AMFORA HVAR GRAND BEACH RESORT, Croatia

A HOTSPOT FOR MEETINGS ON A GREAT ISLAND

[metaslider id=26739]

LOCATION
When the company Sunačni Hvar was created a few years ago, the quality of services and the structure of guests on the island of Hvar was fundamentally changed. Despite the recent difficulties of the owners the company continues to operate solidly, with the renovated Amfora hotel sat at the heart of the renewed hotel and congress offer on the island. The hotel is located in a luxurious bay about ten minutes from the centre of Hvar and perched above the legendary beach Bonj-les-Bains. In terms of price the hotel is affordable and in terms of service it fits into the luxury category, rounded off with its philosophy of combining the business and leisure tourist segments.

ACCESSIBILITY
Hvar is a slice of paradise that has for many years been capturing the attention of the world’s jet set. To reach this paradise you should take the time to travel by ferry, catamaran, powerboat or by what has become popular in recent times, the seaplane. The fastest you can get to the island with catamaran is in just under an hour. The hotel is located directly on the sea and surrounded by Mediterranean pine forest, just a few minutes from the centre of Hvar. To access every corner of the hotel you will have to negotiate quite a few steps, but otherwise the accessibility and logistics of the hotel are solidly planned. The hotel shuttle, which is responsible for transporting guests from the ferry port in Stari Grad to the Amphora hotel, is worthy of especial praise.

COLD APPETIZER – Architecture and Aesthetics
The hotel is a typical resort style, which can be compared to minivans in the company of cars: a lot of space and extras for which it is not really clear why it is needed. Otherwise, the renovation of the hotel in 2007 was very well managed and the huge cascade pool with perfect lighting that lights it up into the night is a real stand-out. The exterior is otherwise Mediterranean subdued and in fine detail it is elegant modernist architecture with luxurious public areas. The interior is again subdued and beautifully designed, providing a pleasant hotel stay. The spaciousness and details of main lobby are a pleasant surprise that seductively capture a guest’s attention. The passages to the outdoor terraces overlooking the swimming pool are special hotel treats.

WARM APPETIZER – Staff and Food
The Sunčani Hvar company has conceived the hotel as a combination of a luxury resort, family and congress/business hotel. This occasionally causes problems, because the mixing of these target groups can be demanding. Therefore, the staff face quite a lot of challenges in contact with guests, which they are resolving more or less successfully.
The food is solid, but in this area the hotel has quite a lot that can be done. The best part of the culinary offer is the breakfast with a broad but rich selection of classic dishes. Other restaurants on the island can be average, but luckily many culinary gems can also be found. The good maintenance of the hotel rooms and public areas, carried out by friendly and efficient staff, is praiseworthy.

MAIN COURSE – Congress hotel offer
The fashion for hotels is always changing and after less than ten years the first signs of aging are already showing. This aside, the rooms are logically arranged and comfortable, their well-being worthy of a four grade. Bathrooms are very solid, well stocked with hotel cosmetics and expected implements. In some of the rooms, however, the Wi-Fi signal is poor.
Practically the only convention centre of such a type on the island is fully occupied and is ideal for congresses and incentives of smaller and medium-sized groups of up to 530 people (standing reception). The main congress hall, Grand Ballroom, is a typical multi-functional congress hall, which can be divided into three smaller rooms. In addition to the great hall the hotel has a somewhat smaller banquet hall, the Terrace ballroom, which can accommodate up to 400 people (standing reception). Four smaller meeting rooms and a well-organised lobby make for a functional and well-equipped congress centre.

DESSERT – Additional offer
Luxury beach Bonj, which is the symbol of the town of Hvar.

FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES
Prices in high season are too high, with prices at the mini bar and in the hotel’s restaurants especially excessive.

TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES
Hvar lifestyle and a special island vibe.

OVERALL IMPRESSION AND CREDIBILITY
The task of the Amphora hotel is clear: to install Hvar on the elite congress destination map. The hotel is aiming for a premium hotel clientele and it is addressing the established Croatian rivals with the wide range of its offer and the happy fact that Hvar has for many years been Croatia’s hot destination. For larger congress stories it is the first choice on the island, with the spaces available for garden and pool parties just unending. The wonderful atmosphere of the location is among many other things also the basis for the legendary festival ‘Ultra’. However, in many corners of the hotel the need for refreshment and renewal can already be sensed, as well as that there is quite a lot of room for improvement in terms of services. Such little things cannot, however, damage the good impression offered by the hotel, but they will be essential in maintaining the status of the most luxurious hotel on the island.

Related articles

• AMFORA HVAR GRAND BEACH RESORT, Croatia
• Hvar Island
• FIRST COMMERCIAL SEAPLANE SERVICE LANDS IN JELSA, Hvar
• Value for Money, That Is Croatia Today