PLACES Hvar by Valamar

We spent 4 nights at the property on half board. Pros: The staff was quite friendly and willing to answer any questions. The rooms were clean and the housekeeping staff were great. Access to the water was great and we spent several hours each day snorkeling along the coast. The nature trails were nice and was fun walking along the coast. The place is quiet other than the screech of the cicada (very loud bug). There is a small shop that sells snacks and basics which was nice. Cons: Resort could use a facelift as it looked quiet dated and the grounds could use some landscaping. If you have mobility issues you might find it difficult to get around - lots of stairs and uneven ground. There was often a smell of sewer as we sat outside. The food was okay for the price but after the second day we had had enough as the quality was not that good. Overall for the price it was okay with the good points outweighing the bad.

Couple, one week stay Closeness to sea takes its toll through reachability with public transport, if you don't have car or direct bus connection, it's gonna be a long trip for you. Thanks to that you can experience quiet paradise without crowded streets and beaches though. However not really much to do when the weather has its mood. Room was clean and daily taken care of, food in terms of breakfasts and dinners was delicous and can't complain about the monotony of continental menu. The staff is very neat, speaking multiple languages and ready to help everytime. Three minuses; unpleasant smell from bathroom canalization, poor equipped gym charged 4€, weak wifi connection in the room even when the router was right behind the door in the hallway. Great place when you want to disconnect from your annoying phone calls. Not really if you like more of an active holiday.

Our family (2 kids, wife and myself) stayed in hotel Lavanda for 9 days in August 2016. We asked for a room first row to the sea near the pool, with no extra payment. After reading reviews we expected room to be small for 4 of us, but it was sufficiently large. Some details were in need of fixing (toilet didn't flush properly, doors made noise, AC needed fixing), but genitor was always available and solved such problems in no time. Balcony was large and we enjoyed spending evenings there in peace and quiet. Food in restaurant was very tasty, although choice was not always broad (one soup - delicious every time!, 4-5 main dishes and sides, a few desserts). Free drinks during diner (juices, beer, wine) and breakfast. Children enjoyed playing in wooden castle (playground) between hotels Lavanda and Maxim. Nature here is fascinating. I have never heard so many crickets in one place. The Sea is cristal clear everywhere along island. Beach in front of hotel is rocky, 10 min walk will lead you to pebbly beach in nearby cove. Best beaches are very near by car (Sakarun 5 min, Veli rat 15 min, Veli žal 20 min). If you enjoy scenic views try driving the road to south of island (Sali or Telašćica). All in all, beautiful island, very nice small fisherman village Božava, good hotel for decent price. Hotel is not new or luxurious, but we found it very cosy. We enjoyed and will come again for sure.