Hungarian takeover: Croatian four-star hotel under new ownership

In a significant development in the hospitality industry, Lőrinc Mészáros has recently acquired the four-star Hotel Miramar in Opatija, Croatia. The purchase, announced in December 2022, marks a change in ownership from the previous Austrian proprietor. It is set to take effect in March of the upcoming year.

About Hotel Miramar

Hotel Miramar is a distinguished four-star establishment with an impressive array of amenities across its five buildings. The hotel encompasses a total of 108 rooms. As per information sourced from Booking.com, the hotel offers a range of facilities, including a restaurant and complimentary private parking. Moreover, it has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre too. Although current bookings are temporarily unavailable through the popular platform, the hotel maintains a stellar rating of 9.2 based on previous guest reviews.

Transition of ownership

The official announcement of the change in ownership was made by Kristina Bukovac, the current manager of Hotel Miramar in Opatija. In her statement, she expressed gratitude to the Holleis family, acknowledging their collaborative efforts over the past 19 years. Bukovac confirmed that a new management team would assume control from March. She also assured continuity, mentioning that many existing staff members are expected to retain their roles under the new Hungarian ownership. The current manager will step down, making way for a replacement chosen by the new owners.

Lőrinc Mészáros’ profile

Lőrinc Mészáros is recognised for his involvement in major projects in Croatia, including the Ičići project and the ongoing construction of Rivas Hotels & Resorts. His portfolio extends to a January agreement between Riva’s Hotels & Resorts, a part of the Mészáros Group. This agreement involves collaboration with a vice president of Marriott International. This collaboration aims to operate a luxury hotel in Ičići, Istria, scheduled to open under the Marriott brand by spring 2025. Mészáros emphasised the commitment to upscale tourism and the hotel industry, expressing a clear direction towards luxury offerings.

Expansion beyond Croatia

Highlighting Mészáros Group’s diverse hotel interests, it is worth noting that the Hungarian conglomerate also holds stakes in the hospitality industry in Austria and Montenegro. This recent acquisition in Opatija aligns with their broader strategy. It signals a continued expansion and influence in the European hotel market.

A glimpse into Hotel Miramar’s future under Hungarian ownership

The acquisition of Hotel Miramar in Opatija by Lőrinc Mészáros marks a noteworthy shift in ownership, bringing a touch of Hungarian influence to this Croatian four-star establishment. As the new management team gears up to take charge in March, the transition promises to maintain the high standards set by the previous owners while potentially introducing fresh perspectives to the hotel‘s operations. All in all, the move aligns with Mészáros’ vision for upscale tourism. This is evidenced by his involvement in prestigious projects across Croatia and the broader European landscape.