I'm a student here in the UK and enjoy sharing my very precise opinions with the world. I live in No...
I'm a student here in the UK and enjoy sharing my very precise opinions with the world. I live in Northeast Scotland and Moscow, Russia.
Member since:24.08.2006
Reviews:12
This large ***** Hotel is based in the Southern-most tip of Croatia, above the centre of the town of Cavtat. The building has 7 floors, however with the ground floor being the 4th. Note: The five stars are deemed four by British travel agents, which is more than reasonable.
ROOMS: Now, I am writing this review based on the room I stayed in, and there may be differences in quality throughout the hotel, given it's size. First of all, It is highly advised to pick a room facing the sea, and on one of the top two (or maybe three) floors. This WILL cost extra, but the money difference is definately worth it. Our balcony was almost hanging over the beautiful aquamarine sea. This scene could only be beaten in beauty by the sunset, also facing the room!
Cleanliness - excellent, always
new towels, no sign of stereotype Eastern European cracked tiles and pubic hair.
Large enough rooms, good choice of TV Channels, concave/convex mirror, hairdryer, in-built TV Alarm, + all the usuals.
Balcony is spacious, and adjustable lying-sitting chairs are provided.
STAFF EFFICIENCY: Generally, the Eastern European grump seems to be steadily evaporating, however, sometimes one can still spot a bit of unprofessionalism and lack of training, but these cases were isolated. Otherwise, staff are friendly and efficient.
LOCATION: The Hotel is situated 127 steps above the centre of Cavtat (where you will be spending most time). This number seems quite innocent, but given the right (or wrong!) conditions, such as the immense heat of up to +34-38 Degrees, humidity and frequent journeys down and UP, step number 127 rivals Everest. A normal journey to the centre takes 7-11Mins. Otherwise, you can walk around the hotel. Also, the hotel is only 8Mins by bus from DubrovnikAirport, but there is not much plane noise, even during take-off.
BEACHES: For me, a problem. I like sand. This part of the World has a shortage of nice sandy beaches, and the nearest can be found right on the other stretch of Cavtat - a 20-30Min walk. Although a pleasant walk, it simply isn't in scorching humid heat. Otherwise, there are two cliff beaches right outside the hotel, accesible from the bottom floor, both providing limited sunbathing area and stairs to the water. One is for nudists, one for the rest. This is a good alternative if you are lazy, don't like crowds and like steep change in depth. Also, 5mins away, 127 stairs below are some shingle beaches. All beaches in and around Cavtat have limited swimming bays and limited space.
FOOD: We chose paid B&B&Dinner, which came at good value for money. The choice and quality of food was surprisingly good, particularly for supper. Every day, there was a very different menu and the buffet system meant you can eat as much as you can! Breakfast, perhaps, was more predictable, but then that's breakfast. ------------Negative--------Once settled in, we had to share a table with random compatriots throughout the stay, with no choice of where to sit. This comes down to pot luck, but, in my opinion, should not be done in a "*****" Hotel. Also, waiters tend to take empty plates away without asking, so guard them if you want more food! Drinks cost extra (except for breakfast), but it's a holiday...
Other sitting areas include the "Piano Bar", a pleasant area to sit in the evening and enjoy live music and coffee. There is another restaurant in the hotel, but we never visited it.
FACILITIES: The Hotel has numerous conference rooms, so you WILL be walking past people in suits on the way to the sea in flip-flops and trunks. There is a usually empty but stylishly decorated nightclub, out/indoor swimming pools, a not-too-rip-offish souvenir shop, and health facilities. There is an exchange bureau at the reception.
NIGHTLIFE: Not much. Live Music in the Piano Bar, empty nightclub. This hotel is not well situated for active teenagers and younger people in general. However, as it is positioned away from the crowds, highly recommended for getaway couples and the more mature / elderly.
USEFUL TIPS: In order to have air conditioning on, close the balcony door. Also, close the balcony door at night, as we had some huge unwelcome visitors eg Locusts. Make use of Cavtat's proximity to the Bosnian and Montenegrin borders - there are excursions available to some fantastic and largely undiscovered places in those developing countries. Just as at the information desk near reception. If you can't stand red hot heat and crowded beaches throughout the day, avoid coming anywhere near here between July and August.
To sum up, I would highly recommend this hotel for romantic getaways, older travelers and perhaps even honeymooners. However, I do not recommend this hotel for families with teenagers and/or small kids. Other side of Cavtat caters for that.
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Aug 27th, 2006
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