Hotel Yugoslavia Demolition Plans Spark Protests

Hotel Yugoslavia, a former five-star hotel built in the 1960s in Belgrade, faces probable demolition amid rising tensions over its historical significance versus urban development needs. Once a luxurious establishment that hosted notable figures like Queen Elizabeth II and US Presidents, the hotel's condition has severely deteriorated due to damage from NATO bombings in 1999 and years of neglect. Recent property acquisition by private investors has sparked controversy, with plans to replace the hotel with two 150-meter towers for a luxury hotel, offices, and apartments. Local residents and historians are protesting the demolition, viewing the hotel as a vital part of Belgrade's heritage, while investors argue that its state renders it unsuitable for modern hospitality standards. This situation reflects a broader struggle in Belgrade as the city navigates growth and modernization, often at the expense of historical landmarks.