Hotel Holiday
Iconic Yugoslav-era hotel in Sarajevo, offering retro charm and a central location, but with dated facilities and transparency issues.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Potentially fewer crowds at breakfast
Hotel Holiday
Best Time
Potentially fewer crowds at breakfast
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Yugoslav-era hotel in Sarajevo, offering retro charm and a central location, but with dated facilities and transparency issues.
"A relic of bold architecture, but sadly neglected, offering a challenging stay."
Double-check amenities
Verify current availability of pool, spa, and gym as they may be under renovation. :warning:
Inspect your room
Check AC, outlets, and cleanliness upon arrival. Report issues immediately. :housewithgarden:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Yugoslav-Era Architecture
Admire the bold, futuristic design of this iconic building from the Yugoslav era.
Central Location
Conveniently situated near shopping centers and within walking distance to Sarajevo's Old Town.
Quiet Nights
Despite potential daytime noise, guests often report peaceful sleep due to minimal external disturbances.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Manage Expectations: A Retro Experience
Book with Caution: Transparency Issues
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Double-check amenities
Verify current availability of pool, spa, and gym as they may be under renovation. :warning:
Inspect your room
Check AC, outlets, and cleanliness upon arrival. Report issues immediately. :housewithgarden:
Share your best hotel stay tips/tricks/hacks (please)
Breakfast location
Ask about the second, windowed breakfast room if the first is dark. :coffee:
Wi-Fi signal
Expect weak Wi-Fi in rooms; the lobby might offer a better connection. :signal_strength:
Hotel Travel Life Hacks
Tips
from all over the internet
Double-check amenities
Verify current availability of pool, spa, and gym as they may be under renovation. :warning:
Inspect your room
Check AC, outlets, and cleanliness upon arrival. Report issues immediately. :housewithgarden:
Breakfast location
Ask about the second, windowed breakfast room if the first is dark. :coffee:
Wi-Fi signal
Expect weak Wi-Fi in rooms; the lobby might offer a better connection. :signal_strength:
Parking convenience
Enjoy the benefit of free parking, though organization can be chaotic. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hotel Holiday offers a unique architectural experience from the Yugoslav era, with a prime location near attractions and shopping. However, many guests report significant disappointment due to outdated facilities, ongoing construction, and a lack of transparency about closed amenities like the pool and spa. While some find the rooms acceptable and the nights quiet, others criticize the value for money and inconsistent breakfast quality.
"My Honest Review of Hotel Holiday – Sarajevo
Unfortunately, my experience at Hotel Holiday was very disappointing. From the moment I checked in, I realized this hotel hasn't kept up with modern standards.
🛏 Room
The air conditioner in my room wasn't working, which made the stay extremely uncomfortable—especially in warm weather. The room and facilities felt old and worn-out, definitely in need of renovation.
👨💼 Service
The staff was trying to be helpful, but there’s only so much they can do with an outdated property. I could see the effort, but the overall quality of service was poor.
📍 Location
The hotel has a decent location, and you can reach some important spots easily, but that’s probably the only highlight.
🍽 Food
I had breakfast, and honestly, I don’t recommend it. It lacked quality and variety, especially for a hotel claiming four stars.
💳 Payment
I paid through an agent, and the payment process was not smooth at all. I’d recommend double-checking your booking and method of payment beforehand.
🚗 Parking
There is free parking available at the hotel, which was a plus.
♿ Accessibility
There are elevators, making it accessible for people with mobility challenges.
🔇 Noise
Surprisingly, the hotel was quiet at night, so at least I could sleep without external disturbances."
Mohammed Dawood
"Ladies at the front desk were very nice.
But ,NO pool, sauna or gym. The Whole basement is under construction for what looks to be a very long time so far.
However online they deliberately fail to tell you this before booking.. and still have all the pictures of when it had the nice pool and spa facilities..
Not impressed. And they still charge you like the hotel is complete.
Too expensive taken this into account.
Surly gotta be better options.. if I could get my money back now and leave I would.
P.S
(To the manager..be transparent and update your website and you may avoid bad reviews like this.. may keep you in a job also)
Update after first night.
And had to up it to 3 stars because the room is good, shower etc great and has a huge big window that can be opened fully with no silly "safety" latch.
The Included breakfast was also pretty good"
Frank Reynolds
"The worst hotel experience I’ve ever had – avoid at all costs!
This place was a complete disaster from start to finish. The staff were shockingly rude and completely indifferent. It felt like guest comfort was the last thing on their minds.
The room was tiny, and the bathroom was disgustingly small and poorly cleaned. The toilet area was almost unusable.The air conditioning didn’t work properly – it only blew freezing cold air that couldn’t be adjusted. We were literally shivering in the room.As if that wasn’t enough, there was a cat roaming freely in the corridor. Totally unhygienic and unprofessional.Breakfast was an absolute joke – cold, tasteless, and barely edible. It looked like they just threw some leftovers together.
This hotel is not worth a single cent. It was a waste of money and a complete disappointment. Do yourself a favor and don’t even walk past it."
Ebru Cansu Doğan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a taxi or a pre-booked shuttle service from Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) to Hotel Holiday. The journey typically takes around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Public transport options are also available, but may involve transfers and longer travel times.
Yes, Hotel Holiday is generally accessible by public transport. Several bus lines stop near the hotel, and it's within walking distance to tram stops. Check local transport apps for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.
Hotel Holiday offers free parking for guests. However, reviews suggest that parking organization can be chaotic, with cars sometimes parked haphazardly.
The hotel boasts a great location, situated right next to two shopping centers and within walking distance to Sarajevo's historic Old Town.
Some reviews mention a noisy construction site next door, which could impact the immediate surroundings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Hotel Holiday is a hotel, so you book rooms, not tickets for entry. It's advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your preferred dates and room type.
Standard check-in times are usually in the afternoon (e.g., 2 PM or 3 PM), and check-out is typically in the morning (e.g., 11 AM or 12 PM). It's best to confirm the exact times with the hotel directly or on your booking confirmation.
Some guests have reported feeling that the hotel is overpriced given its condition and that they are charged as if the hotel is fully operational with all amenities. It's wise to clarify all costs upfront.
Online listings and older photos often show a pool and spa, but recent reviews consistently state that these facilities are closed and under long-term construction. The hotel is criticized for not being transparent about this.
Typically, hotels require guests to be at least 18 years old to book a room. You may need to present a valid ID upon check-in.
🎫 🏨 Onsite Experience
Room conditions vary. Some reviews describe them as old, worn-out, and in need of renovation, with issues like non-functional air conditioning and poor lighting. Others found their rooms to be good with great showers and large windows. +1
Reports on air conditioning are mixed. Some guests experienced non-working units or units that only blew cold air, making rooms uncomfortable. +1
Wi-Fi is reported to be almost non-existent in the rooms, with only faint signals detectable in the lobby.
Surprisingly, many guests find the hotel quiet at night, allowing for undisturbed sleep, despite potential daytime noise from nearby construction.
Yes, elevators are available, making the hotel accessible for guests with mobility challenges.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Breakfast reviews are polarized. Some found it pretty good with decent quality and variety, while others described it as a joke – cold, tasteless, and barely edible leftovers. There are two breakfast rooms; one is windowless, the other has windows. +1
The hotel offers a restaurant, but specific details about its cuisine and quality are scarce in recent reviews. The focus of negative feedback tends to be on the breakfast.
Given its central location next to shopping centers and proximity to the Old Town, there are numerous dining options available within walking distance.
Information about room service is not readily available in recent reviews. It's advisable to inquire directly with the hotel if this is a service you require.
Without specific details on the restaurant's menu or atmosphere, it's hard to say definitively. However, given the mixed reviews on food quality, it might be safer to explore nearby dining options for families.
📸 📸 Photography
The hotel's lobby, with its Yugoslav-era architecture, can be visually striking. The exterior architecture also offers unique photographic opportunities, especially if you appreciate retro design.
No specific restrictions on photography have been mentioned in reviews. However, always be mindful of other guests' privacy.
Some rooms offer views of the city or the adjacent shopping mall. However, some rooms may face a blank wall or the mall's AC systems, limiting photo opportunities.
Reviews mention poor lighting in some rooms, making them feel like permanent twilight. The lobby might offer better lighting conditions.
The advertised pool and spa are currently closed, so they cannot be used for photos. The hotel is criticized for using outdated photos online.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, the hotel's central location is a plus, offering easy access to explore Sarajevo's Old Town and nearby attractions, which can keep children entertained. The quiet nights are also beneficial for ensuring good sleep. It might be wise to pack some entertainment for the rooms and consider dining options outside the hotel, given the mixed reviews on breakfast quality.
💰 Budget Travelers
However, if you prioritize location and are interested in the unique architectural aspect of the building, and can overlook the dated interiors, it might still be a consideration. The free parking is a definite advantage if you are traveling by car. Always check recent reviews for the most up-to-date information on room conditions and pricing.
🏛️ History & Architecture Enthusiasts
Be prepared for a journey back in time, where the original design elements are still present but often show signs of age. This is not a place for those seeking modern luxury, but rather for those who appreciate the historical context and the story of a building that once represented national pride. Visiting with an understanding of its history will likely enhance the experience, allowing you to see beyond the current state of disrepair.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Yugoslav Modernism
However, the passage of time has not been entirely kind to Hotel Holiday. While the structure itself is impressive, many of its interior elements and facilities have not been updated since its heyday. This has led to a stark contrast between the hotel's historical significance and its current state of upkeep. The architectural charm is often overshadowed by the reality of dated furnishings, worn carpets, and a general sense of neglect in many areas.
Despite the criticisms regarding its condition, the hotel's architectural merit remains its strongest selling point for a niche audience. It's a place where the past is palpable, offering a unique, albeit sometimes challenging, experience for those who appreciate the history embedded in its walls. For others, the lack of modern comforts and transparency about ongoing issues might make it a less appealing choice.
Navigating the Hotel's Amenities (and Lack Thereof)
The lack of transparency regarding these closures is a recurring theme in negative reviews. Guests express dismay that the hotel continues to use photos and descriptions of these amenities without clearly stating their unavailability. This practice has led to feelings of being misled and overcharged, as guests pay for a hotel that does not offer the full range of services they expected. The hotel is urged by reviewers to update its website and be more upfront about the ongoing construction and the unavailability of key facilities.
Beyond the major closures, other amenities also receive mixed reviews. While elevators are present and functional, contributing to accessibility, the Wi-Fi service is notoriously poor, with only weak signals available in the lobby. The air conditioning in rooms has also been a point of contention, with some units reportedly not working or being difficult to control, leading to discomfort.
The Breakfast Experience: A Tale of Two Rooms
A peculiar aspect of the breakfast service is the existence of two separate dining areas. One room is reportedly windowless and rather depressing, leading some guests to believe there was no decent breakfast space. However, it's later revealed that a second breakfast room exists, which does feature windows and offers a more pleasant ambiance. Discovering this second room often depends on the kindness of other guests or explicit inquiry.
Given the mixed feedback, it's advisable for guests to manage their expectations regarding breakfast. If the initial offering in the windowless room is disappointing, it's worth inquiring about the alternative dining space. For those seeking a consistently high-quality breakfast experience, exploring nearby cafes or restaurants in Sarajevo's Old Town might be a more reliable option.
Social
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