hi… just starting to think about planning a trip to Croatia for this may/jun. I’m wondering if it is necessary/preferable to book accommodations in advance or if we will be able to find hotel/b&b/apt once we get there. We are hoping to visit Dubrovnik, and possibly do day trips from there. (like I said, we are just beginning to think about it.. and read all of your helpful posts)… thanks for any suggestions/insights. also – what exactly is Sobe? (I’m thinking –hotel?)

hi... hoping to get some insight. We are going to Croatia at the end of May. So far we know how we're getting there, and pretty much where.. Trogir, Hvar, Dubrovnik.. and day trips. We are thinking of just 'showing up' and finding accommodations once we get there. Is this a major mistake? thanks for any advice. (i'm going with my 20yr old son and we are very flexible)

Sobe is Croatian room. Some Croatians rent their extra bedrooms in their homes to travelers. As for booking accomodations in may/june - depends upon exactely where. In Dubrovnik - if you want a picture perfect southern view of the Old Town (which I highly recommend) you should make arrangements before arriving. Everywhere else you mention for winging it should be okay for may - just realize you need to be flexible (and if you don't like the room, you're not obligated to take it, if unless they come down on the price). I've yet to wing it when going to Croatia - maybe this year -we'll see.

thank you! so... southern view of Old Town... ? Any particular suggestions?

Darling, I would not just show up and try to get a room or an apartment. Try to call or e-mail some of the hotels or private apartment owners in Dubrovnik and ask them about the apartment availability. I am sure they will tell you that most of their capacity is already booked. I suggest you to take some time and check the internet. You can check the apartment Kashe I have stayed in and I highly reccommend here:
www.dubrovnikconcierge.com/pages/kashe.htm

In Dubrovnik - if you want a view of the Old Town - you will want to be south of the Old Town - thus technically looking north.

http://www.hotel-excelsior.hr
http://www.gva.hr/

The Pucic Palace is inside the Old Town:
http://www.thepucicpalace.com/

If you want to know what you're getting then make reservations in advance. Just make sure the apartment is in town proper and not a 15 minutes/bus ride away from the center.

thank you for your responses .. haha joanna, my husband would get a kick out of you saying 'spend some time on the internet.." as i do spend many hours. As you know, when you go somewhere new, there are lots of aspects to research. We've finally figured out our mode of transportation getting to and around Croatia.. and pinpointed the towns we really want to visit. I guess i was running out of steam when i thought of just 'winging it' on accommodations. But you are so right.. i will do more homework. I actualy did email the apartment Kashe yesterday and it really looks beautiful.

And thank you carta_pisana for your advise as well..

I'm so excited to go and hopefully i will follow others' examples on keeping good notes and writing a trip report when we get back.

callalilli-
Not sure of your budget - but this one place in Hvar Grad I think has possibilities - though it is about 15 minutes outside of town:

http://www.geocities.com/mayaway78/index.htm

wow.. Pucic Palace looks awesome! I have emailed them to inquire avaiability/rates... but i'm thinking it may be too rich for this trip. Who knows though.. maybe for one night of luxury. If i can get my husband to come back with me someday--- then definitely!
well...i'm back into 'research mode'. thanks again all!

Joanna...Did you happen to see the rooms at the Kashe? The website seems to only show the suite. I'm curious if the rooms are as nice, large or small, have facilities, etc. Also did they accept credit card for the deposit? Thanks.

well.. the decision has been made. Since i work for -one of the major- airlines.. we will be traveling to Croatia in stand-by mode.. it will be my first time trying that out of the U.S. ..that is why the decision to book accommodations ahead of time is scarey.. we may not get there on the days we're hoping... and actually will likely have a Plan B if we cant get there at all.. so ... the decision is.. i'm taking notes on all the 'preferred' places to stay.. and we'll try that when we get there. If not, we'll find somewhere else. it will be an adventure!! and honestly, i'm amazed that i'm even up for it.. but i cant wait!! i'll post a report when we get back. should be fun!

thanks again for all suggestions!

callalilli -
Most of the major towns have a tourist office that can help you locate rooming. As long as you're willing to pay for a room - there will be someone in Croatia willing to rent it to you.