Four and Five Star Hotels under Construction

When the new hotel complex at Šmidhen reopens its doors in 18 months it will restore the former glory to the famous Samobor Spa, which was built in the 19th century. This resort has been a popular weekend destination for many generations of Zagreb’s citizens and the construction of these new hotels will safeguard its future while continuing to attract generations-to-come.

This month will mark the beginning of the construction of a new hotel complex at the Šmidhen Spa in Samobor, a popular weekend destination for many generations of Zagreb’s citizens. With the designs by project-leader Oskar Fleischer having been approved by the city planning-board in June, the construction of the four and five-star hotels is expected to begin by the end of July. The two hotels will cover a surface area of 2200 m2 and the space will include a new water-park.

Visually, the entire complex will reflect the two symbols of its environment: crystals, which are tied to the glass-making tradition of Samobor, and whose shape has inspired the design of the five-star hotel; and water, related to the numerous springs around Samobor, atop which the spa was built back in the 19th century. Paneled with grey glass and painted in shades of white and blue, the hotel will have 71 rooms and will be connected with the old “Kalimero” pool, recognizable by its concrete dome. The four-star hotel will have 166 rooms and it will blend-in with the environment as its facades are to be painted in shades of blue and green. Its roof will feature an aromatic-plant garden with a cascading water-fountain and matching sound, lighting, and fragrance effects to create a relaxing audio/visual atmosphere.

Once the construction is completed in 18 months, if all goes according to plan, the new complex will restore the former glory to the Samobor Spa. It will also remind numerous generations of Zagreb’s citizens of the times when they used to take family weekend trips to Šmidhen, travelling on the famous “Samoborček” railway, which is often highlighted in the greatest love stories and the most beautiful memories.