could you wish for in a four-star urban hotel?

FINAL GRADE: 4.89 THREE MEETING STARS⭐⭐⭐ City Meeting Hotel

3 MEETING STARS⭐⭐⭐ final mark from 4.81 to 5.00
2 MEETING STARS⭐⭐ final mark from 4.61 to 4.80
1 MEETING STAR⭐ final mark from 4.41 to 4.60