PLACES Dalmacija by Valamar

Stylish concept, but unfortunately not quite delivered We chose Hotel Dalmacija because we really liked the concept. The presentation feels young, fresh and modern, and travelling with a younger daughter, we were particularly attracted to the promise of a more fun, contemporary atmosphere rather than a traditional hotel experience. There is definitely a good concept here, but unfortunately, for us, the reality didn’t quite match the image. The biggest issue during our stay was the air conditioning. Our room was exceptionally small, with very limited storage — aside from some hanging space, there were just two shelves. Even the bedside tables were simply tables, when some additional storage underneath would have made a big difference. The bathroom and toilet were also very compact. The room temperature became a major problem. It genuinely felt as though the air conditioning was not delivering the temperature displayed. We initially complained to reception and were told they would try to reduce it, only to then be told that 19°C was actually the coldest setting available. When we returned to the room, the temperature had apparently been reduced to 17°C, but it certainly did not feel anywhere near that. After another uncomfortable night’s sleep, we complained again and were offered an alternative room. We went to look at it before packing up — which I’m very glad we did — as it was no different from the room we already had. Ultimately, we had little choice but to sleep with the window open for the rest of the week. Unfortunately, this meant disturbed sleep throughout our stay. What was disappointing was that despite raising the issue more than once, nobody subsequently followed up with us to check whether the problem had been resolved or whether we were having a better stay. The ‘cool’ atmosphere was another area where expectations weren’t quite met. The hotel promotes DJ sets and a lively pool atmosphere, which was one of the things that initially attracted us. However, during our entire stay, we didn’t see a DJ or experience the atmosphere we had expected. The gym was actually quite good and had enough equipment for a decent workout, although it could certainly be improved. It also seemed barely used and, again, didn’t really have the cool, energetic feel suggested by the hotel’s branding. There were, however, some definite positives. Breakfast was good, with plenty of choice, and we particularly liked the grab-and-go section, which was genuinely useful for something quick during the day. The staff experience was mixed. Some interactions felt quite transactional, and there was very little proactive effort to check whether guests were enjoying their stay. The exception was the wonderful lady who serviced our room. She was the only person who consistently asked if we were having a nice stay and whether there was anything she could do for us. She deserves a special mention and should absolutely be recognised — promote her! The beach bar/restaurant was pleasant enough, although we found the food fairly average. Drinks throughout the hotel were good. We were also disappointed by the Italian restaurant, as the way the Flexi Stay concept is presented led us to believe we could use our allowance there. In reality, this wasn’t the case, which felt misleading. The buffet restaurant is a lovely space and has some really good salad selections, but unfortunately we found the rest of the food offering fairly average. It is a nice place to spend time, but the quality of the food didn’t stand out for us. Overall, I really wanted to love Hotel Dalmacija. The concept is clever, the presentation is appealing and there is definitely potential to create something genuinely special here. But for us, the experience didn’t quite live up to the promise, particularly when it came to the room comfort, air conditioning, atmosphere and food. With some investment in the rooms and air conditioning, a more genuinely lively pool atmosphere, stronger food quality and a little more attention to guests during their stay, I think this hotel could be much closer to what its branding promises.

This was our 2nd stay here at Places Dalmacija. Great location on the sea, a lovely short walk along the prom past all the bars & restaurants to the marina and old town. Food is buffet style breakfast & evening meal, was always fresh, plenty of choice & tasty. The hotel could do with extra staff at breakfast as although it wasnt busy, every day we saw guests clearing and then laying there own tables! Give the staff trolleys to use on the balcony so they aren't just clearing what they can carry, be much more efficient! Please also make the smoking section more obvious, the sign is tiny and faces the wrong way and everyone just clambers between the plants wondering why theres a part of the balcony sectioned off. We found drinks reasonably priced, especially compared to other bars. The 30 euro daily credit is a great idea, we ate out once so kept our 30 euro credit and spent it on drinks and ice creams. We had an early flight so missed breakfast on our last day, we asked at reception and were given a packed lunch instead which was nice. There was no evening entertainment despite a sign in the panoramic lift saying there would be. This incidentally was out of order for most of our stay. Pool and area great, busy but we got sunbeds. Starting to look a bit shabby though, we saw broken beds, stained cushions, and wobbly tables, end of season maybe but no excuse. Rooms were lovely, although the first thing we did was to move all the impractical (but pretty!) items, large vases, round baskets etc, so we could make room for our things. Storage limited, take extra hangers and a kettle if you want tea in your room as this wasnt provided. There is a fridge. Air con set permanently at 23, would have been nice to lower this at times. Beach, pool towels provided. Overall a great stay, would recommend and come back one day !

Great location located in the heart of the Makarska Riviera. Modern atmosphere. Buffet food offers a wide choice for both breakfast and dinner. They offer a daily credit on your room which can be used in the restaurant itself, around the swimming pool or their own beach bar restaurant. You can use this credit for either food or drink. They have two swimming pools which were always clean and lovely to cool down. I would definitely recommend eating at the beach bar restaurant at night which offers a different menu and the food is great. We were on the 10th floor and had a great view of the sea. One thing to be aware of is that the lifts are very hot and can be slow. Rooms were of a reasonable size and very clean. Nice to have a balcony for sea views. Staff were very friendly and always helpful. Being on the top floor we had issue with any noise (if there was any!) It’s only 15 minute walk to the old town which is a lovely way to spend the morning. Lots of eating places to choose from along the beach side walk. Would recommend. Good value for money.

The Good Fantastic location and good food. Friendly staff: A large part of the team provides a warm, appreciated, and welcoming service, most notably the pool bar staff and certain waiting staff. Well-cleaned rooms: Housekeeping maintains a high standard whenever you request room cleaning. Great concept with [PLACES]Flex: The core idea behind the flexible half-board and credit system is very smart and convenient. The Bad High prices undermine the half-board: Sky-high food and drink prices at the hotel (e.g., a beer for around 65 SEK) make it difficult to stretch the credit to cover a normal half-board without budgeting or counting expenses. Impractical room layout and design: Form was prioritized over function. Having the sink placed directly in the bedroom makes it impossible to use without waking your travel companion, and the total lack of storage space or luggage benches forces you to keep everything on the floor. Locked air conditioning: Being able to turn down the AC during heatwaves feels like a given, yet the thermostat is locked to a minimum of 23°C. Rude night staff: Certain evening/night staff members were directly rude to my son when he simply asked for water to the room. Note: The reception claimed the popular restaurant Panorama was fully booked—which turned out to be false, as plenty of tables were available when you double-checked yourself. This is likely due to lack of cooperation or missing commissions for the hotel.

This hotel is definitely under-rated. My husband and I have stayed in many 4 star hotels over the years and this one is one of the best. It doesn’t deserve a 3 star rating. The staff are helpful and friendly, the quality of the restaurant is amazing. Food extremely good with a vast choice. The hotel runs a half board package for your evening meal where your account is loaded with 30 Euro each per person per night so you just swipe your wrist band when ordering. If you don’t want to eat your evening meal at the hotel you keep the allowance and this can be used for drinks so you don’t lose out. The drinks are reasonably priced. Location is very handy, straight on to the promenade. Old town 10 minute walk away. We will definitely return 100% - you won’t be disappointed