Mercure Belgrade Excelsior: Serbia's BEST Luxury Hotel? (You Won't Believe This!)
Mercure Belgrade Excelsior: Serbia's BEST Luxury Hotel? (You Won't Believe This…Maybe)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the (strongly caffeinated) beans on the Mercure Belgrade Excelsior. Is it Serbia's luxury crown jewel? That's the question, and honestly? The answer's… complicated. But in the best way possible. Let's dive in, shall we? I'm already buzzing from one too many espressos, and ready to tell you everything, even the stuff that made me go “Hmm… interesting.”
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First Impressions (and a near-disaster involving the Lobby):
Entering the Excelsior, you're hit with the usual suspects of a "luxury" experience – sleek, modern design, gleaming surfaces, the hushed murmur of activity. The lobby is… impressive. Big, bold, and with a certain, dare I say, Parisian flair? I was immediately ready to love this place, picturing myself sipping a perfectly crafted cocktail in the sunshine on the terrace. Until I, in my usual clumsiness, nearly tripped over… something. Turns out, it was a strategically placed (and stylish, I'll admit) decorative element. It's the little things, right? That's where the first impression is born! Watch your step, folks!
(Accessibility)
Speaking of which, accessibility is surprisingly well-handled. I’m not in a wheelchair myself, but I always assess these things. The elevator is a godsend, especially after I found out the stairs were a bit of a maze! And there's a ramp in the lobby, leading to… well, leading to everywhere. The whole place seems consciously designed for ease of access, which is fantastic! The facilities for disabled guests are definitely a plus, and something you don't always get in this part of the world.
(Check-in/out and the "Speedy" Factor)
Check-in/out [express]? More like check-in/out, please be patient, we're getting there. It wasn't excruciatingly slow, but “express” might be a slight exaggeration. The check-in/out [private] option is there, however, so you could get the speed you want if you’re willing to pay for it. Although, the front desk [24-hour]? That's a huge plus. Knowing someone's always there, even at 3 AM, gives a sense of security.
(Rooms: The Good, The Questionable Carpeting, and the Battle with the Blackout Curtains)
My room? Ah, my room. The air conditioning was a lifesaver, especially after a scorching day of exploring Belgrade. Free Wi-Fi? Check! And fantastic, it must be added. Very fast. Internet access – wireless was also incredibly easy to connect to. Blackout curtains… well, let's just say we had a daily battle. They were effective, but getting them closed properly was a workout in itself. But honestly, I kinda saw that as a personal challenge. The mirror was perfectly placed for judging my outfit choices, and the slippers were a nice touch. The bed? The bed was a cloud of comfort. The linens were crisp and clean, and I could have slept for days. The sofa was also great for some Netflix bing-watching after a long day of sightseeing!
And the carpeting. Oh, the carpeting. It was clean! It just… felt a little… dated. Kinda reminded me of my grandma's living room (no offense, Grandma!). Carpeting is definitely an aspect that could be updated.
The bathroom: the bathtub was lovely. And I especially appreciated the additional toilet and the separate shower. Also, the hair dryer worked like a charm.
Dining and Drinking: From Excellent Breakfast to a Poolside Bar (and a Tiny Crisis)
The breakfast buffet! Oh. My. Goodness. The Asian breakfast was fantastic, and the Western breakfast, equally enticing. The fruit selection was impressive. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was also a must. I think I had 5 cappuccinos. The restaurants themselves offer a lot of variety. I had an a la carte lunch one day (pasta!), it was amazing. Seriously, food is important to me! The room service [24-hour] is a HUGE plus. But let's talk about the poolside bar, shall we? Picture this: glorious sunshine, a crystal-clear swimming pool [outdoor], a Pool with view (yes, the view is incredible!), and a perfectly crafted cocktail in hand. Pure bliss. Except… I needed a bottle of water for my walk. I was also told that there was the potential to pay by cashless payment service, and I was all for it. Then, I found out they didn't take credit cards! A tiny, tiny crisis ensued as I rummaged through my pockets. Minor stuff, but hey, moments and memories are what hotels are made of, right?
(Things to do & Ways to Relax: Spa Days, Fitness, and the Pursuit of Serenity)
The Spa! The Spa/sauna! Dear God, YES. They had a massage that almost made me weep with gratitude after a long day of walking, which was body scrub, body wrap, the works… It was glorious! The sauna and steamroom were perfect for unwinding. The pool with view was also a great spot for just chilling. Fitness center is available for those who want to burn some calories as well. The staff was very friendly and professional.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitizing, Sanitizing Everywhere (and a Sense of Security)
Hygiene certification? Check. Anti-viral cleaning products? Seems like it. Daily disinfection in common areas? Absolutely. They take hygiene seriously, and it shows. Staff trained in safety protocol? Definitely. I noticed a lot of use of hand sanitizer. Rooms sanitized between stays? I can only assume so. I felt incredibly safe and secure throughout my stay. And in these times, that's a big deal. Seeing the staff's dedication to professional-grade sanitizing services was reassuring, and the hand sanitizer stations everywhere were a welcome sight.
(Services and Conveniences: From Luggage to Logistics)
Daily housekeeping? Immaculate. Laundry service? Efficient. Concierge service? Super helpful, especially with recommending restaurants and arranging airport transfer. Currency exchange? Convenient. Doorman? Always a friendly face. Elevator? Again, a lifesaver. Luggage storage? No problem. Basically, the services and conveniences are on-point.
(For the Kids: Babysitters and Family Fun)
Babysitting service available and family/child friendly! So, if you’re traveling with kids, the Excelsior has you covered! Definitely something to consider. They clearly made an effort to make sure the experience is enjoyable.
**(The Verdict: Luxury in Belgrade? You Bet, with a Few Quirks) **
So, is the Mercure Belgrade Excelsior the best luxury hotel in Serbia? It’s a strong contender, no doubt. The free Wi-Fi and Internet access are great. The rooms are well-appointed, the spa is divine, the staff is attentive, and the overall level of cleanliness is impressive. The car park [free of charge] is a welcome perk.
The few small imperfections – the slight hiccups with the check-in/out, the slightly dated carpeting, the potential cocktail card crisis – hardly detract from the overall experience. This place has heart, personality, and a genuine commitment to providing a great stay.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Just maybe I'll bring my own credit card next time, just in case!
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This ain't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is… my attempt at navigating Belgrade, fuelled by questionable coffee from the Mercure Excelsior and a healthy dose of existential dread.
Belgrade Breakdown: Mercure Excelsior Edition (and a whole lotta other stuff!)
Day 1: Arrival, Existential Angst, and Sausage in a Bun… and the Great Hotel Room Debacle
Morning (aka, Let the Chaos Begin): Touchdown in Belgrade. Immediately I’m hit with that “lost in translation” feeling, which is ironic, considering English is spoken here, allegedly. Somehow, after a flight, a bus ride, and a taxi that might have taken the scenic route (or just gotten hopelessly lost), I stumble into the Mercure Excelsior. Oh, the Excelsior. It looks nice, right? Clean lines, vaguely modern décor…
- Anecdote: The check-in. Sweet Jesus, the check in. I swear, it felt like they were running a background check on me… in Serbian. Eventually, after a series of frantic hand gestures and uttering the phrase “Ja sam iz Amerike” (I’m from America, which, by the way, is the extent of my Serbian vocabulary), I got a key.
Afternoon: The Room and The Rage… and the View! The room, okay, it looked clean, BUT, I can't seem to get the air conditioning working. It's about 36 degrees Celsius outside, and I'm stewing like a slow-cooked Serbian paprika dish. I call reception. Multiple times. English isn’t exactly their forte, so the conversation devolved into a bizarre mime performance of me pointing at the thermostat and looking increasingly manic. Finally, (after what seemed like an eternity) they sent someone up. He fiddled with it, gave me a puzzled shrug, and left. Didn't work!
Evening: Sausage, Salvation, and Slavika's Smile: Screw the air conditioning! I need food! Walked around the block, totally disoriented, and stumbled upon a pekara (bakery). The smell of fresh-baked bread and… sausage… lured me in. I basically pointed and grunted until I had a giant sausage in a soft bun. Divine. Pure, unadulterated, greasy joy! I ate it on a park bench, watching the world go by, and for a brief, fleeting moment, the air conditioning, and my jet lag, didn’t seem so important.
- Quirky Observation: Serbian pigeons are, without a doubt, the boldest pigeons I’ve ever encountered. They’re basically little feathered muggers.
- Emotional Reaction: I'm slightly homesick, but damn is this sausage good.
- Rambling: I'm just gonna wander for a while, just to walk off the jet lag, and maybe wander around the area of the hotel, and explore the general area.
- The Great Hotel Room Debacle Continues: The air conditioning still doesn't work. I want to cry.
Day 2: Kalemegdan Fortress, History, and the Art of Doing Nothing (and Air conditioning… I beg you)
Morning: Fortress Fever and Staring into the Past: Dragged myself out of bed (still hot, still angry about the AC). Headed to Kalemegdan Fortress. Okay, wow. This place is seriously impressive. The views… unforgettable. The history… a bit overwhelming to process at 9 am after a night of fitful sleep in an oven. I tried to piece together the various empires that have stomped around here – Romans, Ottomans, Austrians… It’s easy to get lost in the scale of it all, the sheer weight of the past.
- Opinionated Language: The fortress is incredible, but the pigeons are still terrifying.
Afternoon: The Museum of Misery and a Near-Death Experience with Traffic: I attempted to visit the Military Museum inside the fortress. It was… a lot. Tanks, guns, uniforms… a stark reminder of how much humanity has enjoyed killing each other in the name of… well, something. The displays are intense. After that, I decided to wander back to the hotel, and almost lost my life while crossing the street. Seriously, Serbian traffic is ruthless.
- Emotional Reaction: I feel a mixture of being profoundly moved by what I saw, and a bit deflated.
- Messy Structure: The museum was quite depressing. I'm glad I went, but I'm gonna need to seek out some joy.
- The Great Hotel Room Debacle continues: Still cannot solve the air conditioning.
Evening: Skadarlija, Bohemians, and Bananas: Skadarlija! The bohemian quarter! Cobblestone streets, outdoor restaurants, music… It's supposed to be all romantic and charming. It was… until a street performer tried to convince me to buy a banana. I think he was trying to sell me a banana. And the waiters are trying to get you to purchase a coffee.
- Quirky Observation: Serbian musicians are incredibly talented, but the constant attention makes it a bit claustrophobic.
- Emotional Reaction: Started to cry because I am still hot.
- Rambling: Where is the cold? Why is there not cold? Is there a God?
- The Great Hotel Room Debacle continues: No solution. I should have brought a fan.
Day 3: Church of Saint Sava, Retail Therapy, and Maybe… Just Maybe… Air Conditioning? (aka: The Breakdown?)
Morning: The Church and the Cloud of Disappointment: Woke up hopeful. The church is, in a word, opulent. The mosaics are beautiful. It felt incredibly peaceful… until I remembered the air conditioning situation. I’ve now fully embraced the misery of the moment. It's on a different level.
Afternoon: Shopping and the Sweet Sound of Bargaining: I needed something to take my mind off the heat, so retail therapy it is! I explored Knez Mihailova Street, the main shopping street. Found some cool souvenirs. The bargaining can be pretty fun – a little haggling is good for the soul.
- Anecdote: I tried to bargain for a fridge magnet. The vendor stared me down. I bought the fridge magnet.
- Opinionated Language: The shops are okay, but the same stuff can be sold in any city.
Evening: Farewell Dinner, Cold Beer, and a Tiny Victory! (The Air Conditioning Saga Ends!)
Emotional Reaction: Just a thought, the air conditioning seems to be working, but I'll keep you updated.
Rambling: I just want to be cold.
Quirky Observation: I can confirm that my air conditioning is working and that I can be cold!
Opinionated Language: I'm happy.
Alright, that's it for my slightly-deranged Belgrade experience. It was hot, beautiful, sometimes bewildering, and full of sausages. And, at the end, there's a frigid hotel room now.
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Mercure Belgrade Excelsior: Serbia's BEST Luxury Hotel? (You Won't Believe This!) - A Messy FAQ
Okay, before we dive in... "BEST Luxury Hotel"? Really? Is this some kind of clickbait?
Alright, alright, maybe "BEST" is a *strong* word. Let's say it's… a contender. And the "You Won't Believe This!"? Well, that's partly because I'm still processing my experience. Truthfully, I went in with a skeptical eye. Luxury in Belgrade? Usually, it means a slightly fancier version of a charmingly Soviet-era… well, let's just say "experience." This place, however, *almost* fooled me.
What's the vibe like? Is it all stiff-upper-lip or approachable glam?
Okay, here's the thing. The lobby… *stuns*. Polished floors, sparkling chandeliers, impeccably dressed staff. It's that "wow" factor you get right off the bat. But… and this is a big but… it's *not* stuffy. I was half-expecting everyone to be wearing monocles. Nope. The staff, thankfully, were genuinely friendly. I even had a chat with one of the concierges (who spoke like, five languages, casually) about the best local rakija. So, it’s a mix of glamorous, and approachable. You can certainly be fancy, but you don’t have to.
The Rooms! Tell me about the rooms! Are they the reason to stay? The beds? The views?
Oh. My. Goodness. Okay, so the reason to stay? Partially. The rooms… were… *clever*. Not HUGE. Remember this is Belgrade, not some sprawling resort. But beautifully designed. Everything was thoughtful. The bed? Heavenly. I’m a terrible sleeper, like a cat that’s been startled by a leaf, but I slept like a *baby*. And I’m talking, like, a well-fed, happy baby. The view from my room… (I upgraded, treat yourself!): Magnificent. A panorama of the city, twinkling lights after dark... I lost track of time just staring out of the window. (And almost missed breakfast because of it.)
Okay, but the food? Because a luxury hotel can live or die on its breakfast buffet! Did you eat breakfast here?
Breakfast... Oh, god... Breakfast. Okay. I'm not a "breakfast person". I'm that person who hoards bagels and cheese for later. But… this. This buffet, people. It broke me. I ate everything. EVERYTHING. The pastries, the cheeses (so many cheeses!), the fresh fruit, the perfectly scrambled eggs, the little tiny sausages… I’m getting hungry just thinking about it. I mean, the variety was insane - everything from traditional Balkan fare to your classic continental breakfast. I actually saw a guy walk out with, no joke, a plate piled so high it looked like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. And honestly, I wasn't judging. I *almost* constructed my own architectural feat. Worth it. Absolutely worth it. I’d go back just for the breakfast.
What about the facilities? Any spa or pool? A place to get your sweat on?
Okay, this is where things get… slightly less perfect. No pool. (Boo! I love a good hotel pool!) They have a small fitness center. I'm not a gym rat. I tried it. It was… adequate. Let's leave it at that. And the spa… I hear it's nice, but I didn't personally experience it. (Blame it on the breakfast… I was too busy napping in the ultra-comfy bed!) So, yes, the facilities are there. They're decent. But it's not a resort. Keep that in mind.
Service: Was it impeccable? Or did you get the feeling they were just *pretending* to care?
The service… was… well, it was *mostly* excellent. The staff are genuinely attentive and want to help, I think this is a cultural thing. The "pretending to care" vibe? Hardly. They seemed genuinely interested in making sure you have a good time. Now, did I have one, tiny, minor hiccup with room service? Yes. Did they immediately fix it, profusely apologized? Yes. Did they then send up a complimentary dessert as an olive branch? Yes! So, yeah, they care. They really, really do. And that’s the kind of thing that elevates a hotel from okay to *great*.
Here's a Specific Question. The Location, Is it Good or Not?
Location, Location, Location! Okay, yes, it's good. Very good. smack-dab in the heart of the city! This means… walk-able. Everything is walkable - from the main shopping streets to the historical sites (like the Kalemegdan Fortress, which is a must-see). It’s an easy walk to tons of great restaurants and bars. (Rakija, anyone?) But! (There's always a but, isn't there?) It can be a *little* noisy at night. City sounds, you know. I brought earplugs. Problem solved. Don’t let that put you off though. I’d choose a central location over a quieter one, any day of the week.
Okay, the elephant in the room: The Price. Does it break the bank?
Alright, let’s be honest. It’s not cheap. It’s luxury. But… and this is the kicker… compared to similar luxury hotels in other major European cities? It's a steal. You get an *incredible* value for your money. You can get a fantastic experience, and be treated like a king (or queen), without having to sell a kidney. Seriously. Look at the deals. Compare it. I'm talking about the fact that you could have a far WORSE experience, and spend more money, in certain *other* European capitals. It’s the kind of place you might splurge on for a special occasion… or maybe just because you deserve it. And trust me, after the kind of year we've *all* had, you absolutely deserve it.
The Verdict: Would you actually recommend it? (Be honest!)
Okay, here it comes… the unvarnished truth. Yes. Absolutely, unequivocally, YES. Despite the minor drawbacks (the gym, the city noise – easily fixed!), this place is worth it. It’s stylish, comfortable, the service is fantastic, and the breakfast genuinelyWhere To Sleep In
