Just returned from a stay at the Hotel Adriatic on Hvar, which was less than memorable. Though the hotel has a picture-perfect location on the historic harbor, the lack of comfort and amenities was extremely disappointing. Though the hotel was clean and the staff friendly and helpful, the beds were the worst I have ever slept on - lumpy and uncomfortable twin beds pushed together (there are no real double beds - a disappointment for those seeking a romantic getaway.) I did not get a good night's sleep the entire time we were there, tossing and turning in the hope of finding a spot where a bedspring would not be poking me.
The decor was dull and a bit depressing, the roof above the top-floor pool leaky, and the food at the breakfast buffet atrocious. The off-season clientele seemed to consist entirely of retired European couples looking for a bargain getaway, not exactly the swanky scene that has been hyped in numerous recent media stories.
Sadly, this seemed to be the case with most of the hotels on the island - virtually all of them seemed to be dreary and unluxurious, and even the gorgeous-looking Palace Hotel has a lobby that looks like a nursing home waiting room behind the glorious facade. The situation was not improved by the torrential rains we experienced for the entire time we were there during the first week of October, so I would strongly suggest going in the summer, or September at the latest.
On the plus side, there were rumors the Adriatic (and some of the other hotels on Hvar) will undergo some kind of renovations this winter, so perhaps next summer there will be more options for comfort-conscious travelers. However, discriminating travelers may want to arrive on their own yacht until further notice.
- Adriatic Hotel Stari Grad
