Hotel Adriatic

The Hotel Adriatic has seen better days: The four-story building that lacks an elevator dates from the early 1960s, and had its last major renovation more than a decade ago. The small lobby is mostly just practical, with little more than a tiled floor, a wood reception desk, and a bulletin board advertising local excursions, with several notices posted by foreign holiday company reps. The adjacent bar remains closed as of June 2017, but it provides a seating area where guests can relax with soft drinks or beer purchased from the lobby's small refrigerator. A dated, striped sofa and armchairs are arranged around a TV, and there's also an outdoor brick patio with seating offers spectacular views. Proximity to the water and promenade are the real draw here, enticing many European travelers on vacation packages during summer months. The hotel is open seasonally, and closes from November to April.

Hotel Adriatic is located outside Dubrovnik's city center in Lapad, a peninsula jutting out into the Adriatic Sea. This pleasant coastal area is leafy and residential, and the beach is a one-minute walk away. About a five-minute walk from the hotel is the scenic Lapad Bay promenade, which extends along the edge of the peninsula and features many restaurants, bars, and cafes. It's frequented by tourists and local residents alike. It would be a hike on foot to Dubrovnik's Old Town (45 minutes or more), but bus No. 4 stops right outside of the hotel's front door and runs regularly, and the ride into the city center takes about 20 minutes. Dubrovnik Airport is roughly a 30-minute drive. 

Hotel Adriatic's 108 rooms include twins, doubles, and a few triples. Stucco walls, caramel-toned wood furniture, and bright yellow or floral fabrics comprise most guest rooms' outdated style. The best units are on the third and fourth floors, with sea-facing balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, wood floors, and newer furniture. Other rooms, though, are plainer and less well-maintained -- furniture may be scratched and worn, walls scuffed, and bathroom tiles chipped. 

Amenities include air-conditioning, though guests have complained about malfunctioning or broken units, and free Wi-Fi, though guests sometimes note it's slow. The TVs are old tube-style, and rooms lack kettles, mini-fridges, and safes. Bathrooms feature dated dark-brown tiling and most have small stall showers. Basic toiletries are provided, but guests will have to go to reception for hairdryers.

Hotel Adriatic has just a few extra property features -- and not quite all of the ones it advertises. The buffet breakfast, included in the room rate, comes with a standard spread of breads, croissants, pastries, cereals, fresh fruit, yogurt, and a handful of hot dishes like eggs and sausages. Breakfast is served in the hotel's restaurant across the street, in a glass-enclosed dining room with pleasant views over the sea and patio. Dinner is also served here (half-board packages are available), though the food gets mixed reviews. The former lobby bar is now essentially just lounge space, with beverages from a small fridge near reception available for purchase.

While guests have access to a beach right outside the hotel and the water is pleasant, it's all concrete, with no sand for sunbathing. The advertised gym and clay tennis court aren't on-site, they're at a sister property next door, Hotel Uvala. Guests at the Adriatic can use the wellness center and swimming pools there, but for an extra fee. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, but some guests complain that the connection can be slow and unreliable. There's also a computer with internet access in the lobby, but there's a charge to use it. Free guest parking is available in front of the hotel, but spaces are limited, as are airport transfers (extra fee). Travelers with limited mobility should be aware that the hotel doesn't have an elevator.