Hi, it's holiday planning time again...

Croatia this year. We are a party of 6; 4 adults and 2 teens.
We would go to Rijeka by car (from Switzerland), take the ferry for Dubrovnik and the work our way back again, with 3 nights in Dubrovnik and surroundings, 1 night each on the isle of Mljet and on Peljesac, 5 nights in Split as a center to visit some islands (Hvar, Brac and the likes), 1 in Zadar, 2 in Plitvice to visit the National Park, and the a week in a villa near Motovun, a jewel we already could confirm for a week.

We would be grateful to hear from your experience suggestions for the following:
1) Dubrovnik:
- a nice 4-star hotel with a swimming pool, walking distance to the old town (10 to 15 min. walk, and
-a 'something special' , be it B&B or something else, in or around Dubrovnik.

2) Split:
- a B&B or a hotel in the town center, close to the Diocletian Palace and to the ferry port, close to where the evening action is

3) Zadar
- a B&B or a 3-star city center hotel

4) Plitvice
- a decent 3- or 4-star hotel.

Thanks to all of you!!!
Paul

Hello,
We stayed at the Dubrovnik Hilton - great property, relatively new, right outside of the city gates. Not a typical Hilton hi-rise - 5 minutes to the old town.

For Zadar, we stayed at the Hotel President, nice property, outside of the city walls. I believe we had to drive to a central parking area and then walkd to the old town. You cannot walk to the old town of Zadar from this property, so you may want something closer or within the town.

For Split, we stayed at the Hotel Peristile, built into the walls of Diocletian's palace. You can't get much central than that.

Enjoy Croatia, we had a great time.!

In Dubrovnik please check out the Bellevue, it has a small beach, all rooms have a view and there is a pool. It will take you approximately 20 minutes leisurely stroll into town. In the evenings you can take the #8 or #5 bus back to the property.
The Hilton is much closer but they are not on the sea and have no outdoor pool. Great property it's only a few steps into the old town.
Enjoy your holiday here.

Paul...good sched...you will love it all...as for Plitvice...the main hotel (3-star, but I would think 4).<b>Hotel Jezero</b> (translation:lake)...we liked it...good balcony views of the cascading falls...airy large rooms..the rate for off season is now about €85 ... short one minute walk to the boats. Decent restaurant, excellent included breakfasts. Not a whole lot of activity in the park. There was some snow on the ground when we were last there a few years back (I was there in 1983, before it became popular with tourists, only locals flitting about.

http://www.yeego.com/croatia/plitvice/hotel10037.html

In Split, we loved the <b>Hotel Park</b>, the epitome' of old European elegance. It's on Badvice beach. Get a beach view room.Easy, local-flavor 10 minute walk to town and the palace, etc.
Excellent pizza and beer, as well as main dishes, at Adriano's on the harbor.

www.hotelpark-split.hr/

Trogir is certainly worth a half day or more..pretty place with a nice walk-through the old town. (Short half hour ride to Split)

In Dubrovnik, we have stayed at several places in the past, but our favorite is the <b>Villa Dubrovnik</b> . Closed for renovation the past two years..now open. Gorgeous location on the water, with views of the old city...truly a resort feel.
BUT, rates have gone stratospheric since the renovation. Possibly more than you want to spend...about €300.
The Excelsior was quite nice and very reasonable ten years ago , but I'm sure their rates have skyrocketed, too.

http://www.slh.com/destinations/euro...lla-dubrovnik/

www.hotel-excelsior.hr/

Enjoy Croatia? Of course you will!

I can scan some of my Hotel Jezero and Hotel Park, Hotel Villa Dubrovnik, if you wish.

stu T.

Hi everyone,
Sorry for the late reply, but I was away without easy internet access for 2 days.

Thanks for the great advice. I will look into all suggestions.
Stu, thanks for your offer to scan some info, I'll try on pbase and some other sources to see info first, it's all part of the planning excitement. I'll be back if I find no info!

Thanks to all of you!!!

www.booking.com/hotel/hr/bastion.en.html

wonderful Zadar hotel my fav stayed ther last year

others if too pricey might review pick based on

guest reviews for best experience based on budget.

Happy Journey,

We were very happy with Hotel Excelsior in Dubrovnik. It is located just about five minutes outside the walls, and is right on the water.

Our room had a nice terrace overlooking the sea.

http://www.hotel-excelsior.hr/home.aspx?PageID=2

We were there in May 2009.

Byrd