Crvena Luka Resort

The view

The girl at the reception can be more professional

With the resort situated around a pretty bay with pine trees lining the waterline and a view over the islets in the Adriatic sea, you could probably pick a worse place to stay. On arrival, you find a large private parking with a barrier and guard. Once you are in, the efficient and friendly reception is right at the end of the car park (use the online check-in to save time). After check-in you will be allowed to drive to your building to unload your luggage, but you will have to park your car at the car park. The rooms are in various buildings across the resort; the hotel building are near the car park, the apartments further into the bay. The hotel buildings have lifts to the rooms on the upper floors. My room (a “superior” room – nothing else was left…) was very large; I was also offered a free bottle of wine. There were three large wardrobes, so no lack of space to put my clothes. The bathroom was reasonably sized for one person (a bit crammed for two or more) The WiFi worked without any issues; the beds were good. Apart from a small slit at the bottom, the curtains allow you to fully darken your room (if you close the bathroom door, if has a window like my room…) Apart from some birds, it was absolutely quiet at night. Apart from the usual stone terraces, there is actually a small beach with fine pebbles (or very rough sand, depending on the point of view); the water is very shallow, so kid-friendly (less suited for serious swimming – you have to walk out far before you can). As a guest, you have free use of beach sunbeds and umbrellas; not sure how full the resort was (well, dinner was packed), but I had no issue finding a place for me.

I paid for a sea side view room; however, I found that makes no sense – there is no view of the sea to be had in any of the rooms, as the pine trees block the view from all buildings. During my entire (one-day)) stay, I had no hot water (!); I was told that this was an exception - and was offered no refund whatsoever… Seating in the room was a bit of an issue, as the chairs were old ones that had only been given a new fabric, but no (much-needed…) overhaul - you can sit, but not comfortably. I found no way of switching off the air-conditioning (apart from switching off electricity by pulling the card, or opening the balcony door). Unfortunately, only one pillow type is offered (and only one large duvet instead of two for the double bed). The lit light switches everywhere in the room create an unwanted ‘night light’. Dinner can be had only at the restaurant (the bistro closes at 18.30 h), with a buffet; you get the usual mass-production fare, with hefty prices – if you have a car, you should consider one of the good restaurants nearby (better quality at lower prices). The breakfast buffet had the usual limited choice and quality; don’t arrive too late – your choice might be even more limited.

Beautiful little place, very quiet even in August. Located in a beautiful bay with a sandy floor in the sea. Lovely infinity pool and great to have spa access included. Modern and clean room and buildings, great leisure facilities and plenty of sun beds. The buffet restaurant was fairly average but we always found something decent and the a la carte restaurant was great for lunchtime pizzas, burgers, salads etc (extra cost).

It would have been nice to have a kettle etc in the room. Also the beach is advertised as sandy, but don’t expect it to be sink your toes in sand, it was very firm, almost like sand on top of a stone base or something. It didn’t bother us but just something to be aware of.

Poor internet and bad food