Hotel Amfora Grand Beach Resort

May 23rd, 2009 by jinky

The Hotel Amfora Grand Beach Resort is one of the classiest and largest resorts in Hvar. It is not located in the main town, which is actually a blessing for people who want peace and quiet. Walking to town from the hotel is quite easy and the route is scenic. The view from the Bonj Les Bains private beach club terrace is bound to be one of the highlights of your stay. The resort’s private beach is also definitely one of the best in Hvar, although it can get crowded if you stay there during the busy season; you also have to pay extra for beach loungers (other hotels provide this for free).

The pool is a beauty (although it is not heated). It has a waterfall and you should see it all lit up at night. The rooms are luxurious, although the more expensive rooms are more spacious and have a sea view. The service is spotty – sometimes it’s good, sometimes the staff is rude. The food is unremarkable and expensive, but you can eat out. Standard park view rooms cost approximately $166 during the low season.

Hotel Vestibul Palace

May 17th, 2009 by jinky

The Hotel Vestibul Palace is a small hotel inside the Diocletian walls. It is in one of the best spots in Split as guests will only have to walk a few minutes to reach the highlights of the area (of course, you can’t really drive inside the palace walls). In fact the Cathedral tower is right outside the hotel. The Riva (the promenade on the water’s edge) is but a few minutes away. If you’re in the mood to shop, expensive designer stores are within easy reach; you can also go farther and shop at the tent bazaars and market found outside the walls.

Apart from the great location, Hotel Vestibul Palace offers great accommodations. The rooms are on the small side but they are tastefully furnished and equipped with all the modern conveniences. The staff is very efficient, but they may strike you as stand-offish. They are not the friendliest hotel staff you’ll encounter, that’s for sure, but they do their job well. Staying at the Hotel Vestibul Palace will cost you upwards of $300 per night.

Hotel More Dubrovnik

May 15th, 2009 by jinky

Hotel More Dubrovnik has something for everybody. Get a sea-view room with a balcony; you’ll appreciate walking out to your private balcony every day to gaze at the gorgeous view. You will also enjoy the same great view from the restaurant and the cocktail lounge. If you are in the mood for a swim, go out to the deck and swim in the sea; free beach umbrellas, deck chairs and beach towels are available. You may also go up to the fifth floor; there’s a Jacuzzi and a swimming pool at the fifth floor’s terrace.

On the third floor, you will find the hotel’s spa. You can enjoy the sauna, a steam bath or a massage. On the floor above, there’s a gym (albeit a small one) if you’re in the mood to work out. You can also just walk to the Old Town which is around 3 miles away; that should be great exercise. The beds are very comfortable and the breakfast is delicious; of course, food is rather expensive (food in Croatia is generally expensive). A room costs around $300; actual rates are higher or lower than this average and depend on room type and season.

Casa Garzotto

May 13th, 2009 by jinky

Casa Garzotto is one place in Rovinj where tourists will feel absolutely at home. This is in no small measure because of the warm hospitality for which this hotel is known. For instance, unlike other hotels, the hotel owner or his representative will take care of parking your car for you; be sure to inform the hotel if you’re driving in so that you can be given directions and someone will be waiting for you when you arrive.

The hotel itself is delightful. It is a 15th century building which has been extensively renovated 8 years ago. The four apartments are still furnished with antiques, but now, they are also equipped with a flat screen TV and modern kitchen equipment. If you are staying in Casa Garzotto during the winter, you will love staying in one of the 2 apartments with a fireplace. The cost of an apartment for double occupancy ranges from approximately $121 to $188, whereas the cost of the same for single occupancy ranges from $94 to $141.

Villa Pattiera

May 11th, 2009 by jinky

Villa Pattiera is a delightful hotel in Cavtat, around 5 kilometers from the Dubrovnik International Airport. If you are in need of rest before proceeding to other Croatian destinations, Villa Pattiera is very conveniently located. This hotel has only 12 rooms so you can be sure it is never too crowded. The rooms are air-conditioned and extravagantly furnished; rooms have a terrace (own or shared), satellite TV, telephone, mini-bar, and modem. Some of the rooms have a view of the Adriatic; if you want that, book a sea view room.

If you are looking for a bit of fun, approach the front desk staff; they will be able to help you plan your excursions. The diving in Cavtat is particularly good. The hotel has its own restaurant. You should try the Restaurant Dalmacija; the food is scrumptious. There’s an ATM, currency exchange, car rental service, room service, baby sitting service, and other guest services on site if you need them. There’s no parking, spa and pool, however. During the low season, a room for two may cost from $161 to $241, depending on the room type.

Hotel Marmont Split

May 9th, 2009 by jinky

The city of Split is fascinating. If you are planning an exploration of it, the Hotel Marmont may just make you the perfect base. This hotel is located in a World Heritage Site, the Diocletian Palace. If you are a history buff, you’ll love staying inside the Palace walls. Of course, there’s no parking at the hotel or at neighboring buildings; you will need to leave your rental outside the city walls and pay parking fees. However, if you do not have a lot of luggage (or if you do not have a car), then the Hotel Marmont’s location is definitely ideal.

The accommodations at Hotel Marmont are first class. The rooms are comfortably large at 260 square feet each. The shower is great, but there’s no bath. The rooms are very contemporary and should please those who love space and light. The dining room is definitely one of the hotel’s best highlights; the minimalist design somehow fits in perfectly with the 15th century setting. Hotel Marmont is a little pricey, though, as a room costs around $310 per night on the average.

Hotel Podstine

May 8th, 2009 by jinky

The Hotel Podstine is located on the Podstine bay in Hvar. It sits on its private stretch of beach. You should not expect white sandy beaches, however, for you’ll not find them in Hvar and in Hotel Podstine. The beach is concrete, but the water, is still very clean and great for swimming. The sea is very accessible, indeed, and the hotel offers guests a great view of the Adriatic.

If you need to be in the town center every day, then you should probably look for a more centrally located hotel. This hotel is 20 minutes away on foot from the Hvar town center. The hotel has its own restaurant; the food is great. The hotel rooms have seen better days, but they are well-maintained and clean. The rate for single rooms without a view ranges from $82 to $225, depending on the season. Naturally, rooms with a view cost more. Room rates, moreover, are inclusive of breakfast and the use of the swimming pool, massage baths, sauna, and gym.

Hotel Antunovic

May 8th, 2009 by jinky

The Hotel Antunovic is a hotel in the outskirts of Zagreb. You can take a taxi or the tram from the hotel to reach the city center, however. The hotel is not very easy to find, so be sure to call beforehand to get directions. It is around 20 kilometers from the airport. You can simply take a taxi from the airport for a hassle-free ride to the hotel; you may also rent a car for there are parking facilities at the hotel.

The hotel has its own dining facilities and shops. The portions are large, the choice of dishes is extensive and the food is of gourmet quality. The hotel, moreover, has its own pool (albeit a rather small one), a Jacuzzi and a sauna that guests can use for free; the view from the 8th floor sauna is amazing. The rooms and bathrooms, moreover, are very clean. The staff is very professional, but they’re not very friendly. During the low season, you can stay at Hotel Antunovic for as low as $143.

The Pucic Palace

May 3rd, 2009 by jinky

The Pucic Palace has one edge over competing hotels: it is located in Dubrovnik Old Town. If you are on a historical tour of Croatia, then no other hotel can have a better location as you’ll be but a few seconds’ or minutes’ walk away from the Old Town’s most interesting sights. Most important of all, the hotel itself is a historical site. The Pucic Palace is a Baroque edifice built on the 17th century. Of course, the price is rather steep; a single room (the most affordable) costs more or less $320, $400 and $500 during low, high and peak seasons, respectively.

The rooms have high ceilings but are relatively small. Traditionally furnished through the rooms are, they are still equipped with modern amenities. The rooms are air-conditioned; they have a satellite TV, CD/DVD player, Wi-Fi, and a mini-bar. Food may be delivered to the room at no charge; guests may also choose to dine at one of the hotel’s three restaurants. By the way, The Pucic Palace has its own beach, which is available only to hotel guests.

Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik

May 3rd, 2009 by jinky

The view from the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik is fantastic and the location is just perfect. The Old Town is just over 90 meters away; the beach, 101 meters. The Franciscan Monastery, the Rector’s Palace and other attractions are just 2 blocks away. Elephite Islands and Lokrum are just a few miles away. The Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik therefore makes a very good tourist base.

The hotel has its own sunlit, indoor swimming pool; you can also use the hotel’s steam room and sauna. There’s a jogging track and fitness room for the health nut. The hotel also has sightseeing tours or you can explore on your own and make use of the bicycling, horseback riding, surfing, diving, and other facilities off-site. Likewise, you can dine at the Porat Restaurant, have drinks at The Bar or the Executive Lounge, or try out nearby dining facilities. On the average, a room at the Imperial will cost you around $350 (this goes up and down depending on the season and the room type, of course).