Square Nine Hotel

The Square Nine Hotel in Belgrade, Serbia, stands as a beacon of luxury and refined hospitality, consistently earning high praise from guests and industry experts alike. Recognized as a Michelin Key One-Keys property, it promises a truly exceptional stay in the heart of the Serbian capital.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Square Nine Hotel is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "exceptional," "splendid," and "the best hotel experience in Belgrade." It garners exceptional ratings across various platforms, including a 9.5 on Booking.com, 9.4 on Agoda, and a remarkable 19.5 out of 20 guest score from verified MICHELIN Guide guests. The hotel is lauded as a "5 Star all the way" experience, emphasizing its commitment to quality over quantity.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several standout features:

• Service & Staff: The staff is frequently described as "truly exceptional," "professional," "kind," and "always ready to help," providing impeccable service with meticulous attention to detail.
• Location: The hotel boasts a "splendid" and "perfectly central" location in Belgrade's Old Town, offering both tranquility and immediate access to major attractions.
• Design: The architectural statement by Brazilian architect Isay Weinfeld is a significant draw, blending "understated urban chic" with a "bold, functional dynamism" and "mid-century, jet-age romance." The interior features retro furnishings, Brazilian wood, modern touches, and authentic Danish Modern furniture.
• Amenities: The luxurious spa, featuring a naturally lit 18-meter pool, Japanese Ofuro hot tub, sauna, steam bath, and fitness area, is a significant draw for relaxation. The excellent lobby bar and the rooftop Japanese restaurant, Ebisu, also receive high commendation.

3. Room Quality

The 45 rooms and suites at Square Nine Hotel are celebrated for their comfort, elegance, and unique character. Each room offers "something a little different," featuring hand-picked furniture by the owner and vintage postcards.

• Comfort & Design: Rooms are "superb," "spacious," "unpretentiously elegant," and "super quiet." They boast hardwood floors, paneling, "comfortable Treca de Paris beds," and "Pratesi linen." Design elements include linen wallpaper, cashmere throws, and a mix of antique and designer furniture.
• Bathrooms: Limestone bathrooms are a highlight, stocked with luxurious Hermes products. The showers are frequently described as "amazing."
• Features: Amenities include centrally and individually adjustable air conditioning, minibar, Nespresso machines, satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, pillow menus, premium bedding, and sound-proof windows for complete serenity.

4. Dining Experience

Square Nine Hotel offers a sophisticated culinary journey with diverse options:

• The Square Restaurant: Located on the ground floor, this fine dining restaurant serves modern European cuisine. Guests praise its "impeccable service," "impressive food, wine, dessert and fine drinks selection," and elegant ambiance. The menu, conceptualized by Executive Chef Eyck Zimmer, features homemade ingredients such as honey, olive oil, and wine.
• Ebisu Rooftop Restaurant: Situated on the 7th floor terrace, Ebisu offers authentic Japanese cuisine with a unique view of Belgrade. It's known for its expertly crafted sushi, which comprises half of its menu, alongside other classic Japanese dishes.
• Breakfast: The "excellent breakfast" is noted for its quality food, attentive staff, and pleasant setting, often included in the room rate.
• Lobby Bar & Lounge: Described as "the best in the city," the lobby bar offers an amazing atmosphere, great drinks, and a comprehensive beverage selection. It also showcases an impressive collection of art, music, theatre books, and antique decorative pieces.
• Room Service: 24-hour room service is available, offering an extensive menu.

5. Service & Staff

The hotel's service and staff are consistently lauded as one of its strongest assets. Guests frequently use terms like "exceptionally friendly," "professional," "kind," "attentive," and "super helpful." The team is noted for their efficiency and willingness to go above and beyond, with particular commendation for the concierge services.

6. Location & Accessibility

Square Nine Hotel enjoys a prime location in Belgrade's historic Old Town, directly overlooking Studentski Trg (Students' Square), a cherished green space.

• Proximity to Attractions: It's within immediate walking distance of the bustling Kneza Mihailova pedestrian and shopping district (50 meters/164 feet) and the iconic Kalemegdan Fortress and park (100 meters/328 feet). Other nearby attractions include the National Museum, National Theater, Belgrade Philharmonic, and Ethnographic Museum. The location is also convenient for exploring Belgrade's nightlife.
• Transport: The hotel offers airport transfer services for a charge of EUR 90 one-way. Valet parking is also available.

7. Value & Pricing

As a Michelin Key One-Keys property, Square Nine Hotel is positioned as a luxury destination offering a "very special stay." While generally considered "pricy for Serbia," guests often find the "exceptional quality and luxurious experience" to be well worth the investment.

• Price Range: Standard rooms typically range from approximately $220 - $299 USD (34 sq m), while suites are priced from $324 - $342 USD (60 sq m). Double rooms can start from around 339€.
• Inclusions: Room rates often include breakfast and access to the spa facilities.
• Perceived Value: Despite higher prices compared to the city average, many reviews indicate a high "value for money" given the superior service, amenities, and overall experience.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring issues or criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Room Temperature Control: Several guests have reported difficulties in regulating room temperature, noting that rooms can become "very very warm," even with air conditioning, with issues reducing the temperature below 24 degrees Celsius.
• Window Availability and Noise: Some rooms may have only one window, potentially affecting natural light and contributing to temperature issues. There have also been instances of noise from outside, such as a nearby disco, making opening windows an unviable option.
• Light Switches: A minor but mentioned point is the potentially confusing number of light switches in the rooms.
• Smoking Policy: Smoking is permitted in the lobby, which, while common in Belgrade restaurants, may be a point of discomfort for some guests.
• High Ancillary Costs: While the room value is often justified, some guests have found additional costs, such as garage parking (€50 per day) and certain beverages, to be expensive.

Sources

1. n1info.rs
2. michelin.com
3. booking.com
4. booking.com
5. michelin.com
6. agoda.com
7. thislifeintrips.com
8. lhw.com
9. thehotelguru.com
10. squarenine.rs
11. onthebeach.ie
12. expedia.com
13. lhw.com
14. travelweekly.com
15. hoteles.com
16. trabber.es