The Grande Dame of Belgrade
THE GRANDE DAME RETURNS TO BELGRADE
LOCATION
Conjure up an image of Belgrade during its urban heyday, and you will likely picture the building frenzy wrought by the Belgrade Waterfront. Yet, Belgrade first experienced its urban zenith back in the 19th century, thanks to the Prince of Serbia, Miloš Obrenovič, who designated the area of today’s Belgrade Waterfront as the future commerce hub of the capital. A key role in its development was the advent of the railway at the turn of the century, which rendered this quarter into a bustling economic hub. By 1907, the centrepiece was inaugurated: the palace of the Belgrade Cooperative, a monumental building envisaged by architects Andra Stevanović and Nikola Nestorović, who took inspiration from the World Expo in Paris. It was Nestorović who was assigned the task of erecting another architectural marvel on the neighbouring rhomboid-shaped plot.
Here lies Belgrade, where past and present convene in harmony.
That was the advent of Hotel Bristol, opened in 1912 as the archetype of Serbian Secession architecture. The iconic building, designed in the late stage of the Belgrade Secession movement, was an architectural, urbanistic and building wonder of its time. Overlooking the Sava River and within the immediate vicinity of the train crossroads, the hotel became a paragon of economic might, progress and architectural vision of Belgrade. Even today, after an extensive rehaul, the hotel shines with a weathered (but refreshed patina) and unmistakable identity. Its strategic location, adjacent to the Sava River, right in between the new Belgrade Waterfront and the historical city centre, allows business and leisure guests alike to wander to the landmarks with ease. Its facade remains a vestige of bygone times, while its interior heralds modern refinement and ease of living. Here lies Belgrade, where past and present convene in harmony.

ACCESSIBILITY
Unless Belgrade hosts a global event or political summit, driving from Nikola Tesla Airport to The Bristol takes no more than twenty minutes. The airport is undergoing a massive renovation that will bring even more direct flights. Belgrade Airport will thus become the most accessible regional airport. Guests arriving by car can enjoy valet parking. The friendly staff will park your vehicle for 50 EUR per day at a nearby parking lot. The location of the hotel next to the Sava River beckons guests to saunter the city’s novel waterfront or venture into the old city centre on foot. Active guests will cherish the location at the intersection of old and new. Cyclists arriving in Belgrade should keep in mind that the cycling infrastructure does not live up to European standards. Taxi services, on the other hand, function flawlessly thanks to reasonable prices, copious drivers, and reliable service. Although Uber has not (yet) made a play to occupy the streets of the Serbian capital, local apps, including CarGo, are extremely popular. Public transport is improving, but remains unintuitive and difficult to navigate for foreign visitors. The closest bus station might be a few steps from the hotel, but most visitors will prefer to opt for a taxi as a safe and swift way to get around town.

COLD STARTER – Architecture and aesthetics
THE Bristol is an ode to Secession, now refreshed with a refined neoclassical style that is in step with time.
A close look at the revamped facade reveals Secession motifs in the form of female figures with roses made from artificial stone that adorn the main facade. It is also embellished by male faces crowning the balconies on the third floor, just below female heads with roses and necklaces above the windows. A slew of sculptors and artists carefully restored the works of renowned sculptor Franjo Valdman. Their painstaking work is a testament to the importance of the building that is the pinnacle of Secession-style decorativism in Belgrade. The building was deservedly named a cultural monument in 1987. If the exterior is impressive, the interior takes it a step further. Guests with an eye for detail will catch sight of renovated arches in the lobby and modern furniture and illumination elements that reinterpret the Secession heritage. Walking down the monumental staircase is a must. The hotel is a best practice case of reviving decorative elements and paying homage to authentic hotel stories.
The library holds a special place within the hotel. The intimate saloon with an opulent fireplace, artworks and a collection of books prompts a relaxed dialogue between the past and present. Guests can partake in the hotel’s Afternoon Tea Experience in this one-off space. Having sipped on the refreshing tea, you can head down the hotel corridors where you can explore paintings of famous figures that stayed in Hotel Bristol over the years, from artists, diplomats, to politicians and cultural figures. This way, the hotel not only serves as an architectural, but a historical map of who is who in Belgrade. Heritage was at the forefront of the holistic renovation. The facade has retained its monumental feel from the start of the 20th century, whilst the interior couples timeless elegance with unique artworks. The Bristol is an ode to Secession, now refreshed with a refined neoclassical style that is in step with time.

WARM ENTRÉE – The staff and the culinary experience
Being served a chilled, handpicked glass of the best rakia from the forgotten trolley bar that was once a quintessential element of grand hotel bars is an unforgettable experience.
As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by wide grins from neatly uniformed staff members, who ensured our check-in was pleasant and quick thanks to their professionalism and discretion. The welcome was sincere and spontaneous. We must laud the chemistry within the team; it seems the hotel works like a well-oiled machine. Although the team is young, they do not lack experience, as evinced by their reliable, yet never intrusive presence. Even though Ivan Britka had left his post as Executive Chef at the hotel before our stay, his legacy echoed through the menu. The gastronomy of Bristol’s restaurant is a modern interpretation of French flavours and techniques with an emphasis on local flavours. Here, ajvar, kajmark, and roasted red peppers are more than your average side dish, but transform into integral ingredients of haute cuisine that combine into a harmony of flavours. We savoured dishes that were carefully crafted, aesthetically pleasing and, above all, tasteful. The chef’s signature still lingers on through the details on each plate. Yet, what keeps guests returning is the fantastic taste.
In parallel with the gastronomic wonders emerging from the kitchen, signature drinks are dished out from the bar in regular intervals. The offering was crafted by famed food and drink connoisseur Nikola Vajagić, who created a tailored cocktail menu dubbed The Time Machine. Its ten signature cocktails tell the stories of famed guests who stayed at the hotel, from David Rockefeller to writer Momo Kapor. Being served a chilled, handpicked glass of the best rakia from the forgotten trolley bar that was once a quintessential element of grand hotel bars is an unforgettable experience.
The breakfast was served in a cavernous, light-filled space with bright tones. The buffet part of the breakfast included a selection of seasonal dishes, which was enriched by the à la carte menu. The service was attentive, yet without invading guests’ privacy. All staff members oozed tact that befits true professionals – they cater to every guest’s need. That is essential in the hotel industry, where the morning (or breakfast) experience sets the mood for the day. We must praise the connection with the locale. Belgrade’s urban pulse throbs in the ground-floor cafe that has become a favoured spot for business meetings, afternoon tea, or simply admiring Belgrade through the vast panoramic glass surfaces.

MAIN COURSE – The meetings offering at the hotel
Hotel rooms
A bouquet of fresh white lilies was the perfect welcome as we set foot into a truly spacious suite with an impressively high ceiling. This designer room combines Neoclassical and Secession styles. The walls in warm cappuccino hues are embellished with elegant, decorative wooden beams. Stucco elements act as a border between the whiteness of the ceiling and the warm colour of the walls. This layout is ideal for handpicked artworks and graphics that depict Belgrade’s history. We were most impressed by the miniature works by the first-name-only author (by the name of Saša), who paid homage to his city through his work.
The quality carpet exudes a sense of exclusivity as you walk around the room. The flooring contrasts with the furniture, which is a play on Secession elements made from oakwood and natural stone. In the bedroom, a snow-white closet with a large mirror with Secession details sits in front of a massive bed with a plush, beige headboard. The bed lining is outstanding and befits the style of the room. Likewise, the bathroom is flawless with heated flooring, lavish marble flooring and excellent cosmetics from Aesop. We were well impressed by the lighting, especially the ceiling light that could be managed digitally and intuitively. The entire space appears as a balanced entity that meets the expectations for a five-star hotel. The contents of the minibar, holding a variety of soft drinks and the local beer brand Kabinet, are complimentary. Your morning will be perfect thanks to Ayurveda tea. Lovers of morning coffee can indulge in a broad selection of Lavazza coffee. Adding a touch of local Belgrade authenticity is the book “The Magic of Belgrade” from one of the most renowned Serbian authors, Momo Kapor.
Meetings centre
The Bristol features three smaller meeting rooms, perfect for 8 to 14 attendees and boutique meetings. For larger gatherings, the hotel offers an adaptable multipurpose space that seats up to 100 attendees or the hotel atrium (Bašta). This boutique offering is complemented by the Belgrade Cooperative across the street. The mentioned icon is home to some of the most exclusive event spaces in Belgrade.


DESSERT – The extras
On the basement floor, guests can look forward to a pleasant surprise – an intimate and thought-out spa centre. The wellness area features subtle, dimmed light and natural materials. It exudes a sense of privacy that acts almost therapeutically. The essence of the spa experience is relaxing, detoxing and regenerating in the Finnish, Turkish and infrared saunas. Although the centre is not enormous, it has a compelling story. Guests can also book massages and other beauty treatments. Guests staying at Bristol can enjoy pampering from head to toe. The calming music and carefully selected details create an ambience that will transport you to a state of complete relaxation.

FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES
A hotel of this calibre cannot afford to have technical drawbacks. The chilly temperature in the room was unacceptable. The air conditioning should be intuitive, user-friendly and function flawlessly. That undoubtedly had an impact on the first impression we had of the room. They should address this issue promptly.
TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES
The first and last impressions are those that matter most in the hospitality industry. Luckily, Bristol Belgrade passed them with flying colours. Upon our departure, the amiable concierge surprised us with a water bottle “for the road”. This simple gesture of goodwill carried a strong message: this hotel thinks of its guests from the first moment to the last. Such actions do not require much effort, but instil a sense of trustworthiness that remains etched in memory. Such seemingly insignificant acts help distinguish good hotels from outstanding ones.
SUSTAINABLE ENDEAVOURS
The hotel’s sustainable activities include offering hotel cosmetics in soap dispensers, neatly wrapping accessories in paper bags and providing water in glass bottles. Except for the plastic water bottle “for the road”, we did not notice any plastic packaging. Still, Hotel Bristol does not call upon guests to act sustainably. Environment-conscious guests likely wish to know more about the hotel’s sustainable endeavours.

FINAL IMPRESSION AND CREDIBILITY
The charm of The Bristol Belgrade is hard to beat. It is mind-boggling to believe this building was vacant and forlorn for so long before they restored its lustre. This hotel is worthy of being called grand, not only in the Belgrade locale, but within the entire region, where similar hotels once mushroomed along the tracks of the Orient Express route (e.g. the Esplanade in Zagreb).
The facade renovation and novel interior design almost entirely live up to the expectations guests have of this historical hotel. The hotel blends charming elegance with a subtle, dramatic style typical of old grand hotels. The interior is opulent, refined and with a touch of traditional comfort, despite the omnipresent digitalisation and abundance of technology.
The real trump card of this hotel is the personnel who are professional, discreet and effective – virtually flawless. If only the air conditioning had worked as well, the entire experience would be perfect. Yet, sometimes, the technological edge can complicate the human factors. Hotel Bristol is indeed no classic meeting hotel, with limited event capacities, but it still represents a quintessential part of the city’s events offering. It caters to VIP guests and boutique executive events where every detail counts. The price may be higher, but it is reasonable due to numerous thoughtful details and surprises. Case in point: the complimentary drinks in the minibar, excellent cosmetics and much more that lie behind the doors of the rooms. The Bristol is a hotel that offers intimate luxury on the highest level and heralds a new, ambitious chapter in the development of Belgrade’s events industry.

FINAL GRADE: 4.98 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
CATEGORY | 5***** |
OPEN FROM | February 2025 |
MEETINGS STAR | City Meeting Hotel |
STANDARD | Hotel with conference facilities |
NUMBER OF ROOMS | 143 rooms and suites |
MEETING ROOMS | 4 meeting rooms + Bašta atrium |
TOTAL EVENT SPACE | 230 square metres |
MAX. CAPACITY THEATRE | 100 attendees |
INTERNET PRICE | 288 – 1329 EUR (single use) / Booking, July 2025 |
ADDRESS | The Bristol Belgrade Karađorđeva 50 Belgrade, Serbia T: +381 11 7888 700 E: reservations@thebristolbelgrade.com W: www.thebristolbelgrade.com |
FACILITIES | The Dining Room The Bristol Courtyard The Library Afternoon Tea Experience Spa & Wellness The Fitness Centre |
SPECIALS | The polished hotel atrium, dubbed Bašta in Serbian, wows guests with architectural sophistication, lush greenery and timeless elegance. The Bašta is the perfect venue for boutique events, private gatherings or exclusive receptions. Its spatial versatility enables event organisers to design their events in a myriad of arrangements. The ambience of this gem balances intimacy and sophistication. |

RESULTS | MARKS |
1. LOCATION | 5.00 |
2. ACCESSIBILITY | 4.98 |
3. FIRST IMPRESSION | 5.00 |
4. LOBBY | 5.00 |
5. EMPLOYEE ATTITUDE | 5.00 |
6. RECEPTION | 5.00 |
7. HOTEL ROOM | 4.98 |
8. HOTEL BED | 4.99 |
9. BATHROOM AND RESTROOM | 4.97 |
10. HOTEL BREAKFAST | 4.97 |
11. BARS AND RESTAURANTS | 4.96 |
12. CONGRESS HALL | 4.97 |
13. ADDITIONAL OFFER | 4.98 |
TOTAL: | 4.98 |
IMPORTANT: If you wish to know what the evaluation of 654 criteria entails and would like our hidden guest to evaluate your hotel, read more at www.meetings-star.eu or send an email to gorazd.cad@toleranca.eu.