General Manager of the Esplanade Ivica Max Krizmanić had the special honour of attending the event and accepting the prestigious award presented to him by Jérôme Chapman, Director of the Références Hôteliers Restaurateurs publication.

'I am proud of our Zagreb beauty – an icon of style, elegance, and glamour. Even as early as 1925, the Esplanade easily attracted the travellers of the renowned Orient Express with its luxurious interior, impressive architecture and modern amenities. Today, on a foundation of traditionally exceptional service, timeless charm and elegance, and cultural and historical significance, the hotel continues to enchant guests coming to Zagreb every day. This award proves once again that we are at the very forefront of not only the European, but also the global scene of exquisite hotels well known for their splendid history, which is what makes the Esplanade so unique. The Historic Hotel of the Year is a great honour. I congratulate the whole team of the hotel on the valuable years behind us.' These are the words of Ivica Max Krizmanić, whose recent personal contribution to the Esplanade hotel business was awarded with another prestigious international award – the Five Star Diamond Award for excellent hotel management, while the oldest gourmet association in the world, Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, presented him with an honorary member in Croatia sash during a recent inaugural ceremony.