After years of communist rule and a bitter civil war, Croatia has emerged as a luxury destination for upscale travelers and island-hopping yachters. Hvar is an hour-plus ferry ride from Split, offering a cobblestone village of harbor-front shops and anchored yachts on view for awe-struck locals and Euro-backpackers. Yet to receive a franchise of Prada or much-less any other brand a globetrotting-traveler would want to patronize, shopping is a grim experience of trinket shops and grocery-cum-clothing stores selling beach towels, soda-pop and plastic goggles. The hotel is situated directly on the harbor, a long whitewashed brick building with wooden-shutters and patio restaurant facing the yachters eating on the stern of their Azimuts and Sunseekers. The main lobby, dividing the restaurant and bar, features bright wooden floors and central staircase leading to guest rooms. The décor is modern and bright, with low-slung seating areas and black-and-white photos of '40s Hollywood. Service seems a bit bewildered, derived from locals who despite their best efforts have no idea the demands of a high-maintenance five-star customer (give them time). The Eastern European management company Orco, along with the Croatian state, own most of Hvar's hotels (including this one) and are working together to refurbish each property to a four-and-five star status.

The Room:

There is little doubt that this is Hvar’s, and perhaps Central Croatia’s, most modern and luxurious property to date. Divided amongst three-floors, the 33 guest rooms feature the traditional staples of a boutique hotels, namely an impractical abstract chair, flat screen television and bathrooms with dramatic water fixtures that never drain where they should. Standard rooms have either a sea or village view, while larger attic rooms and suites offer modest balconies and more lavish amenities like separate seating areas and soaking bathtubs. Some things are perfected, like the free Wifi that works better than in most London hotels, and air-conditioning that should not be taken for granted in Croatia – most Hvar hotels are in-fact without. Room service is provided by the on-site restaurant 24-hours a day, and is in fact prompt and well presented. Unfortunately there is no pool, spa or fitness room at the hotel, meaning that guests will have to make use of the chain’s other hotels or rent a boat and head towards one of the islands. Until the refurbishment of the other hotels is complete, we suggest the later no matter how hard the staff tries to convince you.