Hotel Bristol is like a bridge between the past and the present of Mostar!

Hotel Bristol in Mostar attracted me because of its rich history, but also because of its location on the banks of the exceptional Neretva River, in the immediate vicinity of the famous Old Bridge and Kujundžiluk.

As the third hotel in Mostar, it was opened in 1906. This initial locality on the right bank of the Neretva was adorned with its appearance, in which Gothic architectural construction elements were woven. The owners of the building – the Ribice brothers named it Bristol.

Hotel Bristol from an old postcard, Mostar

The old hotel collapsed over time and a new one was built in its place, the present one, but it too was destroyed in the war in the nineties, so it was thoroughly renovated afterward. The story of Hotel Bristol is also the story of the bridge next to which it was built.

In short, the construction of the bridge began in 1873, and the construction was planned with the aim of relieving the burden on the Old Bridge, which for centuries was the only crossing from one side of the Neretva to the other. The bridge was completed in 1882 and was named Franjo Josip Bridge, then it was rebuilt in 1936, and at that time it was already called the Bridge of King Peter. From 1945 to the 1992 war, this bridge was called the Marshal Tito Bridge. In 1952, an organized jumping competition began in Neretva, which continued there until 1968, when it was transferred to Old Bridge, where it is still being held today. Today this bridge is called Musala.

Musala Bridge, Mostar, Photo: Adria.fun

During my recent visit to Mostar, I had the honor and privilege of staying in this famous four-star hotel. Hotel Bristol does not have its own parking lot, so it is mandatory to park in the public area.

The hotel staff kindly welcomed me and placed me in a room that had a terrace with a priceless view of the Neretva and the city. With the sound of the river, it’s really nice to sleep, so I turned off the air conditioner and opened the window to let the night freshness into the room.

Bedroom, Photo: Adria.fun

The hotel looks really nice, the cleanliness is adequate, and I was also impressed by the lobby where there was a sales exhibition of paintings and an old gramophone.

Hotel Bristol has its own restaurant, right next to the banks of the Neretva, with an outdoor terrace above which is a pastry shop whose terrace was packed in the evening. Obviously, this is a very popular place for local people and tourists visiting the city.

The experience of having breakfast next to the clear and green Neretva on this terrace is indescribable. The food offered was excellent and homely, and the sound of this exceptional river makes that unique difference that other establishments I’ve been to so far cannot match! 🙂 I definitely have to come again!

And finally, not including a picture of the legendary Old Bridge in this post would be like going to Rome and not seeing the Pope! The Old Bridge is only a few hundred meters away from the Hotel Bristol.

The old bridge, Mostar, Photo: Adria.fun

The connection with local culture and history and the possibility of exploring Mostar from the first row make Hotel Bristol not only a place to stay but an experience that leaves an indelible mark.