Hotel Croatia

Class: Deluxe

Style: Icon

Rooms: 487

Landlocked Eastern Europeans longing for the sight of open water have long been acquainted with the seaside delights of Dubrovnik, and in recent years the rest of the world has been quickly catching up, as this historic city has become a major tourist destination. Many out-of-towners find accommodations situated within the massive walls of the Old Town the most desirable, but just down the coast in the village of Catvat is a quieter hotel; one plush enough to host discriminating clients like the late Prince Rainier of Monaco.

The Hotel Croatia, located less than 20 kilometers outside Dubrovnik, may have limited access to city attractions like cafés and theatres, but the natural beauty of an unobstructed view over the Adriatic Sea is, for some, a superior asset. The sprawling resort has undergone major restorations since opening its doors in 1973. The property retains its retro charm, however, with curvy minimalist furnishings and eye-poppingly bright colors on the walls throughout the public spaces and the kitschy cocktail bar.

The time-capsule decor is convincing enough that more than a few filmmakers have used the hotel as a movie set; the guest rooms, on the other hand, are less offbeat, and conform to contemporary standards. Neutral-hued rooms and suites are cozy and warmly lit, some with wireless internet access, terraces, and whirlpool bathtubs, while the view beckons guests off their beige sofas and onto the hotel’s private beaches.