February 25, 2022 - As the remote work revolution continues, meet the Zagreb hotel co-working space which is proving to be a huge hit with digital nomads - Canopy by Hilton. 

Have you ever been to a hotel that feels like it is a living part of the community?

A place where you pop in for a meeting and find a hive of activity from a wide cross-section of society?

A hotel which has the look and feel of a living room, rather than a 4-star hotel chain?

It is less than a year since I first visited Canopy by Hilton Zagreb in the Branimir Centre. We were on the hunt for some cool locations in the city to host Zagreb Digital Nomad Week 2021 - 7 themes, 7 locations, 7 days. A few people had told me that the vibe at Canopy was different, and that it might be a great choice for the opening day. 

And so it proved. 

June 21, 2021 was an historic day in the Zagreb digital nomad story, with the opening of Zagreb Digital Nomad Week, an opening attended by Zagreb Tourist Board CEO Martina Bienenfeld and State Secretary for Tourism and Sports, Sandra Herman, among others. Less than 4 months later, the Croatian capital had been named in the top 5 most-liked cities in the world for nomads in the influential 2021 Nomad List survey.

And so the digital nomad love affair with Canopy by Hilton began.

There was that very scary presentation on cybersecurity by Marko Rakar, which will not be quickly forgotten by anyone who attended. This took place in one of the several themed conference rooms in the hotel. A hotel which really does feel like home. 

And so when September's Zagreb Digital Nomad Ambassador, Dean Kuchel, wanted to host a community-building event, Canopy was his number one choice of venue. Over 50 nomads, locals, expats and wannabe nomads came to enjoy the Canopy hospitality and a great evening of fun. 

An enjoyable evening with friends in a large living room.  

But the thing that has really struck me was how many remote workers are drawn to Canopy as a great place to remote work. Four-star hotels are perhaps not the most obvious co-working spaces, but Canopy has managed to attract a growing chunk of the market. All six of our Zagreb Digital Nomad Ambassadors tried co-working at Canopy, and they all loved it, so much so that one of them, Anna Maria Kochanska, even organised a co-working day there. 

In addition to the facilities on offer within the hotel, the gym and restaurants at Branimir Centre were additional reasons to co-work there. 

But perhaps the biggest endorsement of Canopy by Hilton as a co-working space came yesterday, as I was working there with colleagues, and this young man came to say hi. 

Hermes Arriaga is a titan in the Croatian remote work scene. Originally from Mexico, Hermes co-founded the very first co-working space in Croatia, back in 2013. And Impact Hub has been a major player on the scene ever since. The pandemic has necessitated a change in business strategy, and Hermes is not on the lookout for a new space for Impact Hub. And as he searches, he has found a fantastic option for co-working.

"I love Canopy," he told me, and I have been coming since September and spend 2-7 hours a day working here, maybe 3 times a week. 

"It is different from any other co-working space in Zagreb in that it is public - or at least semi-public - and I find the ambiance really cool. And there are lots of interesting characters. It has a very international feel, with lots of foreigners, but also local students preparing for their tests. It has a really great atmosphere, and there is definitely a sense of community.

"Last week, there was an international start-up company here for a week, 7-8 of them with two local staff. The service is really good, and an espresso is not that much more than elsewhere. I really recommend it."

And I do too. A wonderful institution, and a great place to get a sense of the local community against the backdrop of a hotel stay. 

For more information about Canopy by Hilton Zagreb, visit the official website. 

For more news and features about digital nomads in Croatia, visit the dedicated TCN section.  

December 17, 2021 - Just a few minutes away from the festive Fuliranje location, Canopy by Hilton Zagreb is the best Advent weekend getaway. 

Winter weekends in Zagreb require a bit more than warm clothes - and choosing where you'll stay for a holiday requires you to think a bit harder about the perfect escape when those 0-degree temperatures come out to play. 

Fortunately, the Canopy by Hilton Zagreb offers all that and more, and I don't remember the last time I had such an enjoyable stay in the capital city. 

Canopy opened in late 2018 and is located just steps away from Zagreb's central rail station and the Branimir Centar shopping. Boasting 151 rooms and eight spacious suites, Canopy's interiors mix today's trends with Croatian culture. The neighborhood's industrial history is highlighted in its textiles and artwork, enhanced by retro Nikola Tesla paintings and standout images of Croatia's most recognized brands. 

And while the decor and overall city buzz through its walls are enough to bring me back, there are a few things that stole the show on my December trip to Zagreb. 

Service

I arrived at Canopy by Hilton on a chilled Zagreb evening, quickly shocking my Split bones. While I knew I didn't have much time to spend in my hotel room after checking in, I knew I wanted to snag whatever bit of comfort I could before braving the crisp air on the way to my next event. The check-in process could not have been more seamless, and the Kraš chocolate gift hit my sweet tooth just right while paying homage to the building's past and the industry that once flourished within its walls.

I also have to point out that Croatian-made products for purchase are displayed behind the check-in counter, showcasing some of Croatia's best designers! 

Eco-friendly

One of the things I was most excited to learn at check-in was that the 4th floor hosted the hotel's refillable water station, which certainly fed my obsessive water-drinking habit. It didn't help that my hotel room happened to be right around the corner. Better yet, the hotel doesn't expect you to keep your refillable water bottle from home handy - they provide a glass bottle in your room to refill at your convenience.

And should you need ice? They have it, too! 

Breakfast 

I don't know a single person who wouldn't be excited about a buffet breakfast, but in a country that is still learning its way around this morning meal, I also know not to expect too much. Canopy's buffet breakfast, however, pulled out all of the stops.

From wellness shots to freshly-blended smoothies, a selection of cold cuts and cheeses and fruit plates to eggs served scrambled and sunny-side up, sausages, sauteed veggies, stellar štrukli, and bread offer for everyone's palate - this breakfast spread transported me to the hotels I was used to visiting in America. 

Coffee pots were placed on every table, and should you prefer a latte instead? The attentive staff made sure your favorite hot drink was never far away. I could hardly wait to wake up in the morning!

Safety reminders 

Canopy by Hilton is taking the pandemic seriously, which is seen thanks to various reminders around the hotel.

Canopy also boasts the Safe Stay in Croatia label, confirming it adheres to the prescribed epidemiological measures. 

Location

And if you are going to Zagreb for Advent this year, the one location you won't want to miss is Fuliranje, located on the Esplanade hotel terrace. Just a 5-minute walk from the Canopy Hilton, Zagreb's best Advent location is within perfect reach, making those hazy mulled-wine walks home at night a breeze. 

Marko Lukunic/PIXSELL

Canopy Hilton has also become a hotbed for remote workers, with its cafe bar transforming into Zagreb's hippest coworking space no matter the time of day. They also hosted the 2021 Digital Nomad Week! 

A fantastic new addition to the capital, I'm not sure I'll be able to stay anywhere else. 

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated travel section.

June 15, 2021 - Zagreb Digital Nomad Week 2021 kicks off on June 21 with Day 1 dedicted to cybersecrity at Canapy by Hilton, a recent very funky addition to the Croatian capital's hotel scene. 

I paid my first visit to Canopy by Hilton in Zagreb a few weeks ago, a recently-opened hotel in the capital, and the third in the Hilton brand in the city. It was a hotel like no other I had been to in Croatia. More part of the community than a 4-star hotel. A very modern and funky feel. The perfect place to kick off Zagreb Digital Nomad Week 2021, I thought to myself. And I was delighted when the progrressive marketing team from Canopy by Hilton recognised the digital nomad opportunity for the city and offered to help by hosting that all-important first day. With such a great setting, and with Marko Rakar the keynote speaker on cybersecurity (you can read Marko's interview here), ZDNW should get off to a great start. 

In addition to the great organisation, I am very grateful to Nives Volarevic, Cluster Marketing Director for Hilton Hotels in Zagreb, for finding time for this pre-event interview.

1. I was on a day trip to Plitvice last week with an executive from Airbus who told me that she always stays in the funkiest hotel she can find in a city, and Canopy by Hilton was her Zagreb choice. It is certainly a little different from a traditional hotel concept. As it is a relatively new hotel in Zagreb, people may not be so aware. Tell us a little about theCanopy concept.

Canopy by Hilton is Hilton’s lifestyle hotel brand focused on the neighbourhood - local and authentic.

The hotel is situated in the heart of the Croatian capital, near the city’s main rail station and within the Branimir Centar shopping mall. Guests can grab a complimentary Canopy Bike and explore the many nearby attractions, where there are shops, restaurants, and nightlife in every direction. With more museums per capita than any city in the world, and with a vibrant art and theatre scene, Zagreb is a city of great culture with much to explore.

The hotel is home to 151 guestrooms, including eight spacious suites. The interiors of the rooms are inspired by the local neighbourhood, with local textiles and artwork featured throughout, and the signature canopy is inspired by Croatia’s national emblem. 

For breakfast, guests can start their day with an inclusive artisanal breakfast in Canopy Central or have a Canopy Breakfast Bag delivered to their door. Guests can savour authentic cuisine with fresh local ingredients at the ReUnion Restaurant, or small nibbles, bites and local spirits, wines and craft beers at Canopy Central Café and Bar. Each evening, the Canopy Central Bar hosts a complimentary tasting of local drinks and bites for hotel guests. 

For meetings and events, Zagreb is a great choice as it is superbly connected by its recently expanded airport which is just 20 minutes away from Canopy by Hilton Zagreb. The hotel has two meeting rooms which are ideal for smaller meetings and social events such as cocktail receptions. The hotel also has a spacious 24-hour fitness centre.

Canopy Enthusiasts (staff), or local experts, are available for guests looking for recommendations on the must-see landmarks in Zagreb – anywhere from restaurants to excursions.

2. Canopy by Hilton will be hosting the opening day of Zagreb Digital Nomad Week 2021. Tell us about your involvement, and why you decided to get involved.

We recognized the opportunity to get to know digital nomads better, their needs and desires, special requirements, but also to explore a new tourist niche in the market. Canopy by Hilton Zagreb with its atypical design, relaxed atmosphere, graffiti on the walls and local character is really made for digital nomads to absorb the local art and culture and get to know Zagreb and its residents. Also, there are some fantastic spots in the hotel to use as a working space; community table at our Canopy Central bar, social table at ReUnion restaurant. Business centre on 1st floor. And a Retreat room if they need some quite place to work or meet.

3. There is certainly a lot of buzz about Croatia and digital nomads, especially after the introduction of the 12-month permit. Are you seeing an increase in remote workers staying at your three Zagreb hotels? 

In the last year and a half we have noticed a larger number of guests who came to Zagreb for business, but due to covid measures spent more time in the rooms working. Many of them have recognized Zagreb as a destination that is well connected with European cities, provides quality and a not too expensive lifestyle and has a diverse offer of art and cultural content.

4. How does a hotel adjust its offer to meet this new tourist demand, and what concrete steps have you taken in this direction?

We are still just learning how the life of a digital nomad works, what are their needs and their expectations. We try to provide everything they expect but also a little bit more.... We know that working on a computer is often lonely so we assumed that hanging out with people with similar interests would be something that would be a good counterbalance. We are adapting to the new situation, we create our hotel offer according to their needs. At this point, the most important thing is to be flexible.

5. What are for you the biggest attractions of the city of Zagreb for potential digital nomads?

Except the well-known Zagreb attractions such as the Old Town or the Cathedral in Zagreb, there are many less-known places, parks, churches and curiosities.

I would recommend many excellent food, film and wine festivals, exploring the surroundings of Zagreb through excellent wineries, many exhibitions of Croatian and international artists. I would especially highlight the Grounded Solar System of Zagreb; many don't know that in 2004, the other planets joined the Grounded Sun (author Ivan Kožarić, Bogovićeva Street) to form Zagreb's grounded solar system. The creator is Davor Preis, who had an incredible idea how to make it possible for citizens of Zagreb to explore our Solar System without leaving our beloved capital. He has placed the planets all across the town, according to their correct sizes and distances from the Sun. They are placed in more than one direction from the Sun as if they were actually rotating around it. Today, finding the planets is considered a treasure hunt loved both by locals and tourists in Zagreb.

You can learn more about Canopy by Hilton in Zagreb on the official website.

For more information about Zagreb Digital Nomad Week 2021 & Zagreb Digital Nomad Ambassador Project, visit the Saltwater Noamds website. ZDNW is organised by Saltwater Nomads, TCN and Zagreb Tourist Board, who are financing the project.

For the latest news and features about digital nomads in Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section.

After finding its place in the country's capital, Hilton is looking for further potential locations and opportunities along the Croatian coast for its Canopy hotels as Cappelli cites an investment in tourism for 2019.

As we reported yesterday, in a huge investment in tourism, Canopy by Hilton has found its way to the Croatian capital of Zagreb, but the search for possible hotel locations isn't over for the highly respected hotel company yet. 

As Marija Crnjak/Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 12th of November, 2018, the brand nurtures local culture, and this is Canopy by Hilton's very first hotel in continental Europe. After the opening in Zagreb, such hotels in desirable European capitals are set to open, including London, Madrid, and Paris.

Hotel Canopy by Hilton, a massive eight million euros worth of investment by Hrvoje Pezić's Zagreb City Hotels company, was opened on Monday in Zagreb's Branimir Centre.

The lifestyle brand is, as stated, set to take numerous other European cities. It nurtures local culture, and domestic designers, including Studio Franić and Šekoranja, as well as Croatian furniture manufacturers, who are engaged in decorating the Zagreb hotel, as pointed out from Hilton.

In the hotel itself, you can find various pieces of Zagreb's long history, from folklore to its rich scientific and industrial heritage, as well as some of the capital city's typical traditional dishes presented in a new, modern way at the ReUnion restaurant.

The hotel boasts 151 rooms, a restaurant and bar, a fitness room, a retreat room, a transfer room and two meeting rooms.

''After DoubleTree, we're opening Canopy, and we're expecting the opening of Garden Inn next year. We're exceptionally proud of this hotel and we're happy to have had such good cooperation. Croatia is an extremely important market for Hilton. It has a wonderful coastline and we're already looking to expand there and develop our hotels there, but the City of Zagreb is also of utmost importance because it's growing, and we also want to participate in that,'' stated Alan Mantin, Managing Director of Hilton for the development in southern Europe.

Tourism Minister Gari Cappelli emphasised that this investment with the world-renowned brand will contribute to the even better positioning of Zagreb as well as Croatia as a destination which boasts a high quality offer.

Want to keep up with more news on hotel openings, investments in tourism, or just news in Zagreb? Make sure to follow our travel, lifestyle, and Total Zagreb pages for much more.

Click here for the original article by Marija Crnjak for Poslovni Dnevnik

The new Canopy hotel by Hilton has 151 rooms, a restaurant and bar, a fitness room, a retreat room, a transfer room, and two meeting rooms.