Although originally built in 1971 in the era's modernist style of architecture, the Hotel Lero has aged extremely well -- the sharp, clean lines of its facade benefitting from a 2013 renovation giving the property a smart, contemporary look. Inside, the lobby is a brightly lit, uncluttered space with polished floors, shimmering mosaic pillars, and an unfussy strip of comfy seating. The mood is professional and efficient, occasionally bordering on clinical, but everything is very well organized and maintained to a high standard for a hotel of this caliber. Its budget credentials attracts a wide range of clientele, but mostly tourists looking to stay somewhere clean and comfortable without stretching the wallet.

The hotel is located on the busy road that leads into Dubrovnik's Old Town -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site -- just over a mile away. There is a pretty, sandy beach about a five-minute walk along the road in Miramare Bay and several pleasant restaurants and bars are within walking distance.  The Dubrovnik - Cilipi Airport is situated around 15 miles away, or 25 minutes by car, while its about 20 minutes on foot to the Gruž harbor and main bus station.

The hotel has 155 air-conditioned rooms spread across two interconnected building and a new executive floor in the main building. Decor is simple and smart with modern furnishings and splashes of shimmering fabrics. Amenities are impressive for this level of hotel, with minibars, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Bathrooms are also better than most, especially in the Executive rooms. Many of the front-facing rooms have distant views of the sea and, despite being on a busy road, suffer from little outside noise.  

Unusual for this type of hotel, there is a large and nicely finished outdoor swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers and outdoor shower -- though surrounding buildings tend to block out most of the sun so it can be cold. An on-site spa area has a range of treatments as well as sauna, steam bath, and hot tub and there's even a hairdresser on hand. A buffet breakfast is included, and half- and full-board rates are also available. The Taj Mahal restaurant confusingly professes to serve Bosnian cuisine, and opens up to an outdoor terrace.