jmv

In my research, I've found a post where Parick was planning his Croatia trip in 2002. He had originally booked at the Excelsior. Then, on advice of Kris, found a room with balcony and view of the sea (but not of the old town) at the Bellevue where it appears he originally stayed. Patrick, or others who have stayed at the Bellevue, how was it? How about Excelsior? Would it have been as good or better? I'm also considering Argentina and Villa Dubrovnik, but based on conflicting reviews of these and/or their less attractive locations, I seem to favor Bellevue or Excelsior. Which? Thanks for all opinions/comments.

Grasshopper

Hands down Hotel Argentina! It has been redone and is wonderful. If you read Judi's trip report "Ahhh Croatia" you will find that she stayed in the Exelsior and the Argentina and found it by far preferrable.

Argentina is next door to the Exelsior, has the very same views and is 10 minute walk to the old walled city. The main building has many rooms with sea views and balconies, and there are a couple of villa annexes. I stayed at the villa annex across the street from the main building and it was easily the best room I've ever had in Europe. Be sure to get the second floor with a balcony and a sea view. You will never want to leave your balcony!

Judi

Yes, absolutely the Argentina! I can't imagine a conflicting view of it; it seems that everyone who has stayed there loved it. We much preferred it over the Excelsior.

The Bellevue is on the other side of the Old Town and in my opinion not the best side. It will most likely be cheaper than the Argentina if that is a consideration.

Happy travels!

jmv

Thanks to both of you. I'd read some posts complaining of the Argentina. That's the trouble with holding onto old posts. You can't always tell that things have changed between the complaint and the present. Thanks very much. The website for the Argentina looks beautiful. Your confirmation helps.

Patrick

The Bellevue was about a 15 minute walk outside of town, but along a very pretty panoramic walkway most of the way, and the hotel itself is on a little bay. In fact there were some sort of international water polo finals in that bay in front of our hotel two days we were there. I'm not sure what was meant by that side of town not being the "best side" except that it doesn't face back to the old city. The hotel was very nice, but just after we left (August of 2002) they were closing for quite a while to totally redo the place and add a large addition. We saw the plans and it looked very nice.

I don't remember the Argentina, but we walked out that was one day past the Excelsior, to check out Villa Dubrovnik where we had also considered staying. We turned around. Just past the Excelsior the sidewalks disappeared and we didn't like walking in the traffic -- which was very heavy. We were very glad we had chosen the Bellevue, which also provided free parking.

jmv

Thanks, Patrick. You say the hotel was very nice. Did your room and the balcony live up to your expectations? Julie Vikmanis Oh, and while I have your attention, did you stay on Hvar when you went to Croatia, if so where do you recommend there? Thanks.

WanderingTexan

I decided to try the Pucic Palace in Old Town. I plan to stay there in late June. If anyone knows anything about it, would love to hear about it!