Cool Style, Relaxed Vibes, Contemporary Comforts: Pullman Zagreb

Looking for a contemporary design hotel in Zagreb that’s perfectly positioned between the airport and the city centre? Pullman Zagreb brings the brand’s signature minimalist style and its discreet luxury to the new City Island business and recreation complex. It’s a sleek base for anyone who’s in the city for trade fairs or conferences, or who just wants to sample Zagreb’s small-capital charm, and would like more than just a place to sleep.

The lobby of the first Pullman hotel in Croatia is a place you’ll want to spend time in, merging seamlessly into Tanto, the restaurant and bar, with a relaxed-but-vibrant Mediterranean feel. The rooms and suites, decorated in subtle, earthy tones and featuring Pullman’s understated comforts and all-round connectivity, strike just the right balance between cool and welcoming.

Whether you’re visiting on business, for pleasure or a blend of both, this is a hotel that will be an integral part of your Zagreb experience.

Pullman Zagreb sits at the heart of the brand-new business and leisure hub in the dynamic Buzin district. First impressions as we hop out of the taxi after the short ride from the airport? The sleek steel-and-glass building is perfectly integrated into the striking contemporary City Island ensemble which forms a self-contained (and self-sustaining) mini-city unto itself. The precinct is buzzing with life, and there’s plenty of greenery to complement the clean, direct lines of the architecture.

Step inside the lobby and we immediately have the feeling we’ve entered the focal point of the hotel – this is where life happens. There are no borders between reception, bar and restaurant; it’s all one space, and it’s a space that invites you to stay.

The atmosphere hits the right mix of vibrant and calm; people are chatting over drinks, working on their laptops or sharing nibbles. The miniature olive trees – thriving in all the natural light – lend the room a Mediterranean feel. (And is that a hint of lavender in the air?) The colourful mix-and-match furniture offers a quirky contrast to the clean contemporary lines and creates a hospitable, homey vibe.

We're intrigued by the contemporary artwork on the walls, and later learn that they're by renowned Croatian artist Damir Sobota. Abstract and geometric, with what feels like a very measured use of colour, the works draw us in with their sense of structure and harmony, complementing the hotel's modern, sophisticated atmosphere. 

After a fast and friendly check-in, we’re almost tempted to sink into one of the couches with a drink and some of those yummy-looking antipasti. But after some deliberation, we decide to check out the rooms instead.

Entering our room, we’re immediately struck by the daylight flooding in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, and the leafy view outside. The design is signature Pullman minimalism – just the right blend of sleek and cosy. Everything’s in muted, earthy colours, complemented by just a few flourishes of deep turquoise.

Rich wood floors, dark timber fittings and fluffy rugs add a feeling of warmth. The whole impression is beautifully uncluttered – and you won’t be cluttering your room with your luggage either. Even the smallest rooms start at 26 square metres, so there’s plenty of space for any souvenirs you might pick up during your stay.

We love the comfy armchair (complete with matching ottoman), and that there’s plenty of space to catch up on work – with all the fast connectivity we need. The stylish in-room wash basin adds to the sense of space, and the rain shower makes for a wonderfully refreshing start to the day! After an evening workout in the high-tech gym and a cleansing session in the sauna, sinking into the cloud-like Pullman bed with its feathery quilt is absolute bliss.

Feel like splashing out? The spectacular Pullman suites offer you almost endless space and a host of extra perks.

Heading down for breakfast, we’re greeted by the aromas of freshly ground coffee and just-out-of-the-oven bread, and sunlight streaming in through the full-length windows. The generous buffet is laden with hot and cold delights: the chef prepares eggs to order, and there’s a fabulous selection of cheeses and cold meats – all from local Croatian producers. The pastries are irresistible, and there's a tempting array of cereals, fresh fruit and more. Guests with allergies are also fully catered to.

The lobby, bar and restaurant all flow seamlessly into one another, and the Mediterranean shared-plate concept at Tanto reflects the fluid philosophy. Just a drink? Sure! Maybe a light bite? Why not! A full meal? Of course!

The potted olive trees and other plants enhance the Mare Nostrum vibe – the striking white light fittings evoke clouds over the Adriatic. Chef Branko Galic’s menu lives up to the restaurant's name (Italian for "much"), blending culinary influences from around the Mediterranean, with all the ingredients coming from small producers along Croatia’s sun-drenched coastline and fertile hinterlands.

After endeavouring not to fill up on the more-ish antipasti, we order the Istrian fuži pasta, with a superb truffle sauce, and the prawn pappardelle, with tomato and just a tangy hint of lemon. For mains we opt for the pork tenderloin – Chef Branko’s recommendation – beautifully flavoured with rosemary and thyme, and the melt-in-your-mouth Dalmatian-style sea bass fillet.

A light white Graševina from the wine list is the ideal accompaniment; there’s a curated selection of local and international drops. Croatia’s spirits are also legendary – a Šljivovica or a Travarica (enjoyed in moderation of course) perfectly rounds off any meal. And this was one to remember.

Tanto is also a social hub for the whole of City Island: there are regular business lunches, DJ sets, live music and barbecue evenings on the airy terrace.

A short bus ride whisks us into the centre of the city, and we’re immediately embraced by Zagreb’s charms. We’re struck by the elegant Habsburg-era buildings, the green spaces and the vibrant street life. We start out at expansive Ban Josip Jelačić Square, before heading for the bustling open-air Dolac market. Chewy Kulen sausage from Slavonia, sheep’s milk cheese from the island of Pag, olives from Dalmatia… The array of local gastronomic delights to sample is almost overwhelming – we more than filled our picnic basket!

You can walk, but a much more fun way to get to the upper town of Zagreb is to hop aboard what’s reputedly the world’s shortest funicular. (But don’t get too comfortable – the ride takes just over a minute.) At the centre of the upper town’s delightful labyrinth of streets is St. Mark’s Square with its namesake church – you can’t miss the distinctive tiled coats of arms on its roof. Now you’re in the very heart of Croatia: the national parliament overlooks the square.

Don’t be surprised if you hear a loud explosion in the middle of the day – the Grič cannon is fired from Lotrščak Tower every day to let the locals know it’s noon. The view from the top of the tower is breathtaking!

Zagreb is blessed with a few museums that must be up there among the world’s oddest: our schedule didn’t give us time for those devoted to mushrooms or hangovers (yes, really!), but we’ll never forget the Museum of Broken Relationships! The striking contemporary building of the Museum of Contemporary Art houses a fantastic collection of multimedia works.

Zagreb’s nightlife hotspot is easy to find: most of it’s concentrated along Tkalčićeva street, which is lined with bars, cafes and restaurants. Nearby Opatovina is a little quieter – we loved the vibe, the artisanal brews and the (fake) deer’s head on the wall at the Craft Room, as well as the tiny, aptly named Tolkien’s House.

• Discerning travellers on business in City Island
• Lovers of Pullman’s signature style and contemporary comfort
• Short-stay visitors who want a base with more personality than an airport hotel
• Anyone who wants their hotel to be an experience, not just a place to sleep 
• Modern voyagers mixing business and pleasure in Zagreb

1. Zagreb’s small-city charm, vibrancy and authenticity.
2. The hotel's singular blend of high-tech design and Croatian warmth.
3. The delectable Mediterranean plates and generous vibe at Tanto.
4.  Pullman’s contemporary, stylish and welcoming rooms.
5. The great location in City Island, right between the airport and the city.

Buzinski Krci 3A,
Buzin, Zagreb,
10010 ZAGREB
Croatia