Sunday, November 11, 2012

Stari Grad Hotels on Hvar: Arkada, Helios, Lavanda and St. Roko


For a town which is 2300 years old, authentic stone hotels are in short supply. An overview of the modern family hotels in Stari Grad on the island of Hvar.
Stari Grad Hotels on Hvar: Arkada, Helios, Lavanda and St. Roko - Joakim Westerlund (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jockew/3910830404/)
In contrast to the wide selection of central hotels in Hvar Town, the selection of hotel accommodation in Hvar's second biggest town, Stari Grad, is somewhat lacking, and there are currently no operating hotels in its stunning old town, which dates back 2300 years.
Indeed the four hotels that provide accommodation for the town are all located across the harbour on a peninsula, which entails a sizable walk into town - plenty of opportunity to work up an appetite for the town's excellent restaurants, although there are regular water taxis from the peninsula into the old harbour. Here is a quick overview of the four hotels in Stari Grad - Arkada, Helios, Lavanda and St. Roko.
Hotel Arkada
Hotel Arkada is close to the water with direct access to a pebbly beach. Situated in a pine forest, it is has a stunning location and excellent sea views. It is the biggest hotel in the town with 269 rooms, and is a natural base for a family holiday, with a range of facilities, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a sauna and a children's playground.
There are also plenty of sporting facilities within 100m, which is true for all the hotels, as they are all located in the same area. These include six tennis courts, a mini-golf course and handball, basketball and volleyball courts. Additional activities which can be arranged are windsurfing, water-skiing, boat hire and bicycle rental.
Hotel Helios
Another large hotel from the Communist Era is Hotel Helios, also positioned close to the water, with beach in front. Helios has 214 rooms, the majority of which have a balcony and sea view, and guests have access to the sporting facilities mentioned above.
Hotel Lavanda
Formerly the Hotel Adriatic, the 94 rooms at the Hotel Lavanda are also ideal for a family vacation. The hotel has its own indoor and outdoor pools, a volleyball court in the sand, its own skateboard path and a playroom for children. Hotel Lavanda offers all-inclusive packages.
Hotel St. Roko
The fourth hotel in Stari Grad is Hotel Roko, which, like the other three, is owned by the same company, Helios dd. It is 50m from the beach and close to Hotel Helios, which guests are required to use for dining facilities.
Modern family hotels out of town will not be ideal for everyone, and there is an excellent range of private accommodation available, both in the old town itself, for those looking for the authentic stone experience, and in Priko, opposite the old town, which benefits from additional sun due its south-facing orientation.

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