Hotel Zelenika
The first hotel on the Montenegrin coast was built in Zelenika (Herceg Novi) in 1902. It was built by Dr Antal Magyar, from Budapest, on a beach surrounded by pine trees. The pines inspired the owner to name the property The Pansion at the Green Beach.
What’s the reason behind his decision to come to Montenegro? Magyar fell ill while serving in the army in Transylvania. Subsequently, doctors told him to leave the military service and go south. After some time spent in famous European spas, he discovered Zelenika where he built a family villa.
Soon many friends payed him visits among which numerous noblemen, politicians, artists and relatives. Zelenika became famous for its mild Mediterranean climate and hospitality, and Magyar started adding additions onto his house. With the extensions, he came up to an idea of building a hotel.
At first the hotel had 40 rooms and 80 beds. During winter, it was filled up to 30 percent of its capacities, and from May through September it was full. It got its branches in Prague, Budapest, Vienna and Belgrade, and the staff was educated in Budapest, Vienna and Paris.
That’s how Antal Magyar initiated a completely new industry in this part of Europe, i.e. tourism
During the World War I, the hotel was turned into barracks. Once the war completed, the hotel was inflicted with serious damage.
During the interwar period, dr Antal’s son continued the hotel business. He invested in frescoes depicting mitology creatures and traditional motives, but also in marketing and correspondence with guests in eight languages.
During the WWII the hotel was once more turned into barracks. Hotel was used for soldiers accommodation, and again seriously damaged.
After 1949. the Magyar family was left without the hotel due to the nationwide nationalisation. The hotel was turned into a resort for children. The exterior was dramatically changed, and the enterior completely devastated. All the furniture was taken out and replaced.
After 1991. the hotel was turned into a Yugoslav military command until 2006, when Montenegro regained its independence.
Upon decision of the Supreme Court of Montenegro in 2018, today the hotel belongs to the Municipality of Sarajevo.
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