Rudera Boskovica, 13, Slano, Croatia
Picturesque beachfront location with mountain views
Comfortable rooms have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and minibars
Some rooms have balconies with scenic sea views
All-day restaurant, beachside eatery, and bar, plus on-site nightclub
Large outdoor pool overlooking the beach and heated indoor pool under atrium
Spa with sauna, Turkish bath, treatment rooms, and whirlpool
Gym, plus sports facilities that include tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts
Meeting facilities and event space
Free on-site parking and Wi-Fi throughout
Shuttle service available (charged extra)
Far from Dubrovnik and tourist attractions
Closed during winter
Room decor is bland
Completely rebuilt in 2008, the upscale Admiral Grand Hotel has a sleek and modern look plus a prime beachside location. Its 241 contemporary rooms are rather bland, but they're equipped with flat-screen TVs, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and sleek marble bathrooms; many also have balconies overlooking the sea or the mountains. The hotel offers a host of features: Indoor and outdoor swimming pools and spa with a sauna, Turkish bath, and whirlpool, as well as a fitness center, sports facilities, and even an nightclub. A breakfast buffet is included in most rates, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, even on the beach. Rates here are cheaper than in Dubrovnik, but travelers looking to stay somewhere closer can consider Hotel Kazbek, which is located in a beautifully renovated 16th-century aristocratic villa, but it doesn't offer as many amenities.
Scene
Beachfront hotel with contemporary, if a bit bland, decor
Dating back to the '70s, the Admiral Grand Hotel was destroyed in 1991 during the Croatian War of Independence and completely rebuilt in 2008. It now has a modern look, but overall, decor is fairly bland and chainlike. The vast lobby area is stark and minimalist, with pale-beige floors, white walls, and only a few potted plants for decoration. An atrium ceiling lets in plenty of natural sunlight, illuminating a seating area of wicker sofas and armchairs. The contemporary vibe is enhanced by art scattered throughout, such as a large metal sculpture in the lobby and colorful abstract pieces around green-leather couches. The beachfront location affords lovely views from many public spaces, as well as rooms. Popular with leisure travelers (mainly couples) and those traveling as part of package tours, the hotel gets many return visitors. Note that the property is open seasonally, generally from April to November.
Location
Located on the Bay of Slano, about a 40-minute drive to Dubrovnik
Admiral Grand Hotel is located in Slano, a small town situated along a bay tucked in the Adriatic Sea that's about a 40-minute drive from Dubrovnik. The hotel is located right on the seafront and enjoys gorgeous views of the beach and surrounding mountains. The town has a few restaurants, bar, shops, supermarkets, and a pharmacy, all located within walking distance of the hotel. Places of interest nearby include Ston (20-minute drive), the Peljesac Peninsula (35-minute drive), and Mljet Island (one hour and 50 minutes away). Dubrovnik Airport is about an hour away.
Rooms
Contemporary but unadorned rooms with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free Wi-Fi
These spacious and contemporary guest rooms feature streamlined and a bit bland decor. Earthy tones of beige and taupe make up the color palette, with black furniture providing a contrast, while throw pillows and sofas are upholstered in a bright saffron hue. Simple photographic prints decorate the otherwise bare walls. Bathrooms are done in stylish beige marble, and are fitted with shower/tub combos, heated towel racks, magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and quality toiletries. In-room amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Little extras include bathrobes and slippers, but rooms lack coffee- and tea-making facilities. Suites add separate living rooms with dining areas. Some rooms have balconies or terraces with scenic sea views, while others overlook the mountains. Rooms at the back of the hotel overlook a parking lot and are subject to traffic noise from the coastal road.
Features
Indoor and outdoor pools, restaurant, full spa, and numerous sports facilities
The hotel offers a host of leisure features. A spacious heated indoor pool is filled with seawater and has an atrium ceiling that lets in plenty of natural light. The large outdoor pool also has seawater and is just steps from the beachfront. Sun loungers, umbrellas, and beach towels are available at no extra charge at the pool and pebble beach. A wide range of facilities are available at the on-site spa, including a sauna, Turkish bath, steam room, hot tub, and massage and beauty treatments. The fitness center is small but has an adequate amount of free weights and cardio machines. Sport facilities include three tennis courts, a multipurpose court for basketball, football, and handball, a sand court for beach volleyball, boules court, and water sports facilities. There's also a children's playground.
A buffet-style breakfast is included in most rates and consists of different types of bread, cereals, egg dishes, cheese, cold cuts, grilled vegetables, fresh fruit, yogurt, juice, coffee, and tea. The restaurant also has an a la carte menu for lunch and dinner, and indoor as well as outdoor seating. A beachside restaurant and bar serves snacks, pizza, and light lunches. The hotel also has a lounge bar with several seating areas made up of comfortable couches, a pastry shop, and even a nightclub.
For conferences and meetings, the hotel has two congress halls seating 90 and 174 people, and a small meeting hall seating up to 15. Free on-site parking is available, and a shuttle service is available on request to Dubrovnik and Dubrovnik airport for an extra charge. Wi-Fi is free and available in all areas of the hotel, including on the beach.