Masarykov Put 2, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Built into cliffs overlooking Lapad Bay
Has its own section of private beach
Rooms have balconies with sea or park views
Restaurant and beach bar with outdoor terrace
Computer for guests' use in business corner
Tours and ticket discounts
Free parking
Free breakfast
Dated decor with ancient tube TVs
No coffeemakers, and minibars in only some rooms
No elevators
No fitness center
Fee for Wi-Fi (free in in bar and lobby only)
Fee for business computer corner
Fee for beach chairs
Though it's in a good location on a private stretch of beach, this Soviet-era hotel is outdated and overpriced. The rooms have balconies, many with views of the sea, but most are badly in need of updates. For its size, it's sorely lacking in amenities and doesn't even offer free in-room Wi-Fi. No elevators make it unsuitable for older travelers or anyone who doesn't relish hauling bags up and down numerous staircases. Though officially a smoke-free property, many rooms and halls smell like smoke, and of the fresheners the housekeeping staff uses to try to cover it up. The nearby Hotel Komodor is under the same management and far more charming, and families will fare even better at the all-inclusive Valamar Club Dubrovnik, though it is not on the beach.
Scene
State-owned dated 1980s relic
Built into the cliffs with a view of the of Elafiti Islands, the hotel's late 1970s and early 1980s design aesthetic would be charming if it didn't have such a rudimentary decor and atmosphere leftover from socialist Yugoslavia. The hotel is actually still owned by the state. The grounds are beautiful, but the interior drop-ceilings, beige upholstery, and uneven paint job may not add up to a three-star Adriatic holiday.
Location
On the beach in Lapad Bay
Hotel Vis is on a section of private beach overlooking Lapad Bay, across the street from the huge state park. There are many shops, restaurants and cafes within walking distance along the beach promenade. The No. 4 bus stops just outside the hotel, and it's a 10-minute ride to the Old Town center's main tourist attractions, museums, and galleries. The Dubrovnik-Cilipi Airport is about 30 minutes away by car.
Rooms
Private balconies and dated decor
Some of the rooms at Hotel Vis have had minor updates, but most of the big chain-style decor remains dated. Blue carpets and red bedspreads give the rooms a dull ambience, with striped blue and yellow curtains adding a bit of interest. Contemporary wood furniture includes a small desk and chair, but there are few conveniences, and the tube TVs are practically museum pieces. Only Superior Rooms have minibars, and none have coffeemakers. All rooms have balconies, many with sea views, but others have a view of the backyard, which is little more than a wall overgrown with grass. The small bathrooms are relatively modern, with either standard shower/tub combos or small walk-in showers.
Features
Restaurant with free breakfast, a beach bar, and tour discounts
The bar and restaurant share an outdoor terrace amid olive and palm trees, overlooking the pebble beach, but the interior dining rooms are far less appealing. The cuisine is international with local Dalmatian influences, and there's a free breakfast buffet with meat selections and hot options. Lido Bar serves snacks, cocktails, and coffee. The hotel charges for in-room Wi-Fi and for use of the computer in the lobby's business corner. On the upside, the parking is free, and guests can get discounts on tickets to attractions (as well as for the bus into Old Town) at an on-site tour desk.