“Exceeded Expectations”
We had a great stay at Hotel Splendid. The staff were very friendly and so helpful, the setting was incredibly beautiful and so peaceful and the room was clean and comfortable. The view from our balcony was exquisite and we saw the most incredible sunset one evening from the hotel beach, which is a peaceful place to relax in the sun during the day. We enjoyed the free breakfast buffet each morning. Hotel Splendid, for a 3 star hotel, offers very good value for money. Don't be put off by the communist era building, as the mountains, sea, trees and gardens more than make up for this!
Area recommendations
Lapad is great if you want to combine a relaxing beach holiday with easy access to all Dubrovnik Old Town has to offer. There are also companies offering day trips to Korcula island (which we did and would recommend), Ston, Mostar and Montenegro. The company we went to Korcula and Ston with were great, the guides were so friendly. I wish I could remember the name of the company, but they have an office in Lapad. If you go down to the pedestrianised street with the bars and turn right onto said street, the office is on your left after 50m or so.
When to go
We were there in April, just before the tourist season started, which suited us because it was so peaceful. However, some tours weren't running yet, a couple of museums weren't open and not all of the restaurants were either. Also, the water wasn't quite warm enough to swim in yet! Several locals told us that the best times to come are May, June or September.
Getting there
It costs around 350 Kuna to get a taxi from the airport to Dubrovnik. Much cheaper is to get the bus, at 35 Kuna. The bus is run by a company called Atlas and leaves from right outside the tiny airport - you can't miss it. It is timed to leave with the arrival of the flights, and if your flight it late it'll wait. The bus stops at the Pile Gate and also at the main bus station. I'd recommend getting off at the Pile Gate, then crossing the road and getting the number 4 bus to the hotel. The number 4 stops right after the Hotel Splendid, at the top of the hill - you'll see the yellow sign for the hotel on your right. There's only one more stop after the one for Hotel Splendid, so even if you missed it you wouldn't have far to walk back. Getting the bus back to the airport is slightly trickier - for one thing it doesn't stop at the Pile Gate on the way back. Ask at the hotel reception when you're getting ready to leave and they'll help you out with this one! I'd maybe recommend getting a taxi to the bus station on the way back, as walking there with all your luggage is no mean feat (I know, because that is what we did!) The buses to the airport are timed to leave the main bus station 2 hours before the flight departure times, which gives you more than enough time as the airport is so small.
Getting around
It's just a short (5 minutes) walk to the bars and restaurants of Lapad and a 15 minute bus ride to Dubrovnik Old Town. The bus picks up and drops off right outside the hotel, is frequent and punctual and, at 10 Kuna, a good price.
What to pack
Swimming suit, beach towel, comfy shoes for walking around Dubrovnik Old Town, camera to record all the stunning views, and shorts with an elasticated waist band to accommodate all the cheap and delicious pizza, pasta, ice cream, beer and wine you will consume!
Must see
Dubrovnik is a stunning place with so much to offer, so allow plenty of time for just wandering around and exploring all the alleys. We climbed a lot of steps, thus earning all the food we ate! The one thing I'd say is a must do in Dubrovnik is a walk round the city walls. We did it on the first morning there, which was great because it helped to orientate us with the city. It costs around 70 kuna, which seems fairly steep, but is completely worth it!
