Hotel Excelsior

This hotel offers a truly memorable experience, distinguished by its breathtaking views of the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea, coupled with direct access to the water. This unique feature makes it an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway and relaxation seekers looking to unwind by the sea. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional service provided by the staff, the hotel's pristine cleanliness, and the comfortable accommodations. Its prime location, just a short walk from the historic city walls, also makes it perfect for sightseers and explorers eager to immerse themselves in the local culture. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room with a sea and Old Town view, and be sure to take full advantage of the superb breakfast offerings and the hotel's inviting spa and sea access.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts an impressive array of facilities designed for relaxation and well-being. Guests frequently praise the extensive spa area, which includes a large indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and hot tub, providing ample opportunities for rejuvenation. Many also appreciate the direct sea access from the hotel's private sun terrace, complete with sunbeds and umbrellas, allowing for easy dips into the Adriatic via convenient ladders into the sea. While a fitness center is available, some guests noted it could be small or poorly equipped. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi and features a comfortable Piano Bar and lounge area. Rooms are equipped with a mini-bar refrigerator, coffee pod machine, and kettle, with a small supermarket conveniently located across the street for additional needs.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's spotless cleanliness and the overall comfort of the rooms. Many rooms are described as spacious and well-appointed, offering comfortable beds and high-quality linens that ensure a restful sleep. The bathrooms are generally spacious, often featuring separate showers and sometimes soaking tubs. A significant highlight for many is the stunning sea views and Old Town views available from balconies or terraces, though some found the balcony chairs basic or the space small. While most rooms are praised, a few guests noted that some rooms, particularly in the older sections, felt dated or had issues like a drainage smell or peeling paint. Noise levels are generally low, contributing to a peaceful stay, though isolated reports mentioned noise from the Piano Bar on lower floors or loud music from a nearby beach club during summer evenings.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives high praise, described as excellent, superb, and varied, offering a wide selection of options. Guests enjoy both a comprehensive buffet with fresh fruit, yogurts, cereals, pastries, meats, and cheese, as well as a cooked-to-order menu featuring items like eggs, omelets, and bacon. The coffee is generally well-regarded. Feedback on other dining options is more mixed; the Prora Beach Restaurant is noted for its beautiful setting and good food, though it can be closed due to weather. The Sensus Restaurant, while considered fine dining by some, received varied reviews, with some finding it disappointing or overpriced for the quality. The Piano Bar offers a pleasant atmosphere with bar food and cocktails, which are generally well-received.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major draw, placing guests within an easy and short walk of the Old Town, typically just 5 to 10 minutes away. This proximity allows visitors to explore the historic city's attractions, including the city walls, without needing transportation, while still being far enough to offer a peaceful atmosphere away from the busiest areas. The hotel provides unmatched views of the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea, enhancing the overall experience. Nearby points of interest include the Museum of Modern Art and Banje Beach, both within very close proximity. While public transportation options are available, the hotel can also arrange car transfers, which guests found convenient, though some noted they were more expensive than local taxis.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel are overwhelmingly praised for their exceptional helpfulness, friendliness, and professionalism. Most guests highlight their attentiveness and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay. The check-in process is generally described as smooth and efficient, though a few isolated experiences noted less welcoming interactions. The concierge service receives particular commendation for expertly arranging excursions, restaurant reservations, and providing valuable local advice. Housekeeping is consistently lauded for maintaining spotless rooms and being highly attentive. While most guests found the pool and beach attendants helpful, some noted occasional slow service or a lack of attentiveness in these areas. Overall, the staff's dedication to service is a recurring theme, significantly contributing to a positive guest experience, with many instances of staff making special occasions memorable.

Additional Information
The hotel's architecture features two distinct parts: the original Villa Odak and a modern tower, which can lead to a somewhat confusing layout with multiple elevators. Guests should be aware that while many rooms are modern, some in the older sections may feel dated. Room allocation can vary, with some guests initially receiving rooms with less desirable views, suggesting the importance of specifying preferences. During summer, guests on lower floors might experience loud music from a nearby beach club in the evenings. The hotel's outdoor sea entry areas have experienced storm damage, affecting handrails and making surfaces slippery at times. While the hotel is generally considered luxurious, some guests felt certain common areas lacked a vibrant atmosphere. The hotel is often frequented by conference groups, which can occasionally impact the overall guest experience.