Croatia & Slovenia Guidebook
Best and worst accommodations:
Best: Muslibegovic House in Mostar, Bosnia
Why: This was a beautiful place to stay in the heart of Mostar and conveniently located to restaurants. The people who run this combination inn and turkish museum are outstanding. The inn had such appeal with its Turkish decor in the rooms and in the community patio areas. The breakfast that is included in the price was the best we had in Eastern Europe. Parking is available around the corner from the inn at a secured location. I highly recommend this lovely inn to anyone who wants a bit of Turkish culture laced with a warm and hospitable staff.
Linda in Battle Creek, MI USA 11/07/2011
Best: Muslibegovic House in Mostar, Bosnia
Why: This was a beautiful place to stay in the heart of Mostar and conveniently located to restaurants. The people who run this combination inn and turkish museum are outstanding. The inn had such appeal with its Turkish decor in the rooms and in the community patio areas. The breakfast that is included in the price was the best we had in Eastern Europe. Parking is available around the corner from the inn at a secured location. I highly recommend this lovely inn to anyone who wants a bit of Turkish culture laced with a warm and hospitable staff.
Linda in Battle Creek, MI USA 11/07/2011
Best: Apartments Raic
Why: This lodging is run by the excellent sister team of Ivana and Anita. We stayed at their second floor apartment for our four nights in Dubrovnik and we could not have been happier. The room is spotless with a small kitchenette available for your use. The windows open out to the narrow pedestrian way below where one can hang out their laundry just like the neighbors. The sisters went beyond helpful when we forgot our three jackets in the closet. They put the jackets on the next bus to Mostar and we had them in our possession by eight that evening. Amazing. Ivana even walked us to the local newspaper stand to help us buy our bus tickects to the airport. They were just so willing to help.
Linda in Battle Creek, MI USA 11/07/2011
Best: Alp Penzion - Bled
Why: Without doubt the cleanest hotel of the 3 week trip and the best breakfasts. Affiliated with an excellent next door spa and convenient. And when one of our party took a nasty fall, the staff provided first aid and bandages immediately.
Mike in Gig Harbor, WA USA 10/30/2011
Best: Hilton Impreial Dubrovnik
Why: VERY nice place! Not listed but also excellent: Regent Esplanade in Zagreb . Right by the main train station it was originally built as a stop off point for passengers on the old Orient Express
Mark Iris in Chicago , IL USA 10/23/2011
Best:
Why: We stayed with the Raic sisters (Apartments Raic) in Dubrovnik and at Kelata Apartments in Split. In both cases our hosts were charming and helpful and the accommodation was spacious, comfortable and very well appointed. And in both cases the location was perfect. Kaleta appear to have expanded - they now have at least 5 apartments.
Alison in Sydney, Australia 10/17/2011
Best: Villa Ana in Split
Why: It was everything Rick said it would be an more! What a lovely place.
Worst: X-Rooms Dubrovnik (Orhan)
Why: The rooms were actually quite adequate and you can't beat the location. The thing we did not like is that the bathtubs have a shower wand but NO shower curtain. That's a pain.
McDonald in Brookeville, MD USA 10/14/2011
Best: Royal Apartments, Korcula
Why: Superb location on waterfront, very clean, with extremely helpful and friendly owners: Maria and Zvonko Jelavic. They both speak perfect English. Zvonko knows everyone in Korcula and is eager to assist with tourism recommendations and if any emergencies arise.
Glynn Mapes in New York, NY USA 10/06/2011
Best: Villa Fortuna Bed and Breakfast
Why: Very helpful and flexible. Our room was wonderfully clean and modern.
Eric Huseth in Berkeley, Ca USA 08/03/2011
Best: Slamic B&B in Ljubljana and Casa Garzotto in Rovinj
Why: The accommodations were delightful (excellent locations, nice views, great breakfasts), but the people that worked/ran the B&Bs went above and beyond. I can't say enough about Marco and Sandra in Ljubljana and Kristina and Steve in Rovinj. I highly recommend both B&Bs! Thanks Rick! You are my travel guru!
Sue in Eveleth, MN USA 07/21/2011
Best: Paulina Cumbelic Rooms Dubrovnik
Why: Very clean rooms. Appreciated Paulina's cooperative attitude and her attention to detail. Eventhough we shared a bathroom, it was clean. She does a really nice job- even helped find us a place to safely park our car for three nights at a cheaper price!
Johanna Collura in South Orange, N USA 07/14/2011
Best: Plitvice Hotel
Why: It is very basic, but the staff is friendly and helpful, the rooms are clean and comfortable, and the location (3 minutes walk to the Park bus) cannot be beat.
Bob K. in Potomac, MD USA 07/02/2011
Best: Hotel Peristil
Why: The location was fabulous and the staff could not have been more helpful.
Peggi Johnson in Vienna, VA USA 06/05/2011
Best: Astoria, Opatija
Why: Most up to date we stayed at.
Mary Mure in London, England 03/28/2011
Best: Mia Susnik Apartments in Bled
Why: Large, immaculate, and modern 2 bedroom apartment with full kitchen. Close to lake, grocery store, and restaurants. Rate for two people was only 57 euro/night. Mia and her husband were extremely friendly and helpful.
Chris Peter in El Cajon, CA USA 10/26/2010
Best: Apts Lenni (Korcula), Ivana and Pasco(Hvar) Sobe Base (Split)
Why: All are excellent. Staying in a "sobe" was absolutely the right thing to do. All the owners work hard to make sure everything was just right. Motel Mostar was the same. A lovely place to stay.
Joni Henry in Seattle, WA USA 10/26/2010
Best: Pristava Lepena, Soca Valley and Porta Antica, Rovinj
Why: We found all of our accommodations true to Rick's descriptions (Mulej in Bled, Hudicevec in Karst, Petra in Ljubljana, Kaleta in Split, Lenni in Korcula). But riding Lipizzaners at Lepena was a dream and at Porta Antica we were upgraded to a seafront room!
Natalia in Sherwood, Or USA 10/24/2010
Best: Tie: Alp Penzion, Bled, Villa Depolo, Korcula
Why: Alp Penzion is set in a tranquil spot just above Bled. The rooms are comfortable and the food is excellent. Use their free bikes to take a spin around the lake. Rezi Depolo is a charming, friendly host, as is her husband (he doesn't speak English). Her rooms are a few minutes walk from the center of Korcula, with great views. Ask her for a dinner recommendation - she loves to help.
Dave Johnson in Sacramento, CA USA 10/22/2010
Best: Hotel Excelsior
Why: A grand hotel with a storied past.
Worst: Hotel Liburna
Why: See above
Toni in Nyack, NY USA 09/12/2010
Best: All of our accommodations were clean/central with helpful hosts. 1. Lujbljana, Slovenia -B&B Petra Varl 2. Zagreb, Croatia - Hotel Dubrovnik; By the caves in Slovenia - Turisticna Hudicevec; Rovinj, Croatia - Casa Garzotto; Rab - Residence Astoria; Split - BASE sobe; Korcula - Villa Depolo; Dubrovnik - Villa Ragusa; Mostar, Bosnia-H- Motel Emen
Why: 1. Lujbljana - B&B Petra Varl -- [excellent location across from the market, 2 minutes from main square, basic room] 2. Zagreb, Croatia - Hotel Dubrovnik [loved being on the main square] 3. Slovenia - Turisticna Hudicevec [nice to be in the country but more impersonal than we had expected] 4. Rovinj, Croatia - Casa Garzotto - we stayed in the cheaper rooms - Baladur Pavan -- Fantastic place! Never had such good service anywhere in our travels. Free parking, free use of bicycles. Wonderful people. 5. Rab-Residence Astoria - we stayed in a loft - balcony to the old town - fantastic value for your money - and on top of the best restaurant of our entire trip. 6. Split - BASE sobe - spotless, high speed internet computer in our room, fantastic service, right in the center of Dioclesian's palace. How cool is that. 7. Korcula - Villa Depolo - loved going out our front door and jumping into the ocean for a morning swim. Teresa was a lovely, gracious host. 8. Dubrovnik - Villa Ragusa - wonderful!! Pero had lots of advice for us - and was someone that we wanted to spend time talking with. 9. Mostar - Motel Emen - We took the early bus to Mostar from Dubrovnik - spent 2 nights, then took the bus back. Extremely good service, right in the old part of town by the bridge. Excellent food.
J & G Grunau in Abbotsford, BC Canada 08/30/2010
Best: All of our accommodations were clean/central with helpful hosts. 1. Lujbljana, Slovenia -B&B Petra Varl 2. Zagreb, Croatia - Hotel Dubrovnik; By the caves in Slovenia - Turisticna Hudicevec; Rovinj, Croatia - Casa Garzotto; Rab - Residence Astoria; Split - BASE sobe; Korcula - Villa Depolo; Dubrovnik - Villa Ragusa; Mostar, Bosnia-H- Motel Emen
Why: 1. Lujbljana - B&B Petra Varl -- [excellent location across from the market, 2 minutes from main square, basic room] 2. Zagreb, Croatia - Hotel Dubrovnik [loved being on the main square] 3. Slovenia - Turisticna Hudicevec [nice to be in the country but more impersonal than we had expected] 4. Rovinj, Croatia - Casa Garzotto - we stayed in the cheaper rooms - Baladur Pavan -- Fantastic place! Never had such good service anywhere in our travels. Free parking, free use of bicycles. Wonderful people. 5. Rab-Residence Astoria - we stayed in a loft - balcony to the old town - fantastic value for your money - and on top of the best restaurant of our entire trip. 6. Split - BASE sobe - spotless, high speed internet computer in our room, fantastic service, right in the center of Dioclesian's palace. How cool is that. 7. Korcula - Villa Depolo - loved going out our front door and jumping into the ocean for a morning swim. Teresa was a lovely, gracious host. 8. Dubrovnik - Villa Ragusa - wonderful!! Pero had lots of advice for us - and was someone that we wanted to spend time talking with. 9. Mostar - Motel Emen - We took the early bus to Mostar from Dubrovnik - spent 2 nights, then took the bus back. Extremely good service, right in the old part of town by the bridge. Excellent food.
J & G Grunau in Abbotsford, BC Canada 08/30/2010
Best: Villa Cissa (Rovinj)
Why: We have enjoyed renting apartments now that the kids are older which gives us more space to spread out. Veljko was a wonderful host who was easy to work from reserving the apartment (and wiring the deposit) through our arrival. And I was able to spot him immediately - thanks to the description as the Croatian Robin Williams - as we waiting at Batel Cafe across from Villa Cissa while waiting for him. We opted for the larger apartment. While it was more expensive, the two levels and kitchen made for a comfortable stay. Fabulous location. I would highly recommend readers print the map from the Villa Cissa website - I thought I could find it from the map in the book but Rovinj was a little disoreinting when we first arrived (it was also our first stop). It was a bit of a splurge, but well worth it in terms of comfort and convenience.
Denise in Bozeman, MT USA 08/03/2010
Best: Hilton, Dubrovenik
Why: best service in all of trip. good location
Deborah in Tustin, ca USA 07/29/2010
Best: Bledea Apartments - Lake Bled, Slovenia
Why: My boyfriend and I rented a small, inexpensive apartment (152 Euros for 3 nights)in Bled, Slovenia and were very happy with the whole experience. The house was relatively new, the grounds were well kept, there was a grocery store nearby and it was about a 10 minute walk to Lake Bled. The owner's son spoke English and he was very helpful with providing directions and things to do. The apartment was on the small side, but everything was new, immaculate and charming. It even had a balcony overlooking a beautiful yard and the mountains. I would highly recommend renting an apartment if you plan to day trip from an area for a few days. It's less expensive than a hotel, allows you to interact with the locals more, there's more space, you can cook some of your meals to save money and keep snacks and drinks on hand. There was internet access and the TV even had several English speaking channels. www.bledea.com Great experience, I would highly recommend this apartment.
Terri in Tampa, FL USA 06/09/2010
Best:
Why: We found both of our accommodations through the website you recommended, www.dubrovnikapartmentsource.com, and both were excellent. Star House in the Old Town was really modern and clean and the owner was very friendly. He met us at the Pile gate and took us to the apartment, helping us with our luggage up the steps along the way. For the 2nd half of our trip we stayed in Soleil apartment in Ploce. It was spacious, spotlessly clean, and had views to die for! Booking both of these apartments was quick and easy and any questions I had were answered almost immediately by the owners of the service.
Melissa in Dallas, TX USA 10/29/2009
Best: Grand Hotel Toplice
Why: All around classy place!
Worst: Plitvice - Hotel Jezero
Why: No hot water for anybody in the morning. Service in the restaurant very indifferent.
Richard Lee in Ottawa, ON Canada 10/23/2009
Best: Motel kriva cuprija in mostar
Why: The manager treated us like royalty, helped us to park the car and gave us an upgraded room. You are surrounded by waterfall sounds. The location is outstanding, just a walk up to the path gets you to the old bridge.
Amy Adler in Baltimore, Md USA 10/22/2009
Best: Mayer Penzion - Lake Bled
Why: Very clean; great choice of food for included breakfast; very friendly, helpful, professional staff
Worst: Henrik Apartments
Why: Rooms share bathroom (not as listed); no air-conditioning in rooms (as stated by agent); dogs barking/loud talking outside early in morning; no one on site that speaks/understands English very well; spartan amenities; staff makes promises and then doesn't follow through; concerns are not handled professionally (I have email correspondence to verify). It's not a place I felt comfortable or safe.
Barbara Lagrou in Tacoma, WA USA 10/21/2009
Best: Pensione Oaza
Why: Another comment on this site mentioned the cold water and lack of heat; not an infrequent problem in Croatia. (We enjoyed hot water and air conditioning, given the weather.) Still, Pensione Oaza is unique in Hvar and fantastic; it is located only 200 metres from the city centre, no steps to climb, and boasts a small acreage with donkeys, chickens, turtles and guinea pigs! More importantly, Mateo, Virginia and Maria give you family away from home. Every night we feasted on Mateo's own produce and fresh fish grilled to perfection. Our stay here was an experience that we will never forget. Welcoming, safe, clean and friendly.
Worst: The Green Lizard Youth Hostel
Why: Tonina, the co-owner of this facility is friendly, helpful and kind; however, we booked this accommodation because a 2009 Guardian article nomiated the GL one of the 10 best hostels in Eastern Europe. Be prepared for disappointment if you're expecting hostel accommodation like you'd find in the rest of Europe. It's outdoor 'kitchen' is nothing more than a camping stove and sink; it's 'common area' is a ten foot by ten foot pad of concrete with a plastic picnic table in its centre. Perhaps the GL is on its way to becoming a decent hostel (there appears to be renovations afoot) but it has much work to do.
B Watson in Calgary, AB Canada 09/26/2009
Best: Benussi Sobe
Why: Our family stayed for 2 weeks. Clean, great view and perfect, quiet location. Jadranka speeks excellent English and is very friendly. Couldn't have been better. Highly recommend.
Pat Vinkenes in Arlington, VA USA 09/13/2009
Best: Rezi Depolo's rooms in Korcula
Why: The location was great, the room was clean, and Rezi is like the grandmother we never had! We really enjoyed eating breakfast in her kitchen and listening to her stories.
Worst: Miranda Fabris' apartments in Rovinj
Why: We were given the street level apartment which was tiny, hot, and smelled strongly of mold. The toilet wasn't bolted down and threatened to tip over, the shower head was broken and the sink leaked. Nothing would dry in the humidity and after one use the towels smelled so sour they were unusable despite the fact that we took great care to hang them up. The "double bed" was a converted couch with a hard piece of wood down the middle. One half was ok to sleep on and the other half was little more than a plank of wood with a sheet on top. Perhaps her other apartments are lovely but this particular apartment was truly disgusting. By far the worst accommodation in 5 weeks of travelling.
Knezevic Guest House in Plitvice was disappointing. It was clean, and the service was ok, but in the morning there was no water. We inquired at the front desk and they merely shrugged and said "oh, there's never water here in the morning". While this may be a town-wide water issue, it would have been nice to have been given advanced warning. We were unable to shower, brush our teeth or flush the toilet before venturing out to enjoy the lakes.
Julie in Vancouver, BC Canada 09/07/2009
Best: Dioclecijan Apartment
Why: We arrived in Split with no arrangements. I call Tomislav Skalic and in 10 minutes his wife picked us up at the bus station. They are a beautiful young couple with twin daughters who graciously showed us around. There apartment was perfect, cute, clean. He shared his views of the war, culture, and country. It was nice to have a personal perspective on things.
katelin in houston, TX USA 08/10/2009
Best: Lidija Matic
Why: Her apartment was located on a beautiful quaint street close to the main street. She was beautiful, welcoming, and most importantly offered us her story. She explained being a young mother during the war, trying to just keep her family alive. She helped us understand a very confusing war that is impossible to understand through books alone.
katelin in Houston, TX USA 08/10/2009
Best: Villa Varos
Why: Friendly, charming, helpful, accommodating, clean, affordable and well located (near great restaurants and an affordable, full-service laundromat).
Mark Gillespie in Madison, WI USA 06/06/2009
Best: Apartments Benussi
Why: Jadranka Benussi is a wonderful hostess and the apartments are beautiful. In May the Mandarin Orange trees are in bloom, adding a lovely scent to the patio. This location has received may positive reviews in the past and I wanted to report that it is all still true. This is a wonderful place to stay.
s gerard in chapel hill, NC USA 05/17/2009