St Regis to open in Belgrade's new waterfront development

Owned by Belgrade Waterfront LLC, the 125-room hotel will also feature 220 St. Regis-branded residences, with an opening slated for 2019. “We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with Belgrade Waterfront LLC and to introduce the St. Regis brand and its bespoke hospitality to Serbia,” said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “Belgrade is fast emerging as a popular tourist destination in Europe and we are proud to be part of this new, exciting landmark development.” The St. Regis Belgrade will occupy the first nine floors of Kula Belgrade and will offer 125 rooms and suites looking out to the city or River Sava. The hotel will feature a destination restaurant at the top of the tower with panoramic views, an all-day dining venue, and the St. Regis Bar, inspired by the iconic King Cole Bar at The St. Regis New York. Luxury leisure facilities will include a spa, pool, gymnasium, and extensive event and meeting space. Guests can enjoy St. Regis’ signature Butler Service, which provides “anticipatory service" and customises each stay according to personal tastes and preferences. More than 550 feet tall and overlooking the Sava River and Kalemegdan Fortress, Kula Belgrade (Belgrade Tower in English) will set an unprecedented architectural benchmark for property developers in the region. Designed by internationally acclaimed design firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Global, Kula Belgrade will feature an observation deck at the top of the tower which will be the city’s only public observatory at this height. The tower’s 220 St. Regis-branded residences, ranging from 750 to 1700 square feet, will be spread across the 14

and 39

floors. Residents will enjoy access to the services and amenities at The St. Regis Belgrade. Situated along the Sava River, Belgrade Waterfront will feature commercial hubs, hotels, educational institutions, healthcare amenities, a 1.1 mile long public waterfront and parks featuring leisure attractions, as well as a Cultural District and Historic Plaza. The waterfront project is also causing some controversy within Serbia, with many of the country’s middle class seeing the project as a clear example of the gentrification that is sweeping Europe. With an average wage of 400 Euros per month in Serbia, it is quite clear which demographic the luxury development is aimed at. Several local organisations have repeatedly rallied to protest the project.