Villa Nora Hvar

This former palace was built in 1450, and once belonged to the aristocratic Gazzari family. Writer Marin Gazarovic was born in the property in 1575, and there's a plaque on the outside wall in his honor. The building's exterior exudes character -- the stone walls are dotted with small windows with charming white wooden shutters. The building’s history is apparent upon entering the lobby. There are exposed stone walls, rustic wooden furniture, a cool brown tiled floor, and an eclectic mix of artwork on the walls. It all adds to the cozy, medieval atmosphere and is a world away from staying in a large, modern hotel. The property attracts a range of tourists, from singles to couples and families.

Villa Nora Hvar is right in the heart of the narrow, cobbled streets that make up Hvar's historical center. In medieval times, the area was popular with artists, and there are many other ancient palaces throughout the area. The hotel is well located for tourists, as it’s a short walk from the island’s most popular attractions. St. Stephen's Cathedral is one-minute away on foot and the Hvar Fortress is a 10-minute walk up the hill. The harbor and the bus station are two-minutes’ walk from the hotel, and the Hvar Public Theater, Franciscan Monastery, and Heritage Museum are within a five- to 10-minute walk. There are plenty of shops and restaurants within a few minutes of the hotel as well. It takes just over two hours to get to Split airport by taxi and ferry.

Guest rooms at Villa Nora are available as a Superior Room, Junior Suite, Family Suite, and Two-Bedroom Suite and start at a spacious 20 square meters (or 215 square feet). The two-bedroom sleeps four, while the Family Suite can accommodate five, with two beds and a sofa bed in the living area. All eight rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, DVD players, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, air-conditioning, and a safe. Some rooms also have views of the old town lanes below, and some have a balcony. The decor in the rooms is modern, simple, and homey. Wood and tile floors, exposed stone walls and wood-beam ceilings in some rooms, plus red accents on crisp white bedding give the rooms a sharp, but rustic, look. Some of the rooms have vaulted ceilings, fresh flowers, and bowls of sweets that add a warm touch. Bathrooms are spacious and bright as well, with white tiles against original stone in some rooms. Each has a shower, basin, toilet, toiletries, and bidet, though the showers are tiny. Some showers have massaging jets. Rooms over the street can pick up a bit of early morning noise or noise from the restaurant.

The hotel's Lucullus Restaurant is located on the first floor, and is a very popular with guests from across the island. Breakfast is free and there are some excellent choices, including homemade cakes and jams plus eggs cooked to order. The restaurant also opens for dinner and serves traditional specialties from the island, such as goat cooked in a brick oven, and langouste (crawfish) soup. There is live music on occasion as well. The hotel also has a rooftop terrace, which the owners plan to turn into a swimming pool in the future. Tea and coffee are available in the lobby, and there are laundry facilities for guests. Cribs, high chairs, and babysitting services are available for those traveling with families. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.