Archive for the ‘Croatia Accommodation’ Category
June 30th, 2008 | 
Author: At first, I thought it would be a good idea to stay in central Trogir. I’m so glad I didn’t. Although the architecture of this World Heritage Site is wonderful, it’s not exactly a hidden treasure. Wow, was it busy! So, I stayed in Ciovo, a beach resort just outside the Old Town, and sampled the hospitality of Ira and Boris Rakic who run Villa Pape.
I’ve often extolled the virtues of staying in private accommodation in Croatia, and Villa Pape is one of the reasons why. Set on a hill overlooking the Ciovo islet, the guesthouse is in a quiet location away from the hubub. It’s easy to reach Trogir but who wants to? Ira and Boris have created such a warm and welcoming atmosphere in their guesthouse, it’s hard to leave. I felt so at home in my spacious, well-outfitted apartment I could have stayed forever. For those new to the region, Ira provides a wealth of sightseeing tips as she has made a study of local history and lore, especially the Roman ruins of Salona.
And, here’s a tip: sample one of Ira’s homecooked meals. The lady is an amazing cook, specializing in the kind of local fare you don’t find in restaurants. The Villa Pape website has some good recipes but there’s nothing like letting the expert cook. Plus, Ira is committed to supporting local products and sustainable agriculture. No store-bought produce for her!
Villa Pape has an assortment of rooms and apartments, all modern and reasonably-priced.
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To me, one of the ultimate hotel luxuries is being able to fall asleep to the sound of waves on the shoreline. Air-conditioning is nice of course, but if I can leave the windows open and get a refreshing breeze while the sea’s rhythm lulls me to sleep, I’m in heaven. And I was in heaven at the four-star Dubrovnik President Hotel.
This venerable hotel was completely and totally overhauled from 2005 to 2006. The spacious rooms cleverly employ subdued whites and gentle pastels to create a halo of soft light. The decor is contemporary without being overdesigned. (You don’t need a manual to turn on the lights). Even better are the immense terraces that stretch out from each room to the sea which leave you with the feeling that you’re alone with the sea and the sky.
Unfortunately I was too busy to get toned up in the new Wellness Centre, but I did have time for a swim. The Dubrovnik President is known for having the best hotel beach in Dubrovnik. As it’s a private beach, it’s never too crowded plus it’s standards of cleanliness have merited Blue Flag recognition.
The Dubrovnik President is in the Babin Kuk part of Dubrovnik which means that you’re out of the tourist frenzy that swirls around Dubrovnik’s Old Town. A shuttle bus whisks you into town in no time and at the end of a hectic day, it’s nice to relax amid the comfort and elegance that comes with a four-star hotel. I particularly appreciated the live music in the hotel’s aperitif bar. I happened upon “Jazz Night” and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the group. And then, back in my room, it was just me, the moon and the waves.
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I’ve known the Bebic family for years, ever since I first started writing Lonely Planet guides, so staying at the Pansion Bebic in Lumbarda, Korcula was a kind of homecoming. But I think it’s kind of a homecoming for everyone that stays at their hospitable guesthouse. Just walking into their terrace-restaurant makes you feel at home. Their spacious dining terrace forms a center to the modern and comfortable apartments and rooms that make up this traditional pension. And, it signals the importance of meals to the “Bebic Experience”.
The Bebic family is committed to sharing the Korcula lifestyle with their guests. The homecooked meals are complemented by an array of homemade products from Bebic wine to Bebic travarica. Their committment to authenticity is expressed in meals of traditional Korculan favourites.
But you can do more than just eat! Just go down a few stairs and you’re right at the crystal clean sea. Or, let Bebic organize a boatride for you that will take you through the archipelago of lush islands just off the Korculan coast. If Korculan culture tempts you, enjoy one of Bebic’s Musical Evenings where local groups serenade you with Dalmatian tunes.
You may not want to leave your comfortable cocoon, but if you do, there are the vineyards and beaches of Lumbarda right at hand and, further afield, walled Korcula town.
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Now that visitors have returned home, it’s facelift time for Croatia’s hotels. Renovations, reconstructions, additions and improvements are underway in time for the 2008 season. Here’s the rundown:
More is more. After a six-million euro investment, the Hotel More has received its coveted fifth stary. The 34 rooms and 3 apartments are super-classy with what the tourist office calls “artistic paintings” on the walls. And the restaurant is set up in full theatre mode; watch the chef sweat over your supper while you enjoy your cocktails.
One of Dubrovnik’s oldest hotels, the Hotel Lapad is finally getting some attention. Eleven million euros should bring about quite an improvement in everything from structure to amenities to services. And it should be ready by 2008.
See more about Dubrovnik hotels.
It’s a nice hotel to begin with but what hotel couldn’t be improved by a pool? Next year, this three-star hotel will boast a 200 square metre outdoor pool which might even bump it up to a four-star category.
Hotel Marina
This one could really use an overhaul and I’m happy to see it will get one. The hotel is well-located in the centre of Krk Town but has been allowed to fall into major drabitude. It’s being kicked into shape as I write. The attractive facade will remain but the interior will be outfitted with newly enlarged rooms with crisp new features and services that should be thoroughly four-star.
Lovinac
Huh? Okay so maybe you didn’t come to Croatia to hurry over to Lovinac, somewhere between Zagreb and Split. But if you need a place to rest your head while driving the Zagreb-Split motorway, you can now avail yourself of the new Lovinac motel. Conveniently located near the Zir petrol station, this new motel has 35 rooms AND a restaurant. It may be the only restaurant on the motorway. Plus, it’s an easy drive to ever-popular Plitvice Lakes National Park. The regional tourist board should have more info..
Posted in Croatia Accommodation, Croatia Hotels, Croatia Travel, Dubrovnik, Krk Island | 
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It took a while but Split finally has a brand-new five-star hotel only steps from the celebrated “Diocletian’s Palace” and Split’s historical town centre. For years Split has suffered from a shortage of decent accommodation, let alone luxury accommodation but that era is past. The Hotel Atrium is primarily designed for business travellers (FREE wireless access from every room!) but leisure travellers will also find a lot to love. Such as, the indoor swimming pool, wellness centre, jacuzzi, sauna, on-site restaurant and its excellent location. The hotel is so comfy it just might encourage you to stick around Split for a while before running off to the islands. Find out more about Split accommodation.
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