While not the force it once was, it is still difficult to talk about hotels in Belgrade without mentioning its most celebrated. Hotel Moskva is one of the most photographed buildings in the city after all. Located in the centre of town on Terazije, the building itself is one of the most impressive pieces of architecture in the city. It is one of the oldest hotels in Belgrade (it opened in 1908), and is still one of the most popular bookings in the Serbian capital.
Hotel Metropol Palace sounds like it may well be the home of luxury, and this five-star spot isn’t inaccurately named. The Palace is situated next to Tašmajdan Park, home to Belgrade’s arguably prettiest church (St. Mark’s Church) and just a short walk from the epicentre of the city. The building was originally intended to be the largest congress centre in the Balkans, and it took the will and determination of more than 15,000 young Pioneers to build it. Tito often brought in the new year in this most decadent of locations.
There is something different about Square Nine Hotel. This is a unique building right in the heart of the city, but that uniqueness is not in any way forced or contrived, and the hotel itself is the type of place that makes the difference between a good time and the best time. Square Nine is a truly world-class hotel in Belgrade, complete with its own spa and wellness centre, and the view from the terrace is truly astounding.
Belgrade isn’t exactly overflowing with boutique hotels, but the ones it does have ticks every box available. Townhouse 27 is right at the front of the boutique revolution, with an ideal city centre location to boot. The works of Belgrade sculptor Gabriel Glid are liberally placed around the hotel, adding an extra layer of class to an already impressive state of affairs.
Knez Mihailova is Belgrade’s most famous street, the thoroughfare on which all strands of the capital’s society go in order to be seen, and any decent hotel on the street is absolutely worth checking out. It helps that Belgrade Art Hotel is far better than ‘decent’ in that case, and the ‘art’ in the name is more than just gimmickry.
‘Enter as a guest, leave like a saint’. While Saint Ten Hotel isn’t actually going to lead to you being canonised by the Pope, the comfort on offer is as heavenly as you’re going to find in Belgrade. The hotel is located in Vračar, Belgrade’s smallest neighbourhood but one of its most popular, where the cosy streets are filled with some of the best cafes in the city. The Church of Saint Sava is just a stone’s throw away too, although please don’t start throwing stones at Belgrade’s most spiritual spot.
The name of the man who invented the 20th century can’t be taken lightly, and Hotel Tesla has done all it can to live up to its hugely influential namesake. The genius behind alternating current, remote control, wireless and more is everywhere here, and the hotel does its part when it comes to innovation and creativity. This is the 21st century, but old fashioned Serbian hospitality is out in force here as well.
Another luxury option in the centre of Belgrade, Envoy Hotel goes to great lengths to ensure a most comfortable stay in the Serbian capital. Kalemegdan, Republic Square, and Knez Mihailova are all within minutes of walking from this classy option. It has its own private parking space, which may be less enticing than the sauna and spa but is no less important to the would-be visitor.
Hotel Mint Garni’s location might not be perfect, but the four-star hotel more than makes up for this with its offers. That includes one of the best hotel restaurants in the city, along with a number of tours that can really enhance a visitor’s Belgrade experience. Dogs are also welcome here, a policy that remains strangely unusual in modern Belgrade.
Despite being Belgrade’s ‘Bohemian’ Quarter and one of the busiest streets when it comes to number of visitors, Skadarlija remains surprisingly low on accommodation options. Le Petit Piaf would likely stand out regardless, however, and this family-run hotel seemingly has no intention of letting its notoriously high standards drop. If you’re thinking of staying in the belly of Belgrade’s Bohemian district, look no further.