Grand Villa Argentina

This hotel is celebrated for its stunning cliffside location overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Lokrum Island, and the historic Old Town, offering a truly memorable backdrop for any stay. Its signature feature is the private sea access and terraced gardens that cascade down to the water, providing an exclusive and serene escape. The hotel is ideally suited for couples seeking a romantic getaway, sightseers eager to explore the nearby attractions, and relaxation seekers who appreciate beautiful views and direct access to the sea. Guests consistently praise the attentive staff and the hotel's overall cleanliness. To maximize your experience, consider requesting a sea view room on a higher floor for breathtaking vistas, and be prepared for an uphill walk when returning from the Old Town, though taxis are readily available.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests highly value the hotel's extensive outdoor pool area, which features a saltwater pool and ample sunbeds, often set up by attentive staff. This area also provides direct sea access from a private bathing deck, allowing guests to swim in the clear Adriatic waters. The hotel boasts beautiful, terraced gardens with hidden seating areas, perfect for quiet relaxation. An indoor pool is available, though some guests noted it could be quite cool, and the jacuzzi was occasionally out of order. The fitness center is present but described as small, with some equipment showing wear. Wi-Fi connectivity is generally reliable throughout the property, and lifts are essential for navigating the hotel's unique multi-level layout, connecting street level to the sea.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high praise for its spotless cleanliness, with many guests commending the diligent housekeeping staff who often provide daily service and evening turn-down. Rooms are generally found to be comfortable, with many featuring large, comfortable beds that ensure a restful sleep. However, feedback on room aesthetics is mixed; while some rooms are described as elegant and well-appointed, a significant number of guests note that the decor can be dated or "tired," with some reporting minor maintenance issues like worn carpets or old fixtures. Common amenities such as hairdryers are often described as old-fashioned and ineffective, and the absence of coffee and tea making facilities in rooms is a frequent point of concern, though these can be requested. Air conditioning performance varies, with some finding it efficient and others reporting it as marginal, especially during warmer periods.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet is a standout feature, consistently described as delicious, excellent, and offering a wide variety of options, including hot dishes, cold meats, cheeses, fresh fruits, and even sparkling wine. It is served on a beautiful terrace with amazing views of the sea and Old Town, enhancing the dining experience. The hotel features several dining options, including the formal Victoria Restaurant, which is praised for its superb food and sophisticated atmosphere, though it can be pricey. The poolside cafe offers a good selection for lunch, with fresh and well-presented dishes like club sandwiches and burgers, though some guests found the food average or overly oily. While the overall food quality is generally good, particularly for breakfast, some guests found the dinner options to be less impressive or overpriced.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major highlight, offering unparalleled convenience for exploring the area. It is situated right on the coastline, providing breathtaking views of the Old Town and Lokrum Island. Guests appreciate the easy and pleasant 5 to 10-minute downhill walk to the Ploce Gate, which leads directly into the historic walled city. This proximity allows for convenient access to numerous attractions, restaurants, and shops. While the walk down is effortless, the return journey involves an uphill climb, which some guests find tiring, especially in warm weather; however, taxis are readily available. The hotel also offers parking facilities for guests, adding to its accessibility.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, described as excellent, friendly, helpful, and attentive. Guests frequently highlight their willingness to go "above and beyond" to ensure a pleasant stay. The check-in process is often noted as seamless and welcoming, with staff providing useful information and often offering room upgrades. Housekeeping is praised for its thoroughness and efficiency, maintaining spotless rooms. The pool attendants, particularly one frequently mentioned by name, are highly commended for their exceptional service, setting up sunbeds and towels and providing attentive poolside service. Restaurant staff are also noted for their attentiveness and quick service. Overall, the hotel's commitment to providing first-class service is a recurring theme, significantly enhancing the guest experience.

Additional Information
A significant point of information for future guests is the hotel's upcoming renovation plans, with multiple reviews indicating it will close for approximately 12 months, likely until 2024, for extensive refurbishment. The hotel is a popular wedding venue and host for large groups, which some guests noted could occasionally lead to noise from events. Guests should also be aware of a small city tax typically paid upon departure. The hotel's unique upside-down aspect, with street level on a higher floor and sea access at a lower level, is a distinctive feature, navigated by lifts and terraced pathways. While tap water is safe to drink, some guests noted a strict minibar policy regarding personal items.