Hotel Villa Orient is a bit like a fashion model. She's really beautiful to look at, but as you talk to her more and more, you realize that she has a number of personality flaws and is even a bit annoying.

We checked in late in the evening without a reservation, but had no problem getting a room. In fact, the hotel seemed quite empty. Our room was sparklingly new and white, but quite cramped--only one small room with a sloping ceiling, a double bed (very comfortable, nice sheets), and shelf/counter with tv. The bathroom was also small, slick, and new. The television was extremely confusing, even after we went down to the front desk and someone came up with us to give us a tutorial on how to use it.

Breakfast was served in the basement, a sterile, pastel-colored space. The breakfast buffet choices were okay, but not great. I was very disappointed to find that the huge coffee pot was empty, and next to it sat little packets of instant coffee. There was a menu of hot dishes on the table, but no other humans ever came in to the breakfast room while we were there that we could have ordered from.

However, the location of this hotel is great. Just around the corner is the Sebilj Square and the wonderful little streets of Bascarsija. The hotel is a bit down a side street, so it feels a little quieter and removed from the bustle. But be aware that the address, Oprkanj 6, is unknown to taxi drivers. Just tell them to drive up Telali from Obala Kulina Bana. The hotel takes credit cards, but we got a substantial discount by paying in cash.

Really truely poor service, Smoke coming in through th door in a non smoking rooms. Breakfast is not always there at the time spasified b the hotel but when it is a lot of things missing and many empty trays. Staff are rude and no sense of urgency. Hotel guests are the last thing that maters to the staff of the hotel.

I have stayed at this hotel a number of times and am consistently pleased with the level of comfort and the staff who are very friendly, helpful and speak excellent English. The hotel is located on the edge of the pedestrian zone in the old part of the city. It was a joy to walk through the city each day on my way to work. The Library (still closed and under renovation after the war) is around the corner which fronts out onto the river. The rooms are large, bright and warm with Sat TV, mini bar and good bathroom facilities. Breakfast consisted of a choice of hot and cold dishes, fruit, breads etc. The hotel is pricey at approximately €72 (includes a 10% discount for paying with cash) per night but then you get what you pay for in the Balkans. I will be staying at this hotel again on future trips. I would recommend it for business travelers, couples, young families and groups.

My husband and I stayed here in August 2006. I'd rank this as a 3-star hotel.

Positives:
- right in the old town (would NOT have wanted to stay at the Holiday Inn which is quite far from the old town)
- we stayed in a standard double room facing the old town. Everything was clean, bed and pillows were fine. Air conditioning worked. It was quiet.
- breakfast: coffee was instant but they had a choice (two types of cappaccino, expresso, etc.), hard boiled eggs, toast and breads, yogurt, fruit, cheese and meats, juice, cereal

Negatives:
- they kept our passport and didn't explain why... however, it makes sense since they don't take credit cards for a guarantee and need something to keep people from leaving without paying.
- breakfast: they had a menu to order cooked eggs and pancakes but no one was ever around to take our order
- a bit worn, but not bad