Novotel Zagreb

The hotel is quite new, and both the lobby and our room were tidy. The help desk responded when we asked for things like tissues and tea bags. Staff were generally polite, though the local staff's English could be better. The staff from the Philippines, for example, spoke English smoothly and seemed a little keener to help. Getting there felt inconvenient unless you have a rental car. It's far from the city center, though parking is easy and free for hotel guests. No one greeted us when we arrived or offered to help with our bags from the car to the lobby. We had to wheel our suitcases to the front desk and ask. The staff only seemed to notice I might need help once they saw an old man struggling with the luggage. Breakfast in the lobby restaurant had limited options and average food. All in all, the experience was average.

The corridors carried a lot of noise into our room, and the walls between rooms seemed thin. Children were running up and down the hall as if it were a playground, which was disruptive. We tried calling reception, but the line was constantly engaged. Apart from that, this is a lovely newly built hotel. The tasteful decor and soft, bespoke furnishings make it feel both comfortable and luxurious. Better soundproofing and a reception line that's easier to reach would improve the stay.

I never got to stay here. I booked because the hotel listed an airport shuttle, which would have made its location workable for an early flight. When I called to confirm, I found out the 15-minute ride cost €45, so I cancelled.

The rooms are cozy and the staff are very helpful, but something needs to change for the rooms directly beneath the gym. After a long drive, we planned to sleep until 9:00. Instead, at 8:00 we were woken by extremely loud noise and vibrations overhead. Someone was dropping heavy weights on the floor during a workout. People should lower weights gently, but you can't expect every guest to know or do that. The hotel could improve the sound insulation significantly or stop assigning the rooms below the gym to guests.