Croatia - Eastern Europe - page 157

bb
bb means bez broja (without number). This is quite common in Croatia, partic-
ularly if the place is a well-known church or restaurant. If you see an address
listed with a street name followed by bb, and you are having trouble finding
it, simply ask a local for directions.

Tips

VISITOR INFORMATION
Hvar Town's principal tourist office is at Trg Sv. Stjepana b.b. ( & 021/741-059; fax
021/742-977; www.tzhvar.hr). Stari Grad's is at Nova Riva 2 ( & 021/765-763; www.
hvar.hr). Both can provide literature and maps, but if you want accommodations in
Hvar Town, go to Pelegrini Travel, steps from the boat landing ( & 021/742-743;
[e-mail]; 8am-10pm Mon-Sat and 6-8pm Sun). Pelegrini also books
through travel agencies in Split.
During July and August, there is the potential for a reservation snafu, so be sure you
have confirmed—and preferably paid for—accommodations before you arrive. Atlas
Travel ( & 021/741-670 ), on the west side of the Hvar Town harbor next to the ren-
ovated (Sept 2006) Adriana Hotel, is an excellent place to book excursions.
WHERE TO STAY
There are no hotel bargains in Hvar Town. Innkeepers have been scrambling to expand
and renovate since the island became all the rage, and the result is that prices are esca-
lating faster than improvements. Moderately priced private accommodations exist, but
in the summer especially, you must book 4 days or more just to get a reservation.
Very Expensive
Hotel Podstine The Podstine is nestled amid palm and citrus trees next to its own
beach, which is a flat concrete strip with a view of the Pakleni Islands. The hotel is a
30-minute climb from Hvar Town center, but it offers shuttle service (20kn/$4/£2.15
one-way). Guest rooms are clean and showing their age though most have private bal-
conies. The shaded terrace is a tranquil place to kick back with a glass of wine.
Pod Stine. Hvar Town. & 021/740-400. Fax [phone]. www.podstine.com. 40 units. Mid-July to late Aug from
1,900kn ($328/£173) seaside double. Rest of year from 1,085kn ($187/£99) seaside double. AE, DC, MC, V. Guarded
parking. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; diving center; excursions; bike, scooter, and car rental; room service
11am-11pm. In room:A/C, TV, minibar.
Riva (aka Slavija) Riva wins our extreme-makeover award. Tourists who stay at
the transformed Slavija 9m (30 ft.) from the dock have a bird's-eye view of the water-
front action, and since June 26, 2006, they also have plush surroundings. Rooms are
still small because of the building's protected status, but now they are equipped with
ultramodern bathrooms, flatscreen TVs, slick designer colors, and patios. The hotel is
home to a Mediterranean restaurant and a cocktail lounge where you can schmooze
the night away.
Riva bb. Hvar Town. & 021/741-820. Fax [phone]. www.suncanihvar.hr. 54 units. Mid-July to Aug double from
275 € ($350); suite from 325 € ($390); Riva suite from 370 € ($475). Rest of year doubles from 214 € ($275); suite

from 238 ($378). Rates include breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar;

spa access; Wi-Fi; terrace dancing. In room:A/C, SAT/TV, hair dryer, some patios.

€ ($305); Riva suite from 295 €