Marko Polo Hotel

Set just off a main road, the hotel looks a little plain at first glance: pale-orange stucco meets rather cold gray bricks. Unfortunately, in terms of decor, this uninspiring appearance continues inside. The lobby is spacious and open, though outfitted with dated bright-red leather armchairs and framed prints of Marco Polo (who was born in a nearby house) for a slightly jumbled look. Striped walls and ceilings in the breakfast room are a bit busy and chaotic, while the outdoor pool terrace is a serene spot with white seating and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and sea. Most guests who come here are couples, but families also have plenty to keep themselves occupied. 

Although it's located outside of Korcula's old town, it's a short walk into the center and area beaches. Major tourist attractions within walking distance include the Cathedral of St. Mark (11 minutes by foot), the Marco Polo Museum (eight minutes), and the house where the explorer was born (nine minutes). Ferries to Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar, and other islands leave regularly from the old town's harbor, set a five-minute walk away. Plan on a bit of a hike getting to Korcula: the journey from Dubrovnik's airport is about three hours by ferry and car. 

The property's 103 traditionally styled rooms are spacious, though years past due for a renovation -- think wood-paneled walls, heavy drapes and valances, and blue patterned carpeting. Guests can choose between sea or park views at each tier of room, all of which are accessible by two elevators; it's worth upgrading to the a beautiful sea view. All rooms come with a satellite TV (most of which are tiny old tube-style), minibar, and free safe, as well as air-conditioning and heating. Rollaway beds and cribs for kids are available for free. Whether there's a shower or tub in the small bathroom varies between rooms, so it's best to be specific about any preferences when booking. All come with free toiletries and a hairdryer. 

There are several places to dive in the water at this property: Guests can choose between a pebble beach or concrete deck-style "beach" for access to the water. Both are a short walk away and come with plenty of plastic loungers. Off the hotel's sprawling terrace is an outdoor swimming pool, which offers gorgeous views over Korcula, as well as a whirlpool and kids' pool. For swimming and water polo groups, the hotel has a partnership with an Olympic-size swimming pool about 1.25 miles (two kilometers) away. For water sports-lovers, the property offers plenty to do via shared facilities with nearby hotels. There's a sailing and windsurfing school at the sailing center on the beach, as well as canoe rentals. Out of the water, there are a tennis court, mini-golf, and ping-pong. 

The panoramic pool terrace also has outdoor seating for the restaurant, and guests can catch live music here two nights a week. There's also dated indoor seating, and the restaurant's menu features excellently executed local specialities and occasional special culinary evenings. All rates include a good breakfast, though there's not a lot of variety day to day. There's also a more modern lobby bar specializing in aperitifs. 

For the hotel's size and pearl rating, the expansive wellness center is pretty impressive. It has treatment rooms, tanning, a hair salon, Finnish and Turkish saunas, a heated freshwater indoor swimming pool (closed in July and August), and a whirlpool. The gym is small but has the essential equipment. Two conference rooms have audiovisual equipment, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Parking is available for a reasonable charge in a lot behind the hotel.