Marriott Bonvoy Hotels in Zagreb, Croatia
 

I'm going to be in Zagreb for a short stop through while on vacation soon and was looking at the Westin or Sheraton for the night. Usually I like Westins (love the beds) over Sheratons but seems like the Sheraton has more bells at this location...

However the Sheraton doesn't seem to have the Sweet Sleeper bed, but a smart room instead....

Any thoughts???

Westin or Sheraton in ZAG ?
 

Hi,

I'm from Zagreb and I can recommend You Westin (formerly Intercontinental Zagreb, than Opera). Much better location (city center 5 mins walk) so You will not need use of cabs, trams etc., while Sheraton is little off the city center. Also there is a huge parking place in front of Westin but You'll have to use garage in Sheraton.

Westin is across National Gallery, with lots of parks around and the National library and Opera is nearby.

I've stayed at the Sheraton Zagreb. I had a suite, which was nice enough although a bit boring. The front desk had a problem locating the reservation and took nearly an hour checking me in, but they eventually credited me some points for the inconvenience. It was easy enough to walk to town. I'd stay again.

I have stayed a few times at the Sheraton Zagreb. Nice enough hotel, easy walk in to town, parking is a rip off so beware if you bring a car. The rooms are a bit small and have a new Sheraton type decor. Service is pretty good for Zagreb. I think this is one of the better options in Zagreb overall. Let me know if you have more specific questions.

Westin Zagreb
 

I stayed at the Westin Zagreb last September. Rooms are as nice as a US Westin to me. Good bathrooms. Easy walking distance to city center/entertainment. I'd stay there again.

Pretty nice, centrally located and a steal for a reward stay!

Of the three SPG properties in Zagreb, I think the Sheraton is the nicest/newest. The Westin was built in the 70s or 80s (high rise concrete) as the Intercontinental and then became the Opera (independant) and then the Westin. The Sheraton was built in the 90s (as the Sheraton--lots of glass) and is closer to downtown than the Westin (although not by much)--maybe a ten minute walk to the main square. The FourPoints is also a converted communist-era high rise motel--never stayed there but it doesn't look to hot from the website. It really depends on what you want to see in Zagreb or what your purpose for visiting is. If it's tourism, the old town and zoo are closer to the Sheraton (although the Westin has good tram connections) and the Westin is closer to the main museums. The Four Points is a bit further out than the Westin.

By the way, Le Meridien is refurbishing a resort property on the Croatian coast a few miles south of Split (the old hotel Lav which was used to house refugees during the civil war). From the looks of things, it should be ready for next summer. That and the Hilton will be the only major chain properties in the Croatiain coast except for some Riu properties on the Island of Brac. But there are a number of smaller properties that are perfectly nice on most islands and in major tourist cities. Most tourists rent rooms from the local tourist bureau.

Back from Croatia
 

I have returned from my trip to Croatia and just wanted to share a few thoughts on the Westin Zagreb.

The hotel is very comparable to any other Westin I've stayed at in North America, which is impressive. It seems that there is more staff around and they are more attentive / courteous, probably due to the fact that labor costs are lower (allowing for more employees) and the country as a whole is trying to emerge onto the global / European stage. Our room was extremely clean, recently renovated and was interchangeable with any newish Westin. In fact, I've rarely seen such good water pressure and hot water temperature and pressure.
The pool / spa area is very nice and well kept, however brings about my only major complaint: THE WESTIN ZAGREB DOES NOT PROVIDE FREE TOWELS AT POOLSIDE. This was extremely surprising and arises due to the fact that the indoor pool area is part of the spa facility which appears to be run by a 3rd party. We were told it would cost 15 Kn (approx C$3) to "rent" a towel at the pool, which seems completely unreasonable given that we were guests of the hotel and given that even the most basic hotel w/ pool provides poolside towels for guests. We were also told that it would cost 100 Kn (C$20) to use the sauna, which again seems extremely unreasonable. Hopefully someone reads this and can follow-up, as it not really representative the Starwood brand.
In general, I would strongly recommend this hotel, esp w/ free nights at 4,000 SPG points, a great steal. Just remember, bring your room towel down to the pool!

If this is fully accurate, you had every right to be upset. This is the sort of thing that simply shouldn't exist with global lodging brands. One of the very tangible benefits of chosing a Westin or a Sheraton (or a Marriott or Hilton) is a comfort level and the benefit of "no surprise."

Just like having shampoo in every room and heavenly beds in place, surely every Westin Hotel in the world should supply pool towels to guests with no added cost.

Well seven months on and it is still same situation. You can use the pool, but there are charges for sauna and towels. That said I used the gym (which wan't too bad) and it was alright. Only problem was they had some classes at 5:30 and 7 so I had to workout around them.

The hotel, as Canuck999 reports is very nice indeed. My only comment was the A/C didn't work too well. Eventually found the windows opened and that cooled off the room much better.

Great location and the 17 tram took me straight to the client's office. You can walk to the main square in 10-15 minutes, or you can take a tram (both would take about the same time).

Oh one thing: The rooms have WiFi, but you pay for it (can't remembe the rate, but pricey). Howver you can use the wired internet for a reasonably 50 Kuna (about £4 GBP, $8) for the week. If you want wifi, you can then just bring a small wireless travel router and you're all setup!

Really enjoyed my stay and would recommend it.

One night stay at the Westin recently. Upgraded to a nice 1 bedroom suite on the 12th floor, with a glorious view out over the city to the mountain behind. Room was in good condition with the Heavenly Bed in full summer mode (i.e. only one duvet). Decor a little bland but pleasant enough. Didn't try any of the restaurants or the bar.

Staff were friendly but a little rough around the edges i.e. laughing and joking amongst themselves while serving guests. Good location, though it is a 10 mins walk to the nightlife. Nice city too, pleasingly unspoilt by English stag parties or the Ryanair crowd.

We're staying at the Westin Zagreb in about a week -- finally picked the Westin over the Sheraton because of some comments that the Westin is closer to tourist sights.
I emailed the hotel asking for directions between the train station and the hotel and haven't heard back.
We are planning to take tram #6 to Jelacic Square, but can anyone help with directions from Jelacic Square to the Westin? (I found pictures of Jelacic Square online and didn't see the Westin in any of them, but I read elsewhere that the Westin is supposed to be very close to Jelacic Square.)
Any help would be appreciated -- let's just say we haven't exactly had much time to plan this trip, so I'm reaching the panic stage! :eek:

The #6 tram does indeed go from the train station to the cental square, but you need the #2, the #4 or the #9 two stops to the Westin (the stop is Vodnikova). Same side of the tracks/direction as for the #6 (i.e. going towards the Regent). You could also take the #13 first up to Jelacic Square and then back down to Vodnikova but that's longer. Try this link for a map of the tram routes. It's a little bit cheaper to buy your tickets at a kiosk before you board but the driver also sells tickets. If you take the #13 the stop is directly in front of the hotel. If you take the 2, 4 or 9, walk 10 yards/meters to the corner (same direction as you were going in the tram), cross the street and the hotel will be right there to your right.

from The Westin Zagreb...
 

“First of all please accept our deepest apologies for not answering to your eMail. We have tried to track your eMail down however have not been able to place it at the hotel. Would you kindly advise which eMail address you sent it to, so we may investigate further?

As far as getting from the Train Station to the Westin Zagreb, please take Tram #2 or #4 about two stops to Vodnikova. It will leave you at the corner of the Westin. The Tram Tickets costs 6 HKN per person. You will not miss the hotel as it is the tallest building in the area and also has the Westin sign on it. If you prefer, you may take a taxi from the Train Station to the hotel at the approximate cost of HKN 50, one way. Should you have further inquiries, you may forward an eMail to [email protected] .

Thanks & Regards,

The Hotel Management. “

I stayed at the sheraton and found it be a fairly nice business traveller style hotel.

We had a great stay at the Westin Zagreb. It is very conveniently located to the train station, to tram lines to Jelacic Square, and a tobacco cart in front of the hotel (as well as the shop in the hotel) sell tram tickets. The staff was friendly and helpful. The room was very clean, and standard Westin. When you take into account the cash and points rate, I can't imagine you could find a better deal.

Zagreb Croatia
 

Any suggestions on which Starwood property in Zagreb is closest to all of attractions?

Also looking at the room descriptions of the Westin and Sheraton they have rooms with two twin beds or single queen or king beds. Does anyone know if any of these rooms can hold 3 people (with a roll away bed)?

Thanks!

I think they are both equally distant from downtown, but on opposite sides.

I stayed in both properties, and I would probably avoid them. From what I remember, the room in the Westin (former InterContinental) was very small (and there were some leftovers from the previous occupant), whereas the Sheraton one might have been a bit bigger, but the hotel seemed to worn down.

If you are looking for a good hotel in Zagreb, I would suggest going for the Regent Esplanade.

One night in Zagreb
 

I have read the reviews and between the Sheraton and Westin is seems to be a toss up although the Westin seems a little better for my liking (and Plat friendly). The Sheraton I read the parking fee was ridiculous. Although it didn't say how much. A couple questions:

1. I didn't see much on the Four Points other than it was "older". Any reports of late? It is a cat 2 compared to the others are cat 3 and I'll only be there one night when I get there, and one night on the return. I can easily spend 7K points, but if it is a reasonable place I'm happy only spending 4K.

2. I am renting a car. I read Sheraton's parking was high, how much is the parking at the Sheraton, Westin, and the Four Points?

Thanks

the 4 points is not a city centre location .,otherwise i have no information
stayed at both the westin and the sheraton last week, location more or less similar .
westin> much newer rooms, better upgrade for plat,junior suite which they call guest office , free internet , hotel parking approx 10 eur outside, 15 eur garage per night . great view
sheraton/ if u want a suite u have to fight for it, got one only after complaining,, oldish furniture in the rooms , very nice and modern gym, good breakfast , garage only at approx 15 eur per night

Zagreb, Croatia
 

Searching this forum, I did not find any current information on the Sheraton or Westin in Zagreb. Trip advisor had current information however, gave both these properties a poor rating. I will be spending two nights in September in this city and can't deceide between the two of them .The Sheration list they have a "Club Floor and Lounge" .
Does anyone have recent experience on which hotel will treat "platinums" better?

Zagreb Croatia: Sheraton or Westin
 

I'm in Zagreb late March for a few days. Trying to decide on which property. No posts listed under Master Thread. Sheraton does not seem to have any or many N/S rooms, but location looks good, and has Lounge. Westin seems newer, but away from city centre... only 7K if I decide on awards (especially if there is 50% award offer!)

I have only stayed at Westin.
The location was not bad, and took only comfortable 10 minutes walk to the center of the city.
Since I stayed just one night, I did not remember well, but got upgrade to 1BR suite. The suite was nothing special, but decent with good view of the city.

Westin
 

I had the same experience at the Westin in September. I believe the location at the Westin is better then the Sheraton.

Thanks to the administrator for linking my question to the Master Thread... and thanks for the recent updates!

Sheraton
 

We spent a night at the Sheraton Zagreb in July because we were traveling with friends who wanted a pool for their children and I gather the Westin doesn´t have one. They were very disappointed after paying for the club floor to realize there was no club!

Our room on the 6th floor was fine - fairly large, but very hot as the ac didn´t really work (but that´s no different than almost every european SPG we´ve stayed in this summer - about 20 of them).

The check-in clerk just gave us a blank look when we asked about my husband´s plat amenity - but SPG did give us the 500 points later when we asked for them.

The health club was actually pretty good.

Finally, there is a little italian restaurant down the street that´s a good choice of place for something casual. They were very good with our friends´children.

It appears these hotels are on opposite sides of the city? I'm guessing this would make it annoying for a 2-night stay to switch hotels to get 2 stay credits?

- Which is closer to bars/nightlife/new years eve activities
- Which is easier from the train station if arriving later evening Dec 31

Westin or Sheraton in Zagreb?
 

I will be visiting Zagreb for the first time in late January/early February. I will be staying at the Palace as part of my package cruise, but am planning to spend a bit of time before and/or after on my own. Reading thru the thread, I couldn't really figure out which was better for me? I do like having a lounge (but find many not open on weekends anyways) and I enjoy a nice bathroom and a good gym. Would like to be easily accessible to public transporation and/or good walking proximities to places. Since it is my first time, I would want to sight-see and shop, try to soak in Croatian life a bit. And knowing who treats Platinums well also a plus! Thanks in advance!

Anymore insight to these two properties? I take it that neither one has a lounge but does one offer a better experience to Platinum's versus the other? Also as I will be there on the weekend, which is better for a tourist?

Thanks!

Bump!

Andy more details on the properties, esp. the Westin?

Westin Zagreb
 

We had a mixed experience at the Zagreb Westin.

The front desk folks were cold nearly to the point of rudeness.

Also, we asked for wine as our Plat amenity and instead of a bottle of wine we were brought three photo copies of our amenity request tick-off card. :confused: It took a visit to the (still coldly-staffed) front desk to get that sorted.

But the 7th floor suite, while utilitarian, was at least a suite! That said, as a poster above complains, the AC never really got the room cool.

The location of the hotel is ok but not terrific. Medium walks to the train station and to the main square.

Room service prices were VERY reasonable!

The best part of the stay was the view.

http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/x...IMG_0574-1.jpg
It's a very ugly building.

http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/x...IMG_0715-1.jpg
http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/x...IMG_0713-1.jpg
http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/x...IMG_0714-1.jpg
A decent suite.

http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/x...IMG_0576-1.jpg
But it has a great view!

Westin and Sheraton are OK
 

While the Sheraton is newer, the Westin (ex Intercontinental) is renovated. Both have a parking garage, the Westin also has outside parking spaces in front. Both are centrally located (15 min. walk from main square Trg Bana Jelacica) and both have unspectacular restaurants. If you want to eat at the hotel: Food is much better at the Westin. However there are plenty of nice restaurants in the center of Zagreb. I recommend the Vinodol for typical Croatian food and wine.
For Platinum upgrades, they have some "real" suites at the Sheraton. At the Westin, they have their guest office rooms, which are very nice Junior Suites as you can see in the pictures above. Both hotels have smallish standard rooms.
Neither has a lounge. The 4th floor in the Sheraton, sometimes referred to as Club Floor, has larger rooms and some suites.
Higher floors at the Westin have nice views, since it is one of the taller buildings in Zagreb. At Sheraton, no view.

I would definately go with the Westin. Rooms are at least pretty much up to date. Sheraton really, really needs a renovation!

The first time I stayed at the Westin a couple of years ago I was only Gold, but a chilled bottle of white wine and a snack platter was waiting in my room anyway. Very nice!

Locationwise, I am not sure which one is best - Westin have prettier surroundings, but the Sheraton area feels more livelier (bars, restaurants).

I would go with the Westin either way.

The view of the FT bag tag did it for me! :D:

I had a very warm greeting at the Westin last fall, I'm guessing they are not terribly consistent. The location is not great, unless you have a car (I did) but the prices are cheap and the suite was a nice upgrade. We had both a nice fruit tray and a nice bottle of white wine. The restaurant also had fresh truffles, always a treat for us.:D:

We were in both in late 2009. We arrived at the Westin on a day when the hot water wasn't working-- a deal-breaker for us, especially after the long trip from KS. When they finally admitted nothing could be fixed immediately, we asked to be moved to the Sheraton. They agreed and handled it very smoothly, even to the extent of paying for the taxi between the two. So, we hit it on a good service day. We came back to it after 4 days in Dubrovnik.

The Westin has coffee-makers in the rooms but the Sheraton is in a slightly better area as far as finding something to eat. Still, when we had an attack of jet lag at midnight the first night and ordered hamburgers from room service at the Sheraton because nothing around was open, they were delicious.

We don't have status with Starwood but would stay at either again. Their response to the hot water problem was better than we'd get at some places in the US.

Can anyone please confirm that the Sheraton has a pool, but the Westin does not?

Is the fitness center at the Sheraton generally considered better than the Westin's?

It sounds like there's better food options surrounding the Sheraton, even if the food at the Westin itself may be better than at the Sheraton itself. Can anyone who's been recently confirm?

Cash and points are available at both hotels for our dates, so cost is a wash. Thanks very much.

Westin has a pool, Sheraton does not.

I'm looking at the website for Sheraton (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sherat...propertyID=316), and it's showing me a picture of a pool. It also lists under Recreation and Entertainment: "Indoor Heated Pool."

That's kind of obnoxious if that's incorrect. You're sure?

I did not notice a pool at the Sheraton. The Westin indeed has a pool- it is also discussed in this very thread. I am not sure.

Okay, thanks. So maybe the pool thing is a wash :) too. Decisions, decisions.