Valamar Riviera Hotel & Residence

This hotel offers a memorable stay, largely due to its unique signature feature: complimentary ferry access to a nearby island resort, providing guests with additional beaches and pools. Its prime central location in the heart of the old town is consistently highlighted, making it an ideal choice for sightseers eager to explore local attractions and for couples seeking a romantic getaway. Families also find it appealing, benefiting from the spacious accommodations and the island's recreational facilities. Guests frequently praise the exceptional breakfast and brunch, as well as the attentive and friendly staff. To ensure the best experience, guests are advised to confirm their room is in the main hotel building to avoid potential noise issues and stairs associated with separate apartment accommodations, and to fully take advantage of the island's amenities for relaxation and recreation.

Facilities & Amenities
A significant highlight for guests is the complimentary access to the nearby island resort, reachable via a quick and free ferry ride. This allows guests to enjoy the island's extensive beaches, various swimming pools, and even water slides, which are particularly popular with families and provide ample entertainment. The provision of sunbeds, umbrellas, and towels on the island further enhances the relaxation experience, making it easy to spend a full day by the water. Within the main hotel, guests generally find the Wi-Fi reliable and consistent, ensuring seamless connectivity throughout their stay. While a fitness center is available for those wishing to maintain their routine, some guests have noted that its equipment could benefit from renewal, with certain pieces not being fully functional. Overall, the unique island access significantly enriches the range of leisure options available to guests.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally commend the cleanliness and overall condition of the rooms, describing them as spacious, well-fitted out, and often featuring pleasant decor. The beds are frequently highlighted as comfortable, contributing to a restful night's sleep. However, feedback on noise levels is mixed, particularly for guests staying in the separate apartment buildings. These apartments, often located above bars or in busy areas, can experience significant street noise and loud music extending late into the night, making sleep difficult for some. In contrast, rooms within the main hotel are typically quieter. Some guests noted issues with bathroom lighting and the setup of double beds being two single beds pushed together, while others praised the good shower facilities.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast and brunch offerings consistently receive glowing reviews, described as exceptional, amazing, and featuring a huge variety of fresh, local food options. Guests particularly appreciate the quality and extensive selection available, which caters to diverse tastes and makes it a significant highlight of their stay. A much-loved extra is the complimentary champagne and snacks provided in the afternoon or early evening, adding a touch of luxury and enjoyment to the guest experience. The hotel's main restaurant is also highly praised, with some guests specifically recommending its superb degustation menu and overall dining experience. The consistent focus on fresh, local ingredients and the pleasant atmosphere contribute to a very positive impression of the hotel's food and beverage services.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, situated directly on the seafront and in the heart of the old town. This prime position allows guests easy walking access to numerous restaurants, shops, and key attractions like the basilica. Its proximity to the ferry terminal and port is particularly convenient for those arriving by boat or planning excursions. Regarding parking, the hotel provides a well-organized system, with a designated lot located approximately one kilometer away from the property. A complimentary shuttle service is available to transport guests and their luggage between the parking area and the hotel, though some guests noted initial confusion regarding the check-in process for those arriving without a car.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism, significantly contributing to a positive guest experience. Many reviews highlight the attentive service provided by the reception team, who are noted for their thoroughness and willingness to assist with requests, including early arrivals and bag storage. The restaurant staff are also frequently commended for their excellent service and engaging demeanor. Guests appreciate the quick check-in process and the assistance with luggage, especially for those assigned to apartments with multiple flights of stairs. While most interactions are overwhelmingly positive, a few guests experienced minor communication issues during check-out or regarding specific service details.

Additional Information
A recurring theme in guest feedback concerns the distinction between booking a room in the main hotel building and being assigned to a separate apartment. Many guests who believed they booked a hotel room found themselves in an apartment located a short walk away, often in an older building without a lift and requiring ascent of multiple stairs. These apartments, while sometimes spacious and clean, can be prone to significant noise from nearby bars or street activity, and may have more basic amenities compared to the main hotel. Guests appreciate the hotel's pet-friendly policy, noting the availability of pet-friendly beaches and even a small dog park on the nearby island, making it a welcoming destination for those traveling with animals.