We are planning an August 2005 trip to Croatia which will include one-week sail from Trogir to Dubrovnik and then 3 nights in Dubrovnik. We are trying to decide among the Excelsior, the Argentina, and the not-yet-completed Hilton Imperial. Please let me know (1) which you would choose and (2) if you recommend the Argentina, specifically which one of its several buildings (Villa Argentina, Villa Glavic, Hotel Argentina, or Villa Orsula). I'm having a hard time understanding the differences among the various parts of the "Grand Villa Argentina".

Thanks!

Naturally, I can't tell you about the Hilton but we stayed at the Excelsior and the Argentina and much preferred the Argentina. We stayed in the main building and our room was beautiful.

The consierge and the people at the desk were so much nicer and more helpful at the Villa Argentina.

Have a great trip! Dubrovnik is a wonderful city.

Thanks very much.

Was your stay recent, i.e. AFTER the Argentina's renovation Dec. '02?

Also, can you enlighten me a bit about the differences among the Villa Argentina, Villa Glavic, Hotel Argentina and Villa Orsula? Thanks in advance.

Hi Noussa,
I can't help you with the hotels you listed, however, if your not hiring a car, do watch how far your hotel is from the old town.
My wife and I found that a lot of the hotels in our brochure were far out in the the suberbs.
And the old town is where everything happens.
Enjoy Dubrovnik.

We definitely plan to stay within short walking distance of Old Town. Thanks for the tip.

Consider also the Villa Dubrovnik.It's a bit farther (maybe twice the distance from town as the Argentina) but the walk is pleasant and the hotel has a private boat with frequent trips to town. it's smaller than the Argentina, has a nice homey feel even though it's probably more modern, but best of all it has terrific views from the bar and the restaurant/breakfast room back to town. Some but not all of the rooms share that view, others face a lovely water/forest scene. The only drawback is about 5 flights of stairs down to the entrance. If that doesn't bother you, I'd say it's another great choice.

We did more or less the same trip this summer - sailing from Dubrovnik to Split and then driving back to Dubrovnik and spending three days there. You will have a great time. In Dubrovnik we narrowed it down to the Argentina and the Bellevue and ultimately decided on the Argentina primarily because of posts here (we had earlier eliminated the Excelsior because of posts here). We really liked the Argentina. Our rooms were very comfortable. The grounds are beautiful and there's a great view of the Old City. It was wonderful to eat breakfast looking out at the view. They also have a really nice pool area right on the water, which was great to return to after touring the city. I would definitely stay here again when/if we return. My guess is that the new Hilton Imperial will also be very nice. Can't comment on the different buidings as we were in the main one.

Thank you.

I think we have definitely decided on the Argentina. Appreciate your input!

I stayed at the Argentina last summer and stayed in the Villa across the street from the main building. I think as long as you get a sea view room you can't go wrong. I absolutely loved my room, very nicely rennovated with a fantastic view of the old city from my balcony. Like a previous poster said, the breakfasts on the terrace were wonderful. The pool and sea access were also great. The hotel is in easy walking distance to the old town.

My only caveate about the villa across the street is that there were 53 steps to my room on the second floor. You wouldn't want a ground floor room in that villa because your view would be impaired and your balcony not private.

I stayed at the Grand Hotel Imperial when I was about 7 years old many many years ago - it was then a wonderful old fashioned hotel (casino, dining room - not a restaurant! etc) the sort of place you'd expect Agatha Chrisite to set a Murder mystery. Hilton may well be modernising it though. Its positioned a short walk from the old city and a bay where you can bathe