Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In Croatia, most hotels are outrageously expensive, but private accommodations are an ex-
cellent value. My recommendations range from $15 bunks to $500-plus splurges, but most
cluster somewhere in between: For a well-located standard double room in peak season on
theCroatiancoast,planonspending$150-250inabigresorthotel;$80-130inasmallhotel
or a hotelesque private room or apartment (with your own bathroom, TV, and other amen-
ities); or $50-80 for a more basic private room with a shared bathroom. While most Croa-
tianaccommodationsquotetheirratesineuros,whenyoucheckout,paymentisexpectedin
kunas (or, occasionally, by credit card).
Slovenia has a wider range of affordable small hotels (about $90-130 in Ljubljana, and
$70-90 in small towns and the countryside), which make private accommodations a lesser
value there.
I've described my recommended accommodations using a Sleep Code (see sidebar).
Rates vary wildly by season, with August being the most expensive. Short stays (of less
than three nights) are discouraged, especially in peak season. Expect to pay 20-50 percent
extra if you're staying just one or two nights, and don't be surprised if some places have a
multinightminimuminsummer.Butifyoucanfillagapintheirreservationsschedule,they
might waive this surcharge.
Three or four people can save money by requesting one big room. Traveling alone can
be expensive: A single room is often only 20 percent cheaper than a double.
For most of my recommended accommodations, I provide a website (which may have a
built-in booking form) and an email address; you can expect a response in English within a
day and often sooner. Always book directly with your host—it saves you and them money
As explained in the Sleep Code, for most accommodations I've listed three prices: high,
middle, and low season. Many larger hotel chains use “dynamic pricing,” which means
room rates change from day to day depending on demand. This makes it extremely difficult
topredictwhatyouwillpay.Ingeneral,forthesehotelsI'velistedonlythetop-seasonprice
(for the sake of comparison); for the specific rate, go on their website and punch in your
dates.
Given the economic downturn, hoteliers may be willing to make a deal. I'd suggest
emailing several hotels to ask for their best price. Comparison-shop and make your choice.
Ingeneral,pricescansoftenifyoudoanyofthefollowing:offertopaycash,stayatleast
threenights,ormention thisbook.Youcanalsotryaskingforacheaper roomoradiscount,
or offer to skip breakfast.
