Croatia may be a regular inclusion on European hot spot lists, but it's not quite Spain – yet. Thankfully it's not overrun with hotels and resorts big enough for their own postcode.
Photo © iStock/xbrchx
If you like your accommodation more "deluxe" than
As tourism is booming, so too is the number of big international hotel chains opening properties in the larger cities. But they can be pricey, so the more common form of accommodation in both the cities and the islands is to rent a
- Croatian Homestays
- Watch Out for These Scams
- Wander Around Town
- Arrive with an Empty Stomach
- Ask First - Things to Check
Croatian Homestays
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Some advertise online, but they often require a money transfer to book. This can be costly and inconvenient, so most travelers arrange their accommodation once they arrive.
Visit any ferry port, bus station, or airport in Croatia, and it's impossible to miss the hoards of
Watch Out for These Scams
Depending on the time of year and size of the city or island, they can be more aggressive than a rugby scrum, so be prepared. Some travelers have reported being ripped off by hosts looking to take advantage of tired tourists.
Ferry ports, in particular, are often located outside the main town centers, so you also run the risk of ending up in a room nowhere near where you'll actually be spending your time. You may be on the brink of exhaustion after a long
Although this is changing, English is not as commonly-spoken in Croatia as in other European countries, so be prepared for the language barrier. This can make it difficult to figure out what the host is offering and how much they're charging for it.
Croatiatraveller.com recommends showing up as early in the day as possible. That way, you're in a better bargaining position than you will be late at night when the hosts know the thought of a comfy bed will take over your desire to bag a bargain.
Wander Around Town
If you've got the time and inclination, some travelers recommend having a wander around town to identify the areas you like and feel safe in.
Once you've picked a spot, keep your eyes peeled for houses with a sign in the front window advertising a
However, be aware that in peak season (July and August) demand for accommodation will be sky-high, so it may pay to organize a room before you arrive.
Arrive with an Empty Stomach
Most
Ask First: Things to Check
Remember that it's perfectly acceptable to ask to see the room before you commit and settle on a price.
If you're traveling with someone else, confirm whether the price is per room, or per person.
Also, check if there is a minimum stay required. Croatiatraveller.com reports that some hosts double the price for a one-night stay, especially at the height of summer.
Payment is always in cash, so make sure you have enough kuna (or, increasingly, euros) in your wallet when you arrive.
If you'd prefer the convenience and assurance of having someone else organize accommodation for you, many tourist offices have booking agencies that can arrange a
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3 Comments
Hey Phil,
we did exactly what you are describing here last summer. And it really works. In some towns, we needed to search a little longer as expected to find a good room (Krk for example, because it was a bit crowded), but it is a perfect strategy for a budget stay and it's much cheaper than booking in advance.
I loved how friendly the Croatian hosts were to us. And I used this memory for a blog post about "traveling against racism" a couple of weeks ago. I linked this blog post to get my point across. :)
Best wishes from Cologne,
Alex!
Hi,
Great article.. we would like to visit a small grand ma home stay, in the hills or mountain, hopefully with dinner included. How long is the drive from Lugano, as we have 6 days. Are dogs allowed??
Thanks and kind regards, from Lugano
Rob & Graz
We would like to visit Croatia for our honeymoon, we love camping. Any ideas or tips.
The fotos look amazing, is it really that good?