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:

Dubrovnik

Hotel More

More is more. After a six-million euro investment, the Hotel More has received its coveted fifth star. 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.

Hotel Lapad

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.

Krk Island

Hotel Koralj

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..