Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik

The illustrious Esplanade Hotel was first built in 1925 to accommodate passengers of the famous Orient Express. Since then, its grand, neoclassical facade has become one of Zagreb’s most loved icons, epitomising the city’s old-world, gracious charm. Refreshed regularly, the hotel’s interior simmers with an art deco design that flawlessly blends in the best of 21st century comforts. Each of the 208 spacious rooms have been beautifully furnished to capture the history of the 90 year-old building whilst offerring all the contemporary comforts that today’s traveller has come to expect: elegant and distinctively marble bathrooms delicately conceal heated floors and mirrors lined with generous L’Occitaine toiletries, while in-room entertainment systems rest on polished and sturdy cabinets. After a day spent captivated by Zagreb’s sights, you have a choice of two restaurants to enjoy. Zinfandel’s Restaurant is widely regarded as one of the best fine dining options in Croatia and offers a contemporary take on traditional Croatian cuisine, whilst Le Bistro mixes Croatian cuisine with Parisian traditions in a relaxed setting. Both offer outside seating, with Zinfandel’s large and graceful Oleander Terrace renowned throughout Zagreb.
After dinner, venture towards Esplanade 1925, a stylish art deco lounge and cocktail bar run by a top Croatian mixologist and frequently offerring live jazz evenings. There is also a health club with a fitness area – open 24 hours a day with available personal trainers, spa therapy rooms, a beauty salon, and a sauna at your disposal. Location beside train station, Hotel Esplanade perfectly places you to explore both the city and further afield. Wander out of the hotel and you’ll first come to the historic City Square. The grand National Opera is also just 10 minutes away, and if you stroll through the safe and colourful pedestrian streets of the upper town, you’ll be greeted with a plethora of interesting boutiques, cafes that have been made for people watching, and trendy bars.

In the heart of the Diocletian’s Palace beside the ancient Roman vestibule walls, this exclusive and delightful boutique property has just seven contemporary rooms and suites in the city’s most romantic and historic setting. The intimate Vestibul Palace is a merger of three distinct architectural styles, Roman, Gothic, and Renaissance. In contrast, the rooms and suites are modern in design highlighting the original architectural features as does the striking glass atrium just off the reception. A restaurant, bar, and wine cellar are also tucked into the property. Step outside the door into the middle of a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, surrounded by the city’s ancient history and its magnificent monuments. The ruins of ancient Salona, the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia and the central Dalmatian Islands are also nearby.

Occupying a sympathetically restored 19th-century building, Apolon overlooks Stari Grad’s charming, boat-filled harbour, just a short distance up the bay from the main square. As the oldest town in all of Croatia and a former Greek colony, Stari Grad is still one of the most charming towns on the Croatian coast. Despite the pink neo-classical facade’s aristocratic vibe, Apolon remains unpretentious, offerring instead a delightfully laid back retreat in authentic historic surroundings. There are just three rooms and four suites, all with wooden floors, oriental rugs, and chintz bedcovers and curtains and most enjoy views through large windows across the bay. Bathrooms are spacious and feature free-standing bathtubs and under-floor heating. The terrace restaurant is popular with the passengers of passing yachts who often moor up their vessels on the quay out front. Food here is focussed on the use of local seasonal ingredients such as fresh Adriatic seafood, lamb, and organic garden produce, all accompanied by Dalmatian wines. Service is personalised and professional, with local staff on hand to arrange a number of tailored activities such wine tasting, cultural excursions, hiking, and boat trips.

The five-star Monte Mulini occupies a covetable position just a 10-minute walk away from Rovinj’s town centre. Part of the exclusive Maistra Hotel Collection, guest at this boutique hotel will enjoy its surrounding lush parkland and bay views. Effortlessly combining natural materials, luxury comfort, and elegant design, each of the 113 rooms come with balconies offering views over the pool, the garden, and the sea. Air conditioning, satellite TVs, and bathrooms with walk-in showers are standard throughout. During your stay you will have a choice of two restaurants to enjoy. The relaxed Mediterraneo offerring Mediterranean-style dishes and the fine-dining Wine Vault serving French cuisine and the option of a Chef’s table experience. You’ll also benefit from use of the Art Wellness Centre comprising indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, a gym, and a Mediterranean garden. When you’re not out exploring the stunning Istrian Peninsula, relax on the Mulini Beach, a private pebble-strand looking out to Lone Bay and presided over by the Cocktail Bar. Take some time here to enjoy the personalised service of a beach concierge and hostess along with changing facilities, showers, a towel counter, and sun-lounger rental.