Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel

Surrounded by green space with views of the Adriatic in the distance, the hotel's huge modern structures and pool terraces cut at odd angles into the landscape, but there's a harmony to the design. The entrance opens into a a bright asymmetrical space with a sleek front desk whose natural wood is illuminated by recessed lights that make it glow in the white angular room. Beyond that the lobby widens into a decorative wood-floor atrium filled with sitting areas beside white potted plants under lots of natural light from above. 

Set back on a hill above Lapad Bay, the hotel is surrounded by forested terrain and within walking distance to several pebble beaches, including the one at its sister property, Valamar Dubrovnik President. There's little of interest nearby, and the hotel is far from Old Town, but a public bus stops outside that can take guests to most destinations within a 15-minute drive down around the Babin Kuk peninsula. Dubrovnik's picturesque Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ringed by ancient walls and packed with historic attractions in narrow limestone-paved streets. Dubrovnik Airport is slightly more than 30 minutes away by car.

The hotel has 385 rooms and suites, as well as 16 larger apartments with multiple bedrooms and expansive living areas. Some of the suites have a second loft bedroom at the top of beautiful wood-and-steel spiral staircases, but oddly, none of the suites or apartments have kitchens to cater to longer stays (though the enormous Presidential Suite has a kitchenette, as well as access to the executive spa). Standard rooms have a contemporary decor, with earth-tone carpets and curtains. They all have small desks incorporated into a pragmatic build-out that houses a minibar and a luggage shelf as well as a small sitting area. Some have small private balconies with park or sea views. The modern bathrooms have large mirrors covering the entire wall above the sink, and huge walk-in showers that are easily double the size of most. 

The hotel is a dedicated conference center with multiple meeting rooms, event spaces, and one of the largest conference halls in Croatia, which can host a function for 1,200 people. On-site offices, furnishings, catering, and presentation equipment are all available for big events. The expansive Ragusa Spa has all the typical services and treatment rooms with the addition of multiple saunas, relaxation rooms, and steam baths. There's also a women's-only area with two saunas and a refreshment bar with tea and fresh fruit as well as a more private executive area, which requires a fee. The attached fitness center has 15 different cardio machines and treadmills. 

Since the hotel is not directly on the beach, it goes the extra mile with its pools -- the large indoor pool has an integrated fountain, and the lengthy outdoor pool is set in a great sun deck with views of the sea beyond. There's also a small kids' pool nearby. Two main dining options are the informal Lacroma buffet-style restaurant where breakfast spreads with fresh baked pastries and an abundance of fruit are laid out, and the fine dining Langusto, which serves Mediterranean cuisine and a wide variety of wine. The hotel also has a lobby bar adjacent to the atrium and some great outdoor terraces where guests can imbibe under the Dalmatian sun.