Petra Shepherd finds the excellent Valamar Argosy Hotel is just a short drive from the busy centre of Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik is one of the most attractive and best-known cities in the Mediterranean. A unique medieval city surrounded by iconic walls and the Adriatic Sea, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and a magnet for international travellers and cruise passengers. However, this jewel in the crown of Croatia does get very, very busy.
On a recent visit I opted to stay away from the Old Town at the 4 * Valamar Argosy Hotel, located on the tranquil Babin kuk Peninsula. The Babin kuk Peninsula is a green seaside oasis where 5 Valamar hotels are located with alluring views of the lush Elaphiti Islands, yet just a short drive from the buzz of the famous walled town centre. The number six bus stops a 2-minute walk from the hotel and runs to Pile Gate, the main entrance to Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
Tickets can be purchased for the 15-minute journey from a shop in the lobby and there’s no worrying about where to get on and where to get off as the hotel stop, is the last stop on the bus route. Dubrovnik-Cilipi Airport is approximately a half hour drive away with taxis costing around 40 euros.
The hotel itself is modern, built in 1976 and consists of 4 storeys. It’s very light and airy with a large lobby and welcoming staff, who all spoke English fluently and were extremely helpful. The 308 completely refurbished rooms and suites either have a park or sea view.
My sea view room was ideally situated to view the sun setting over the mirror-calm sea from the comfort of my small balcony but be aware that some of the rooms lacked a view and could be a tad shady. All rooms have a big comfortable bed, LCD Satellite TVs, free wi fi access, good lighting, mini bars, hair dryers, ample plug sockets, a pillow menu and most importantly for me an actual kettle with proper china cups.
No complicated machine that tries to double up making coffee and heating water and in so doing, takes hours to do so. The contemporary rooms are pleasant with mint green or pale blue walls and the modern bathrooms come complete with a glass-sided rain shower, white bathrobes and slippers and Rituals toiletries. On the reception level, there are seven rooms designed for visitors with disabilities.
The Valamar Argosy Hotel’s one restaurant (Mediterraneo Restaurant) serves a buffet breakfast and dinner. Breakfast is lavish even by large hotel buffet restaurant standards. I was saddened during the pandemic when it was rumoured that hotel buffet breakfasts would be a thing of the past (I appreciate at the time there were more pressing worries) with no more sharing dishes and only a la carte.
I love to start the day with a groaning buffet of fruits, cheeses, cold meats, breads, pastries, and cakes, a traditional English breakfast and local specialities and at the Mediterraneo Restaurant, the breakfast buffet was back in force and didn’t disappoint. The omelettes made to order were particularly good. Dinner is also buffet style with a carvery, dozens of salads, pasta dishes, fish, a choice of Mediterranean dishes, assorted deserts and if none of this appeal, there’s always pizza. It does get busy and guests tend to eat early around 7 pm.
There are themed dinners twice a week in high season. The Mezzino Snack Bar located by the pool serves snacks, light lunches in the afternoon and an a l carte dinner from 6 pm – 11 pm from May to October. The lobby bar with its funky ceiling lights and multi-coloured furniture has a wide selection of drinks, sandwiches and desserts.
As much as I love my food, the highlight of my stay at Valamar Argosy Hotel was undoubtedly the swimming pools. I’d say the two huge freshwater, outdoor infinity pools, surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation, with stunning sea views were the hotel’s main usp. The hotel is located on a hill, so although you don’t get direct beach access, you do get the location wow factor with plenty of sun loungers, Balinese Beds (4 poster day beds) in which to enjoy the view and parasols for shade.
There’s a children’s pool, too and a freshwater heated indoor pool. 3 beaches with the gin-clear water that Croatia is famed for are located between 150 – 300 metres from the hotel. Val President Relax Beach (accessed via sister hotel Dubrovnik President Valamar Collection Hotel 5*) has a paved and pebble beach, a blue flag and Miramare Restaurant, Coral Beach Club and my favourite Copacabana Beach. The ferry port is only two miles away, so easily accessible for day trips to the neighbouring islands.
The hotel also has an adult-only spa with a Finnish sauna and bio sauna, massage and wellness treatments (including the Valamar Signature wellness programme).
Overall, the Valamar Argosy Hotel has a very relaxed, friendly feel to it. It’s aimed at adults only and would suit couples wanting to spend a few days exploring the sites of Dubrovnik’s old town but have somewhere quieter and spacious to return to. They should also factor in a day or two to chill out by the infinity pools and soak in the awesome views.
Tell Me More About Valamar Argosy Hotel
Valamar Argosy Hotel, Ul. Iva Dulčića 140, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
T: +385 52 465 000
Double rooms from £107
Visit Dubrovnik has information on the city
Getting to Dubrovnik
British Airways and Easyjet fly direct to Dubrovnik from London Gatwick Airport
