Among 335 certified hotels and venues across 24 countries in New Europe, the winners were announced in five categories: city, resort, spa, boutique, and conference centres. In addition, two special awards were presented for the most sustainable and the most creative venue.
At the heart of the Meetings Star competition was a clear vision: to place event organisers and attendees at the centre of quality assessments. To ensure transparency and credibility, hotels and meeting venues were evaluated anonymously by hidden congress guests. The assessors were seasoned experts with decades of experience in event organisation and a deep understanding of the hospitality and gastronomy industries. Properties were evaluated according to 654 criteria in a structured and systematic manner. These criteria not only reflected the actual state of each property but also revealed its untapped potential and opportunities for further development.
Based on the final scores achieved, hotels and venues were segmented into three quality rankings:
3 MEETING STARS⭐️⭐️⭐️ – final score from 4.81 to 5.00
Extraordinary venue
2 MEETING STARS⭐️⭐️ – final score from 4.61 to 4.80
Excellent venue
1 MEETING STAR⭐️ – final score from 4.41 to 4.60
High-quality venue
Category A – SPECIAL BUILT VENUES
This category features the top city hotels that offer outstanding meeting facilities in the heart of urban centres. With excellent accessibility, professional service, and well-equipped conference spaces, these hotels are ideal for events that thrive on the energy and convenience of a metropolitan environment
A record-breaking 103 hotels from 23 New Europe countries earned the quality certificate in this category. The majority of evaluated properties come from Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Slovenia, Serbia and other countries across the region. In total, 149 city hotels were assessed, with 66% successfully achieving certification.
City hotels are defined by their location in or near the city centre and by meeting facilities ranging from compact conference rooms to full-scale congress centres. Among the evaluated hotels, 54% offer larger congress capacities, while 46% feature smaller conference centres with a maximum capacity of up to 250 participants. When comparing hotel categorisation, a similar balance emerges: 54% of the top-performing city hotels are five-star, with the remainder classified as four-star.
Winner: THE BRISTOL BELGRADE, Belgrade, Serbia, final score: 4.992
The Bristol Belgrade justifies its top position through a credible revival of a historic grand hotel, where restored Secession heritage, refined interiors and flawless service form a coherent whole. Architecture is experienced as a living narrative, extending from the façade to the Bašta atrium, guestrooms and gastronomy. The exceptionally professional yet warm team is the hotel’s strongest asset, creating trust through discretion and consistency. Thoughtful details, from narrative dining to small farewell gestures, leave a lasting final impression suited to VIP and boutique meetings.
Benchmark insight: Secession heritage as experience, Bašta atrium versatility, outstanding staff culture, narrative gastronomy, and intimate luxury for executive events.
2nd place: KIMPTON BEM, Budapest, Hungary, final score: 4.989
Kimpton Bem Budapest delivers an emotionally powerful and highly credible experience, where bold storytelling, design excellence and human warmth align seamlessly. The Marcel Wanders–led interior transforms Hungarian mythology into a living narrative that unfolds across rooms, public spaces and event venues. Final impression is shaped by world-class staff kindness, flawless execution and a strong sense of joy rarely found in city hotels. Pleasant surprises include the Fennen rooftop’s intimacy, multisensory details and the hotel’s ability to turn meetings into memorable, story-driven experiences.
Benchmark insight: Mythology-driven design, Fennen rooftop intimacy, world-class staff kindness, hybrid event spaces, and experiential meetings focus.
3rd place: W BUDAPEST, Budapest, Hungary, final score: 4.987
W Budapest justifies its outstanding position with a grand, innovative and meticulously executed experience that feels wholly unique in the city’s luxury hotel landscape. The extensive renovation of the historic Drechsler Palace celebrates heritage while introducing bold, thoughtful design that harmonises with local narrative motifs. The final impression is anchored by a seamless blend of glamour, youthful energy, and social vibrancy that resonates across public spaces, rooms, and events. Staff professionalism and bespoke dining enhance credibility, while numerous unexpected artistic and architectural delights reinforce the hotel’s distinct identity.
Benchmark insight: Grand heritage-driven design, UNESCO palace activation, Society25 unique venue, eight flexible meeting spaces, and unmatched social hub energy.
Category B – RESORT MEETING HOTELS
These exceptional venues combine premium meeting services with the relaxed atmosphere of a resort setting. Located away from the hustle and bustle of the city, resort meeting hotels offer a perfect balance of productivity and rejuvenation, ideal for retreats, incentive programs, and strategic offsite events.
A record-breaking 69 hotels from 12 New Europe countries earned the certificate in this category. The majority of evaluated properties are located in Adriatic seaside resorts in Croatia, Montenegro and Slovenia, as well as in Alpine tourist destinations in Austria. Since the launch of our evaluation, 89 resort hotels have been assessed, with 67% achieving certification.
Most certified resorts are situated along the Adriatic Coast or in Alpine destinations. Nearly 60% of the evaluated resort hotels offer smaller conference capacities for up to 400 attendees, while close to 40% feature large congress centres, some accommodating more than 1,000 participants. Just over half of the resort hotels (53.19%) fall within the five-star category, with the remainder classified as four-star properties.
Winner: GRAND PARK HOTEL ROVINJ, Rovinj, Croatia, final score: 4.986
Grand Park Hotel Rovinj confirms its near-perfect status through a rare maturity in which architecture, destination integration, and operational excellence function in complete harmony. The hotel’s cascading design feels organically embedded in Rovinj, creating instant credibility and a strong sense of place. The final impression is shaped by consistently professional, proud staff and an exceptional gastronomic ecosystem anchored in Michelin-level dining. Pleasant surprises lie in the conference hall’s panoramic scale, intuitive room comfort, and storytelling touches that elevate events into immersive experiences rather than formal gatherings.
Benchmark insight: Iconic panoramic conference hall, architecture as a destination catalyst, Michelin-level gastronomy, flawless logistics, incentive-grade resort experience.
2nd place: GRAND HOTEL BRIONI, Pula, Croatia, final score: 4.985
Grand Hotel Brioni Pula earns its top-tier position through a confident revival of a modernist icon, where timeless architecture, natural surroundings and operational excellence align seamlessly. The renovation preserves the original structure while introducing refined interiors, premium materials and art-led storytelling that feels authentic rather than nostalgic. The final impression is defined by consistently outstanding staff, exceptional gastronomy, and a resort layout that supports large-scale incentives without sacrificing intimacy. Pleasant surprises include the innovative butler service, expansive incentive possibilities and the hotel’s ability to turn Pula into a compelling alternative to established Adriatic hotspots.
Benchmark insight: Modernist icon revival, large-scale incentive versatility, exceptional staff culture, refined gastronomy, resort-scale event infrastructure.
3rd place: FALKENSTEINER SCHLOSS HOTEL VELDEN, Lake Wörth, Austria, final score: 4.979
Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden secures its leading position through a rare combination of historical grandeur, emotional authenticity and flawlessly executed service. The Renaissance château setting on Lake Wörth provides immediate credibility, while the sensitive integration of modern architecture preserves exclusivity and timeless elegance. The final impression is overwhelmingly shaped by the hotel’s exceptional staff culture, marked by warmth, precision, and genuine dedication. Pleasant surprises include the Experience Concierge’s bespoke incentive ideas, the expansive Acquapura Spa and the hotel’s ability to host large-scale events without losing its intimate, soulful character.
Benchmark insight: Iconic château setting, Experience Concierge excellence, 3,600 m² Acquapura Spa, large-scale ballroom with lake views, emotionally driven service culture.
Category C – SPA MEETING HOTELS
This category highlights hotels that successfully blend top-tier business amenities with spa and wellness offerings. These venues provide a unique setting where delegates can combine productive meetings with relaxation and holistic experiences, ideal for enhancing creativity, focus, and overall well-being.
This year, 26 hotels across 8 countries in New Europe earned the certificate in this category. Spa meeting hotels are included in the most unusual category in our evaluation. No coincidence, however, considering the region boasts the highest number of spa hotels in Europe. We strive to highlight this speciality in our evaluation. The spa meeting hotel offer is highly diversified and original. Our assessment shows that spa hotels offer high-quality, congress-focused services. Since the start of our evaluation, 45 spa meeting hotels have been evaluated, 59% of them acquiring the certificate.
Winner: LE PRIMORE HOTEL & SPA, Hévíz, Hungary, final score: 4.944
Le Primore Hotel & Spa positions itself as a credible new benchmark by transforming a former brownfield site into a holistic spa and meeting destination. The final impression is shaped by a strong sense of space, abundant natural light and a clear wellness narrative anchored in the hotel’s own thermal spring. Pleasant surprises include the scale and quality of Eden Spa, the intuitive spatial flow, and the high-tech room features. Credibility is reinforced by ambitious gastronomy and a sustainability-driven concept that clearly exceeds regional standards.
Benchmark insight: Own thermal spring, Eden Spa scale, brownfield regeneration, wellness-led meetings concept, strong sustainability foundation.
2nd place: HOTEL MATERRA, Osijek, Croatia, final score: 4.942
Hotel Materra earns its high ranking through an authentic, value-driven concept in which sustainability, regional identity, and genuine hospitality form a cohesive whole. The final impression is defined by a calm, earth-toned design that seamlessly blends local materials, contemporary architecture and a strong sense of place rooted in Slavonia. Pleasant surprises lie in the warmth and pride of the local staff, the farm-to-fork gastronomy and the holistic wellness concept powered by geothermal energy. Materra convinces not through spectacle, but through integrity, human touch and a clear, purpose-led story.
Benchmark insight: Sustainability as a lived practice, geothermal energy concept, authentic Slavonian hospitality, farm-to-fork gastronomy, boutique incentive potential.
3rd place: HOTEL VINIFERA WINE & SPA, Balatonfüred, Hungary, final score: 4.927
Hotel Vinifera Wine & Spa secures its position among Hungary’s leading spa meeting hotels through a polished resort concept in which wellness, gastronomy, and service consistency align seamlessly. The final impression is shaped by refined architecture, generous spaces and a calm, upscale atmosphere overlooking Lake Balaton. Pleasant surprises include one of the region’s most comprehensive wellness centres, flawless culinary execution and attentive staff presence throughout the stay. Credibility is reinforced by excellent value for money and a resort layout that supports incentive events with ease and confidence.
Benchmark insight: 2,000 m² wellness complex, strong culinary leadership, incentive-ready terraces, Lake Balaton resort positioning, high value for money.
Category D – BOUTIQUE MEETING HOTELS
Boutique meeting hotels stand out for their intimate atmosphere, unique character, and personalised service. These venues often feature distinctive architecture and a strong sense of place, making them ideal for smaller, high-level meetings where experience and exclusivity matter most.
A record-breaking 61 hotels from 12 New Europe countries earned the certificate in this category. The majority of evaluated properties are located in the Alpe–Adria region, spanning Austria, Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia. Istria stands out, as it hosts the highest concentration of boutique hotels in the region, many of them highly specialised in incentive and experiential events. Since the launch of our evaluation, 89 boutique meeting hotels have been assessed, with 62% successfully achieving certification.
Boutique meeting hotels are characterised by significantly smaller congress capacities compared to other hotel categories. As many as 81% of properties feature only one or two meeting rooms, with an average capacity of up to 78 participants. Accommodation capacities are similarly intimate: most boutique meeting hotels offer between 11 and 20 rooms, while certified properties average 28 rooms. In terms of categorisation, the segment is dominated by four-star hotels, which account for 62.16% of certified properties, with the remainder belonging to the five-star category.
Winner: MENEGHETTI WINE HOTEL & WINERY, Bale, Croatia, final score: 4.992
Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery justifies its near-perfect score through uncompromising consistency, privacy and a deeply authentic estate narrative. The final impression is defined by absolute serenity, flawless execution and a mature luxury concept rooted in vineyards, olive groves and refined rural architecture. Pleasant surprises emerge in the scale and versatility of outdoor event venues, the new Garden Pavilion and the seamless integration of winery, gastronomy and hospitality. Credibility is reinforced by discreet, world-class service and the estate’s ability to host high-level events without ever feeling staged or commercial.
Benchmark insight: Holistic wine estate concept, Garden Pavilion scalability, absolute privacy, Relais & Châteaux service culture, boutique luxury for high-level events.
2nd place: MAMULA ISLAND HOTEL, Herceg Novi, Montenegro, final score: 4.991
Mamula Island Hotel achieves an almost mythical status through absolute uniqueness, emotional depth and impeccable credibility. The final impression is shaped by the dramatic transformation of a historic fortress into a serene luxury retreat, where architecture, nature and memory coexist respectfully. Pleasant surprises unfold in the flawless, almost instinctive service culture, extraordinary gastronomy and the hotel’s ability to turn unconventional spaces into unforgettable event stages. Credibility is reinforced by regenerative thinking, disciplined minimalism and a rare sense of purpose that elevates every stay into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Benchmark insight: Fortress-to-hotel transformation, island exclusivity, unconventional event venues, world-class service culture, regenerative luxury concept.
3rd place: VILA PLANINKA, Jezersko, Slovenia, final score: 4.975
Vila Planinka Jezersko earns its outstanding reputation through radical authenticity, emotional credibility and a philosophy that truly lives the mantra “less is more”. The final impression is shaped by a deep sense of calm, handcrafted design, and an exceptional human touch that makes guests feel genuinely welcome rather than merely serviced. Pleasant surprises emerge in the Michelin-recommended cuisine, soulfully designed rooms and the hotel’s ability to host intimate, high-quality meetings in total harmony with nature. Credibility is reinforced by exemplary sustainability practices and a family-like team that defines the entire experience.
Benchmark insight: “Less is more” philosophy, Michelin-recommended gastronomy, exemplary sustainability, intimate boutique meetings, family-driven service culture.
Category E – LARGE CONVENTION CENTRES (over 1,000 attendees)
This category includes the leading large-scale convention centres capable of hosting over 1,000 participants. These venues are designed for major international events, offering top-of-the-line infrastructure, scalable space, and seamless logistics, setting the standard for high-volume event execution.
We evaluated 28 major convention centres across 14 countries over the past year. The development of the MICE product in individual countries is reflected in the number of convention centres. Since the start of our evaluation, 37 convention centres have been assessed, 76% of which have earned the certificate.
Winner: AUSTRIA CENTRE VIENNA, Vienna, Austria, final score: 4.989
Austria Centre Vienna justifies its leading position through a credible fusion of landmark scale, contemporary capability and operational excellence that few European centres match. The astonishingly flexible portfolio of 21 halls, 134 meeting rooms and circa 26,000 m² of exhibition and networking space enables formats from 500-attendee conventions to 22,800-participant congresses under one roof, supported by state-of-the-art digital infrastructure and immersive design elements. The final impression is shaped by flawless execution, seamless logistics, and a strong track record with flagship events such as the European Congress of Radiology, whose dual BEA World Festival awards underscore ACV’s impact.
Benchmark insight: Unmatched capacity and flexibility, polySTAGE multimedia platform, global congress delivery (ECR awards), next-to-UN location, sustainability-enabled green events.
2nd place: SAVA CENTAR BELGRADE, Belgrade, Serbia, final score: 4.981
Sava Centar reclaims its iconic status through a masterful regeneration that balances architectural heritage, contemporary technology and operational credibility at an exceptional scale. The final impression is defined by the seamless revival of a modernist landmark into a future-ready congress powerhouse, anchored by the spectacular Blue Hall and an unmatched portfolio of flexible venues. Pleasant surprises include the Immersive Hall, the lush Bašta atrium and the centre’s ability to host multiple complex events simultaneously. Credibility is reinforced by professional management, energy-efficient renovation and a rare capacity that places Sava Centar among Europe’s leading convention centres.
Benchmark insight: Regenerated modernist icon, Blue Hall scale, Immersive Hall technology, Bašta atrium versatility, BREEAM-certified sustainability.
3rd place: ICE KRAKOW CONGRESS CENTRE, Krakow, Poland, final score: 4.968
ICE Krakow Congress Centre confirms its flagship status through an exceptional balance of architecture, operational maturity and destination-driven management. The final impression is shaped by its timeless design overlooking Wawel Castle, an acoustically outstanding auditorium, and a spatial concept that is both inspiring and functional. Pleasant surprises emerge in the Krakow Festival Office’s creative, culture-driven management model, which elevates the centre far beyond pure logistics. Credibility is reinforced by flawless technical execution, strong catering partnerships and an ecosystem approach that actively strengthens Krakow’s entire meetings industry.
Benchmark insight: Iconic auditorium design, culture-led management model, Wawel-facing foyers, Krakow Network Protocol, top-tier technical reliability.
Category F – BOUTIQUE CONVENTION CENTRES (up to 1,000 attendees)
This category includes the leading large-scale convention centres capable of hosting up to 1,000 participants. These venues are designed for major international events, offering top-of-the-line infrastructure, scalable space, and seamless logistics, setting the standard for high-volume event execution.
We evaluated 17 boutique convention centres from 9 countries in the past year. The development of the MICE product in individual countries is reflected in the number of convention centres. Since the start of our evaluation, 28 small convention centres have been evaluated, 68% of which have acquired the certificate.
Winner: CUBEX CENTRE PRAGUE, Prague, Czech Republic, final score: 4.970
Cubex Centre Prague stands out as one of Europe’s most credible contemporary convention centres, where design integrity, sustainability and technical excellence form a seamless whole. The final impression is defined by its bold Cubist identity, immersive technology, and a flexible main hall that adapts effortlessly to conferences, launches, and large-scale productions. Pleasant surprises lie in the centre’s advanced lighting and projection systems, intuitive spatial flow and strong in-house technical expertise. Credibility is further reinforced by LEED Platinum certification, regenerative local partnerships and a future-facing approach that keeps the venue relevant years after opening.
Benchmark insight: Cubism-inspired design, immersive LED technology, LEED Platinum sustainability, modular main hall, high-end technical reliability.
2nd place: LCK LUBLIN CONFERENCE CENTRE, Lublin, Poland, final score: 4.965
LCK Lublin Conference Centre justifies its strong position through a compelling blend of architectural boldness, operational credibility, and human-centred service that is rare in European regional venues. The vertical, industrial-accented design creates a memorable, spacious impression, while state-of-the-art technical equipment and versatile halls deliver seamless execution for A-level productions. The final impression is further shaped by a proactive, in-house team whose dedication elevates logistics and promotes Lublin as a meeting destination. Pleasant surprises include panoramic rooftop receptions, hybrid studio capabilities, and inviting foyers that enhance networking.
Benchmark insight: 18 m atrium vertical design, world-class in-house tech team, Antoni Patek Hall flexibility, hybrid press/studio setup, integrated city-centre cultural hub.
3rd place: CONGRESS CENTRUM ALPBACH, Austria, Poland, final score: 4.935
Congress Alpbach convinces through a rare synthesis of intellectual legacy, Alpine setting and quietly confident execution that feels entirely authentic. The final impression is shaped by the Centre’s role as a living forum for ideas, where architecture, landscape and programme content reinforce credibility rather than spectacle. Pleasant surprises lie in the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, the team’s calm professionalism, and the sense of community that naturally emerges among participants. Credibility is anchored in decades of thought leadership, sustainable operations and an environment that encourages focus, dialogue and long-term impact over short-lived glamour.
Benchmark insight: Intellectual forum legacy, Alpine-integrated architecture, dialogue-driven formats, strong sustainability ethos, community-focused event experience.
Category G – MOST CREATIVE VENUES
This category celebrates venues that push the boundaries of conventional event spaces. Whether through bold design, unique location, or experiential storytelling, these venues inspire creativity and leave a lasting impression, making them ideal for organisers seeking an unforgettable event backdrop.
Winner: ZONAR ZAGREB, Zagreb, Croatia, final score: 4.902
Zonar expresses creativity through a bold hybrid concept that merges sport, business and lifestyle into a single experiential narrative. The design language is energetic and unapologetically urban, built around movement, performance and social interaction. Rooftop venues function as dynamic stages rather than static spaces, enabling fluid transitions between work, networking and leisure. Creativity is embedded in the hotel’s experiential zoning, where sport-inspired elements, flexible layouts and playful details encourage unconventional meetings, active formats and high-energy events that break away from classic city hotel conventions.
2nd place: FREIGOLD IMPULSHOTEL, Freistadt, Austria, final score: 4.941
Freigold Impulshotel translates creativity into an impulse-driven experience where architecture, wellbeing and participation converge. The hotel’s vertical design, sky-level spa and transparent structures create a sense of elevation and constant movement, both physical and mental. Creative spaces are conceived as stages for interaction, from industrial-style venues to panoramic wellness zones that blur the line between work, leisure and self-discovery. Creativity is embedded in the hotel’s holistic concept, encouraging active engagement, sensory stimulation and event formats that prioritise balance, energy and meaningful human connection over conventional meeting routines.
3rd place: STELLAR BOUTIQUE MODULES, Zagreb, Croatia, final score: 4.892
Stellar Boutique Modules embodies experimental creativity through modular architecture, futuristic minimalism and a strong artistic narrative. The hotel fuses a historical structure with a contemporary design language, defined by reflective surfaces, precise lighting, and conceptual interventions by multimedia artist Silvio Vujičić. Creativity unfolds through adaptable micro-spaces, a hidden-garden atrium, and a panoramic rooftop that serves as an urban stage. The modular concept allows spaces to morph intuitively, encouraging unconventional event formats, creative work and immersive social interaction rooted in design-driven storytelling.
Category H – MOST SUSTAINABLE VENUES
Recognising venues that lead the way in sustainability, this category showcases those that have implemented advanced green practices, from energy efficiency to community engagement. These venues demonstrate that exceptional event experiences and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
The most sustainable venues were selected by a dedicated jury of our Hidden Guest assessors. Only hotels and venues with sustainability scores above 4.80 qualified for the final selection. In total, 62 hotels and venues met this demanding threshold.
This year, the jury identified energy optimisation of venues as the key evaluation criterion. The three selected winners represent textbook examples of best practice in this field, regardless of their size or operational complexity.
Winner: SAVA CENTAR BELGRADE, Belgrade, Serbia, final score: 4.981
Sava Centar is a benchmark for large-scale regenerative renovation in the meetings industry. The comprehensive renewal prioritised energy efficiency by installing 912 rooftop solar panels and replacing 7,000 m² of façade glazing with high-performance, triple-layer glass, resulting in a documented 50% reduction in energy consumption. The project earned the prestigious BREEAM certification, confirming its environmental credibility. Additional sustainability value is created through extensive green surfaces, indoor winter gardens with thousands of plants, and the long-term adaptive reuse of a protected modernist landmark rather than new construction.
2nd place: LE FUCINE HOTEL, Buttrio, Italy, final score: 4.888
Le Fucine Hotel exemplifies discreet, technology-driven sustainability rooted in industrial precision rather than declarative green branding. The property operates a top-tier energy management system developed with ABB, integrating solar power generation, real-time energy monitoring and remote optimisation of all major systems. This significantly reduces energy consumption while ensuring operational efficiency. Sustainability is further reinforced through biophilic architecture, extensive use of local materials and a rigorously seasonal, region-focused culinary concept. Le Fucine deliberately avoids greenwashing, demonstrating that measurable performance, smart engineering and local sourcing can deliver credible, long-term sustainability without unnecessary certification theatrics.
3rd place: NOBU HOTEL WARSAW, Warsaw, Poland, final score: 4.982
Nobu Hotel Warsaw sets a high benchmark for urban sustainability through a comprehensive, measurable and certification-backed approach. The property holds LEED Gold certification, supported by energy-efficient building systems, high-performance HVAC solutions and intelligent climate control that significantly reduce energy consumption. A 192 m² green roof with over 8,500 plants improves urban biodiversity, thermal regulation and rainwater management. Sustainability is further reinforced through low-impact materials, reduced single-use plastics and optimised indoor air quality, positioning the hotel as a credible model for responsible, future-ready city hospitality.
About the Meetings Star Award
The Meetings Star, an independent, transparent evaluation of the quality of event destinations, hotels, and special venues, has set quality standards in the events industry for 16 years. It is one of the few accolades based on rigorous, objective criteria and standards. That is one of the reasons the award and the certificate of quality have earned an enviable reputation among event planners.
To learn more about the competition, visit https://meetings-star.eu/.
