Hotel Milenij, Croatia

After viewing HGTV’s “House Hunters International” episode about the Croatian city of Makarska, a delightful resort located south of Split and north of Dubrovnik, my husband, Josip, and I were lured there in August 2013.

At www.booking.com we found a gem of a hotel, the modern-chic Hotel Milenij (Put Cvitacˇke 4a, 21300 Makarska, Hrvatska, Croatia; phone +385 [0] 21 619 540 or fax 615 074), and off we went for a relaxing week on the Adriatic coast.

This 21-room, 4-star hotel is just a few steps from the beach. Head out the front door, cross the promenade, go down the steps and you are there. The beach was gravel. If you’re seeking sugary-sand beaches, you won’t find them on the Adriatic coast.

There were lounges and umbrellas for rent at the beach, but by the time we got there after a leisurely 11 a.m. breakfast, none were left. We asked the receptionist for one of their complimentary beach pads and were quite comfortable. Also recommended are closed beach shoes to wear when walking into the sea. The sea bottom was rocky and uneven.

Our air-conditioned room with a modern bathroom was more than comfortable, with a balcony offering a spectacular view of sunsets over the Adriatic. Room amenities included a mini-bar, hair dryer, Internet access, satellite TV and a safe. 

Peak-season prices in 2014 are the same as those in 2013. We decided to go with the half-board plan; for a standard room with ocean view plus dinner and breakfast, it cost $230 per night, including taxes. With breakfast only, it’s $206. If parking is required ($15 per day), let the hotel know in advance.

A full buffet breakfast — including hot selections ordered directly from the waiter — was offered until 11 a.m. 

Of selections on the preset dinner menu, my favorite was grilled calamari, accompanied by a Dalmatian favorite, blitva, a dish containing Swiss chard and potatoes cooked with a healthy dose of olive oil and garlic. 

I also enjoyed pohani sir, breaded fried cheese. One of Josip’s favorite Croatian specialties was the filana paprika, peppers stuffed with chopped meat and rice.

The menu was consistently varied over the seven days and six nights we were in Makarska. The fresh seafood offerings were excellent.

We quickly became hooked on the Milenij’s choice of house wine, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Trnjak, a local grape for which there is no English translation. 

The staff spoke English fluently and could not have been more helpful in suggesting excursions and generally making our stay with them a fond memory.

DEANNA PALIĆ

Contributing Editor