HIDDEN GUEST: Metropol Palace Belgrade

When we last visited the hotel, we remarked that this is one of the true hotel icons of Southeast Europe, where world-renowned film stars and the global jet set, including Sophia Loren and Richard Burton, had stayed during the golden era of Yugoslav filmmaking. The story of the hotel reaches back to 1957, when one of the most recognisable symbols of Yugoslav modernist architecture grew in the heart of Belgrade. Its iconic acclaim was confirmed in 2001 when the hotel was named a cultural monument. That was a symbolic recognition of its historical and architectural value. After that, the building underwent several years of comprehensive renovation that commenced in 2008 and culminated in the grand reopening in April 2012 under the name Metropol Palace, a member of the prestigious The Luxury Collection by Marriott (by the way, the contract with Marriott ended in 2022, meaning the hotel has been independent ever since). Yet, in contrast to many renovations that rob a hotel of its spirit, the story of this hotel was masterfully honoured, evolved and interpreted with the utmost respect for the past.

Metropol Palace Belgrade adorns one of the most emblematic locations in Belgrade – abutting the King Alexander Boulevard, right next to the Tašmajdan Park. It is within spitting distance of the Faculty of Law, the Archive of Serbia, St. Mark’s Church and the monument to Vuk Karadžić. This proximity to the most beloved city landmarks gives the hotel a layer of cultural and institutional importance. By the way, the city centre is close, too.

Metropol Palace Belgrade proudly welcomes guests on the edge of the city centre, next to the King Alexander Boulevard, one of the longest and most congested streets in Belgrade, connecting the eastern part of the city with the urban centre. From here, guests can journey to all landmarks and cultural institutions in the Serbian capital. Public transport is well-managed in this district. The hotel overlooks a tram stop that provides regular connections to the city centre, the train station and other key points. Nikola Tesla Belgrade Airport is some twenty kilometres away. A taxi ride takes between 25 and 40 minutes, depending on the traffic. With an affordable price (between 20 and 25 EUR), the taxi services are offered by licensed drivers or apps such as Yande and CarGo. Access to the city centre on foot is possible, albeit it will take guests some 25 minutes to reach the Republic Square. Despite the traffic-congested location, the area is relatively safe for pedestrians, as the sidewalks are broad and well-illuminated. Cycling is no longer an adrenaline sport in Belgrade, as more and more cyclists dot the streets. Yet, the infrastructure is not fully developed – there are no neat cycling lanes around the hotels. Hence, we would only recommend seasoned, avid cyclists to roam around town on two wheels. Guests arriving by car can park in the spacious underground parking garage, where experienced and hospitable staff members, under the watchful eye of the concierge, ensure all vehicles are neatly and safely parked. The garage is under 24/7 surveillance, which is a key advantage in the urban environment, where finding a parking spot can be a challenge.

mETROPOL PALACE IS AN architectural symbol of Yugoslav modernism and a testament to Belgrade’s cosmopolitan soul.

Hotel Metropol Palace is more than a hotel – it is an architectural symbol of Yugoslav modernism and a testament to Belgrade’s cosmopolitan soul. It was designed by acclaimed architect Dragiša Brašovan and erected in 1957. Today, it remains a protected cultural monument that combines rationalist functionalism with aesthetic minimalism and refinement. The facade still bears a vestige of its once-recognisable modernist look: elegant horizontal lines, white hues and a strong sense of symmetry ooze a feeling of dignity. The centrepiece is the imposing wooden element in the lobby, dedicated to the brotherhood of nations in the Former Yugoslavia. During the renovation, the intarsia was meticulously restored, its lustre restored. It reminded us of a time when different values mattered.

The true story lies within. Upon entering the hotel, guests are embraced by a spacious and bright lobby that has preserved the spirit of the sixties. Marble flooring, wooden intarsia on the walls, and handpicked furniture with retro details create an ambience that blends nostalgia with timeless elegance. Everything is where you expect it to be, without superfluous additions or theatrality. The interior renovation, completed in 2012, respectfully combined original elements with discreet contemporary design. The revamped Murano chandeliers in the halls, the intarsia on the wood and the ambient illumination exude refinement. All this renders the hotel a rare, near-extinct renovated modernist hotel scarcely found in the region. Metropol Palace does not force elegance but subtly suggests embracing it. It is not the loudest, but it could be the most refined. The design pays homage to the property’s history with polished elegance and attention to detail. Metropol Palace is a hotel that does not need glitz to impress guests. It relies on heritage and character.

Metropol Palace is an old-fashioned hotel institution from which up-and-coming hotel managers could learn.

In this hotel, the design leaves a memorable first impression, enhanced by the staff who are warm and trustworthy. Here is where Hotel Metropol Palace truly shines. The team meets all expectations with genuine friendliness, discreet attention and open communication with guests. Metropol Palace is an old-fashioned hotel institution from which up-and-coming hotel managers could learn. The ambience the personnel fosters is relaxed but in line with the expectations guests have of a five-star hotel. The staff is where you would expect them to be whenever you need them – they never invade your privacy, but approach you with tact and hospitality.

The culinary story of Metropol is a story of its own. Once synonymous with the superb gastronomy of the Yugoslav elite, the offering follows the heritage but puts an international twist on the iconic dishes. Although the chefs have changed through the years, the philosophy remains the same: seasonality and playful combinations of local and global flavours. The dishes are not pretentious but full of surprises. We were impressed by the aesthetic sophistication, handpicked ingredients and contemporary techniques. The entire culinary experience feels balanced, but bold in the same breath. Recognition of their efforts came from Michelin, which placed The Twenty Two on its list of recommended restaurants in 2025. The breakfast is varied, including a broad array of dishes, yet without any surprises. The management would be wise to consider going the extra mile here – possibly with show cooking or emphasising local ingredients and stories. Even the team in the breakfast room seemed disoriented. They might have had a bad day, but considering the stiff competition among five-star hotels in Belgrade, the breakfast is where good hotels differ from great ones. Metropol Hotel has room for improvement in this respect.

Hotel rooms

The hotel rooms have stood the test of time. They still appear fresh, with details uncovering quality materials. They were designed in a refined, minimalist style that prioritises quality materials, sound isolation and the sense of calmness. The dark-hued wood, popular during the renovation, leather additions, soft textiles and subdued hues create a sense of warmth that will appeal to business guests and tourists alike. Although some rooms, especially in the lower categories, are somewhat smaller than expected for a five-star hotel, this is logical, given that the building originates from the modernist architectural style of the fifties.

We stayed in the Metropol Executive Suite, which strikes a balance between spaciousness, comfort and functionality. The suite is characterised by an open, spacious layout with a separate living room, bedroom and two bathrooms. Business guests or those staying for more than a night will appreciate the extra space. The interior combines elegant contrasts of dark wood, mouse-beige textiles and modern lines that add a touch of timeless elegance to the room. The expansive windows flood the room with natural daylight and offer stunning views of the King Alexander Boulevard. The furniture is comfortable without feeling pretentious – the leather couch and the classic writing desk are ideal for both work and relaxation. Two bathrooms dotted with marble tiles, showers, and superb toiletries enrich the stay. We must laud the splendid mattress that ensures guests are out like a light. Also, the serenity in the room, ensured by the sound isolation, is a rare feature in hotels of this category. Despite all the benefits, the signs of age are starting to creep up. Soon, the management will need to make a radical revamp of the rooms, even if they appreciate the patina.

Meetings centre

The events offering of Metropol Palace revolves around an elegant conference centre with six multipurpose halls that cover 1,491 square metres of space. Larger halls can be divided, increasing the total capacity to nine halls. The halls seem thoughtfully appointed, enabling the execution of events in various formats – from smaller meetings and conferences to workshops, gala dinners and prestigious protocolary events.

The royal-like ambience is created thanks to original Murano chandeliers, wooden intarsia and subtle designer details that ooze a feeling of timeless elegance.

The centrepiece is the largest hall, named after Nobel-prize winner Ivo Andrić. Stretching 800 square metres, the hall can sit up to 900 attendees in a theatre setting. If needed, the hall can be divided into two smaller halls. Combined with the other rooms, stretching from 30 to 400 square metres, the conference centre enables the organisation of modular event spaces perfect for hosting several programmes or meetings simultaneously. In 2012, the management comprehensively renovated the halls, preserving the authentic spirit of the building from the 1950s. The royal-like ambience is created thanks to original Murano chandeliers, wooden intarsia and subtle designer details that ooze a feeling of timeless elegance. Modern technical equipment is the cherry on top. The space appears bright, calm and acoustically balanced. The natural daylight contributes to the pleasant feel in the halls. In terms of meeting halls, the outdoor terraces must be noted as enriching the offering. We must also praise the hotel garden favoured by wedding and corporate event organisers. We firmly believe you will struggle to find a similarly holistic and diverse offering in another Belgrade hotel.

DESSERT – The extras

Hotel Metropol Palace offers a sophisticated spa centre stretching a whopping 1,300 square metres. It is equipped with an indoor pool, saunas, a steam bath, fitness, and massage rooms. The spa boasts views of Tašmajdan Park, while the ambience beckons guests to rest and relax. We cannot think of a better option for regenerating after business events or exploring the city.

FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES

Despite the exemplary maintenance and overall superb condition of the hotel, some rooms and elements are showing wear and tear. The wear of materials, especially in the lobby, subtly reveals that several years have passed since the latest renovation. Although the staff diligently maintains the hotel, some details must be spruced up to preserve the five-star impression in the long term.

TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES

Active guests who prefer jogging and recreation over spa relaxation can venture out into the nearby Tašmajdan Park. This is the only hotel in Belgrade surrounded by a lush park.

SUSTAINABLE ENDEAVOURS

The hotel has thus far adopted basic sustainable recommendations. There is plenty of room for improvement in this field that would undoubtedly be positively accepted by both guests and other stakeholders. We hope the hotel begins implementing more serious sustainable measures and marks a route to get from planning to execution. They have copious opportunities to render their gastronomy and other hotel offerings more sustainable.

Once the only five-star city hotel in Belgrade, it is entering old age with a holistic offering and compact design that keeps it in step with the times. Metropol Palace may not be the youngest in the city, but its service helps it retain its position. It also hides a few aces up its sleeve, including The Twenty Two restaurant. We must admit we sometimes dismissed the hotel as an old-timer in favour of novel hotels. The flashy headline-making new openings often pushed it to the sidelines. Yet, Metropol Palace did not give in. It resembles a marathon runner that develops and goes through all the hurdles and crises. At the same time, the hotel is among a few with enough capacity to be privatised for various events. It also offers excellent value for money. Despite the resounding new names in Belgrade, Metropol Palace should never be written off. We believe this legend will satisfy even the most demanding guests. Event organisers can be sure they will leave a lasting impression on the attendees and save on their budget. Not to forget: nostalgia is a part of the package. Perhaps this is the reason global stars still return to this legendary hotel.

FINAL GRADE: 4.92 THREE MEETING STARS⭐⭐⭐ City 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