Croatia's Sunny Escape: Unbeatable Views & City Fun!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into the sun-drenched, view-tastic world of Croatia's Sunny Escape… and let me tell you, it's a rollercoaster. Forget those dry, robotic travel reviews. You’re getting the REAL deal, warts and all (and hopefully, mostly warts-free, because, ew, nobody likes travel warts).
Croatia's Sunny Escape: Unbeatable Views & City Fun! - A Review That Actually Feels Real
Let’s just say, after a week there, I'm still dreaming of the turquoise water and those goddamn views. Seriously. Unbeatable. But let's break it down, shall we? SEO be damned – we’re going for authenticity here.
(And yes, I'll try to sneak in those keywords. My SEO overlords demand it.)
Accessibility: The Good, the Great, and the "Could Be Better"
Okay, so here's the thing. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I did pay close attention because, you know, inclusivity is key. The Sunny Escape claims to be accessible. The elevator? Check. Some ramps? Check. BUT. Walking around the city is another question, getting to the hotel from the airport feels like its own obstacle course. The hotel itself could definitely do better in some areas, particularly in public spaces. This is something they should definitely improve. Keywords here: Accessibility, Wheelchair accessible, Facilities for disabled guests, Elevator.
(Important side note: I saw someone struggling with a stroller on the cobbled streets. Not ideal. They need to improve the city’s accessibility in general)
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind…Mostly
Look, post-pandemic, we all have anxiety about this stuff. The good news? The Sunny Escape seems to take it seriously. Rooms sanitized between stays, daily disinfection in common areas, anti-viral cleaning products, hand sanitizer everywhere… they're trying. They had hygiene certification displayed, and the staff seemed generally conscientious. I mean, I didn't go licking doorknobs (a habit I'm actively trying to break), but I felt safe. They even had staff trained in safety protocol. Score! They also offered room sanitization opt-out available.
The only thing is, did I still feel a little nervous? Sure! It’s hard to get over the pandemic.
Rooms: Your Home Away From Home… With a View!
Right, the rooms. They were…pretty damn good. Not always easy to get to, but worth every single stair-step. I'm talking air conditioning, internet access – wireless, private bathroom, coffee/tea maker, reading light, a window that opens! (Essential, people, essential!). The Wi-Fi [free] in the rooms actually worked, which is a miracle in itself. My room had a balcony that looked straight out over the water. Seriously, I could have died happy right there. The blackout curtains were a godsend after a night of particularly enthusiastic Croatian wine tasting (ahem). Key words: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Bed
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food (and Drink!)
Okay, here's where things get REALLY interesting. Let's be real, I'm all about the food.
- Restaurants: The food? Hit or miss. The main restaurant had a breakfast [buffet] that was…okay. A bit generic. But the a la carte in restaurant dinner was a triumph sometimes. I had a stunning piece of grilled fish one night, and the salad in restaurant was fresh, crisp, and bursting with flavour. They also had Asian cuisine in restaurant, which gave me the impression of trying to cater to everyone, and made the menu slightly inconsistent. The poolside bar was essential for afternoon cocktails. And the coffee shop was a lifesaver.
- Bars: The bar was well-stocked. The only thing missing? A wider selection of Croatian craft beers. But that's just me being picky. Happy hour always led to… interesting conversations with other guests. (Pro-tip: avoid politics. Everyone has an opinion.)
- Snacks: The snack bar was perfect for a quick bite by the pool. Bottle of water was constantly being restocked, which was handy.
- Breakfast in room was a solid option for those who just wanted a lazy morning.
- Alternative meal arrangement worked flawlessly.
The breakfast takeaway service was a great option for the early risers and vegetarian restaurant was a great. Overall, it was okay. Still, it could improve. Keyword: Restaurant, Bar, Buffet in restaurant, Poolside bar.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day? Yes, Please!
This is where the Sunny Escape truly shines, or at least, attempts to. Here's my deep dive:
- The Spa Experience (and Minor Meltdown): Okay, so, yes. I paid the big bucks for the full spa experience. Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, the works! The steamroom, sauna, foot bath. Heavenly, right? WRONG. The masseuse had a very heavy hand. By the time she was done, I felt like I’d been through a blender. I went in a relaxed, happy person, and came out a purée of bruises. Now, the pool with view was absolute perfection. The view was so perfect I almost forgot about the near-catastrophe. Worth it.
- Fitness Center (a.k.a. the Guilt Trip): The gym/fitness center was small but surprisingly well-equipped. I went, I attempted to work out, I failed miserably. My holiday spirit was far more enticing than a treadmill.
- Swimming Pool (Outdoor): Beautiful. Stunning. Perfect. Need I say more?
- Things to do in general: Ok, let's not get it twisted. This place is more suited for do nothing people. Keywords: Spa, Swimming pool, Pool with view, Sauna, Massage, Fitness center.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Lots of services here!
- Super Useful: Concierge, daily housekeeping, laundry service, luggage storage, safety deposit boxes, currency exchange, Taxi service, car park [free of charge] are all super helpful and make things easier. The 24-hour front desk was a godsend on more than one occasion.
- Extra Perks: They had a convenience store. They organized meetings.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Vibes… Maybe
I don’t have kids, so I can't tell you a heap about it. The hotel claimed to be family/child friendly. Babysitting service? Check. Kids meal? Check. Kids facilities? I didn’t see any, but I wasn’t looking that hard. Proceed with caution, parents!
Getting Around: So. Many. Stairs.
Airport transfer? Yes. Car park [on-site]? Yep. Car park [free of charge]? Yep. Bicycle parking? Yes, but good luck finding someone to rent you one. The taxi service, reliable, and convenient, especially after a few too many glasses of wine (again, ahem). The valet parking was a nice touch. Getting around the city itself was the real challenge, though! You were either on stairs or the most dangerous streets. Getting around is NOT a selling point here.
Overall Vibe: Chaotic Good.
Look, the Sunny Escape isn't perfect. Far from it. The food can be hit-or-miss, the spa is terrifying, and the city accessibility is a real pain. BUT… the views? The fun? The memories? They’re gold. It's a place that’s trying, and you feel that. It's charming in its slightly chaotic way. It’s the kind of place where you laugh when things go wrong, and end up loving it because it’s not perfect.
The Deal: Your Croatian Escape Awaits!
Here’s the deal, folks:
Book a stay at Croatia's Sunny Escape during the month of September and get a complimentary spa treatment (with a gentle masseuse, I promise!). Plus, we're offering a 15% discount on all room rates for stays of 5 nights or more. Use code "SUNNYESCAPE" at checkout. You deserve those views!
Why Book Now?
- Unbeatable Views: Wake up to vistas that will make your Instagram followers green with envy.
- City Fun: Explore the vibrant city.
- Safety First: We're committed to your well-being with rigorous hygiene protocols.
- Relax & Recharge: Indulge in our spa, lounge by the pool, and let your cares melt away.
Don't wait! Book your Croatian adventure today and experience the Sunny Escape magic! (But maybe pack some extra strength pain relief just in case.)
Stuttgart Airport Hotel: Skip the Line with Self Check-In!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sanitized, perfectly planned vacation itinerary. This is… well, this is what actually happens when I try to "getaway" somewhere. Sunny City Getaway + Croatia? Yeah, let's see if we can survive it, and maybe actually enjoy it. Fingers crossed.
The "Sunny City Getaway + Croatia" - A Train Wreck (Probably a Delightful One)
Prologue: The Pre-Trip Frenzy (aka, the "Why Did I Agree to This?" Phase)
Ugh. Packing. Mountains of clothes I won't wear. That half-eaten bag of gummy bears that's been lurking in the bottom of my suitcase since… well, since forever. And the existential dread of leaving my perfectly comfortable couch. But Croatia. The promise of sparkling turquoise water and… uh… history. Right. Okay, deep breaths. Let's do this. I'm so ready to… not be ready.
Day 1: Sunny City – Arrival and the "Accidental Gastronomic Adventure"
- Morning (6:00 AM): Wake up. Hate it. Coffee. More coffee. Airport shuttle. Wondering if I should have just stayed in bed. Did I remember my passport? (Spoiler alert: I almost didn’t).
- Late Morning (10:00 AM): Arrive at the unnamed "Sunny City" (because frankly, naming cities is too organized). Hotel is… fine. Clean enough. View of a parking lot. Sigh. My inner cynic is already having a field day. The hotel room is a little cold, like it's run by a vampire.
- Lunch (12:30 PM): Walk around aimlessly. Get lured into a tiny, slightly sketchy-looking restaurant by the promise of "Authentic Local Cuisine." It's… actually phenomenal. Some kind of slow-cooked meat stew that nearly brought a tear to my eye. The waiter, bless his heart, kept calling me "sweetheart". I clearly left a larger tip than usual and I am not ashamed.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Explore the city. Get lost. Find a charming little park. People-watch. Take a million photos of some pretty flowers (I'm a sucker for flowers, okay?). Accidentally wander into a vintage shop and buy a hat that looks like it belongs on a particularly flamboyant pirate.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a recommended restaurant. It's fancy. And expensive. Feel slightly out of place. The risotto is good. The waiter's a bit stuffy. Wish I was back at the sketchy restaurant, eating that stew.
- Late Night (9:00 PM): Walk back to hotel. Feel full. Feel slightly overwhelmed. Wonder if I should have packed that extra pair of socks. Probably not.
Day 2: Sunny City - Historical Hangovers and the Art of "Doing Nothing"
- Morning (9:00 AM): Wake up slowly. Ugh, the hangover from the wine at dinner. Why did I think that was a good idea? The hotel breakfast is… adequate. Consume a lot of coffee.
- Mid-Morning (10:30 AM): Attempt to visit a historical site. Get distracted by a street musician playing a mournful tune on a saxophone. Listen for too long and completely lose track of time. Decide to just skip the history and wander.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Find a cafe. Order a sandwich. Read a book. Completely zone out. This "doing nothing" thing is actually kind of amazing. Feel a pang of guilt for all the things I should be doing, but quickly shove it aside.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Realize I haven't done anything remotely "touristy." Decide to head to a museum. Get sidetracked by a gelato stand. Eat a double scoop of pistachio and salted caramel. No regrets.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM): Finally make it to the museum. Get bored after an hour. Leave. Decide that museums are overrated. The art was cold and the crowds were worse.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Try another restaurant, hoping for a better experience. It fails. All the other tables have people on dates and I'm alone in my big, uncomfortable chair. Order pizza.
- Night (9:00 PM): Head back to the hotel and go to sleep. Thank heavens for the ability to switch off my mind.
Day 3: Sunny City to Croatia - The Train Ride of Trials and Tribulations
- Morning (7:00 AM): The train! Yay! Or, ugh, the train. Wake up early. Pack (again). The pirate hat stays. Head to the train station. Realize I didn't pack snacks. Panic.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM): Find the train. It's… vintage. And by "vintage," I mean "possibly held together with duct tape and hope." The seats are… interesting. Try to find a non-broken seat.
- Train Ride (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM): The view is beautiful, when you can see it through the fogged-up window. The train rattles. The train is loud. Everyone near me is eating smelly food. The conductor is surprisingly friendly, even though the announcements are in a language I don't understand. Try to sleep. Fail. Read a trashy novel. Actually, it's kind of perfect.
- Arrival in Croatia (4:00 PM): Finally! The train arrives in Croatia! The station is small and charming (finally). Find my way towards the rental car (I told myself I was going to drive!). The car is a bit smaller than I was anticipating. Maybe I should have splurged on the extra insurance…
- Evening (6:00 PM): Drive to the coastal town. The scenery is breathtaking. The roads are… twisty. Almost drive off a cliff. (Okay, slight exaggeration, but it felt like it). Check into the hotel. The view from the room is… Wow. Worth the near-death experience.
- Night (8:00 PM): Dinner by the sea. Fresh seafood. The wine is amazing. The sunset is even more amazing. This is what I came for. This is… perfect. (For now.)
Day 4 - 7: Croatia - Sun, Sea, (Potentially) Snorkels, and the "I Can't Believe I'm Actually Here" Phase
Days blend together: Swimming in crystal-clear water. Exploring ancient ruins. Getting ridiculously sunburned. Eating way too much gelato. Laughing at my terrible attempts at speaking Croatian. Meeting people who are incredibly kind and welcoming (who are also very good at selling local items).
The Single Experience Doubling Down: The Island Day Trip: I'm obsessed with the idea of an island day trip. So, screw the itinerary! We're going to Hvar. Booking a boat. We might need Dramamine. I've fallen in love with the concept of relaxing and the idea of taking photos. Hvar is a whirlwind of beauty! The water is the brightest blue I've ever seen. We end up snorkeling. I get seasick. The boat rocks. I see some fish. I eat a terrible sandwich. It's the best day ever! I feel like I can take on the whole world (or at least Croatia). Later, I realize I forgot sunscreen and am now the color of a lobster. Still worth it. The island's food is amazing. I'm already dreaming of going back.
More Days: Hiking through vineyards. Getting lost. Finding incredible local wines. Learning a few basic Croatian phrases. (Mostly, "Thank you" and "More wine, please.") Realizing that I’m actually starting to enjoy this whole traveling thing.
Day 8: Croatia - The "Almost, But Not Quite, Ready to Go Home" Phase
- Morning (9:00 AM): Wake up. Realize I'm going home (soon). Feel a strange mixture of relief and sadness.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Go to a local market. Buy a bunch of souvenirs I probably don’t need… but might use.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Eat one last delicious meal. Try to savor every bite. Order the exact same dish I ate at the beginning of the trip
Croatia's Sunny Escape: Unbeatable Views & City Fun! - (Let's Get Real, Shall We?)
Okay, Croatia. Everyone raves. Is it *really* worth the hype? (And will I end up broke?)
Ugh, FINE. Yes. Croatia? It's pretty darn amazing. I mean, the pictures? They're not even lying. The water? Crystal clear. The views? Instagram-worthy, even if you're a potato with a phone like me. But let's be honest, it's NOT all sunshine and roses. (Though there *is* a lot of sunshine.)
The "broke" part? That depends. You can definitely blow your entire budget on fancy restaurants and private yachts (yup, saw *those*), but you can also do it on a reasonable budget. Think: hostels, local markets, maybe one AMAZING seafood dinner instead of three. I learned that lesson the hard way... after the pizza-induced regret of overspending in Dubrovnik. Ouch!
Best places to go? Spitfire or Dubrovnik? Which is the REAL deal? And is Hvar just for the rich and famous?
Okay, buckle up. This is where things get...opinionated. **Dubrovnik:** Beautiful? Absolutely. Crowded? Absolutely. I swear, I nearly lost a fight to a rogue selfie stick wielding tourist there. (Note: It's my fault I was in the middle of the crowd, but still). The Old Town is stunning, no arguments. The walls? Majestic. The cable car up to the Mount Srđ? Do it. Just... go early, or you'll be crammed in there like a sardine. Did I mention the crowds? And it can be pricey.
**Split:** My personal favorite, but I am just going to rave about it. Split, for me, felt more 'real.' You have Diocletian's Palace, which is crazy cool and, I loved exploring. The Riva (the main promenade) had this amazing buzz, you'll see people just chilling enjoying life. It's not as manic as Dubrovnik, but still had everything you want. And it's a great base for island hopping! And the REAL bonus for me: The food! Oh, the food! Seriously, one of the best meals of my life was a tiny, hidden konoba (that's a traditional restaurant) in Split. I still dream of the black risotto...and the price? Way more manageable.
**Hvar:** Yes, a bit more "glam." Lots of yachts. Lots of designer sunglasses. I'll admit, I felt slightly out of place in my, uh, slightly-less-than-designer attire. BUT, Hvar Town is gorgeous, and the Pakleni Islands (off the coast) are pure paradise. You can find more affordable options, like smaller guesthouses, but you'll probably be next to a bunch of fancy people. Just own it, right? I did and had a great time!
Island hopping! Worth it? Which islands? (And am I going to get seasick?)
Island hopping? YES, YES, A THOUSAND TIMES YES. Seriously, it's the BEST way to experience Croatia. You get to see different vibes, different beaches, different… well, everything! But be warned, planning is key if you want to bounce around on your own. I took the ferry between the islands. You can find tons of groups, but I really enjoyed my freedom!
**Hvar is a must (see above).** Brač (Bol) is another great choice! The Golden Horn beach there is stunning. And then you have Korčula, which everyone raves about. I also went to Vis and loved how it felt less touristy. Less yacht-filled, I mean! It felt like an actual, functioning island with locals living their lives, not just catering to tourists. I'm such a sucker for the underdog!
Seasickness? Oh boy, the waves can get a bit choppy. Bring Dramamine (or your preferred remedy). And choose your ferry wisely - bigger boats are generally more stable. I, unfortunately, learned this the hard way on a smaller boat. Let's just say the experience involved a lot of staring at the horizon and praying to the sea gods.
The Food! What should I eat? (And are the portions going to bankrupt me?)
Okay, the food. Crucial. Croatia's food is fantastic, and it's one of my favorite parts of the country!. **Seafood is king.** Freshly grilled fish, anything from the Adriatic. Mussels, octopus, everything. I mean, the flavors are just incredible. You can find restaurants everywhere. And, the portions? Usually not as gargantuan as some other places, which is nice for a change. (My stomach is forever grateful.)
Don't miss: Cevapcici (grilled minced meat), black risotto (mentioned above, and oh my god, it's so good!), and Peka (meat or seafood slow-cooked under a bell in the embers). Oh, and get yourself some good olive oil! It's liquid gold.
Regarding pricing: Again, depends on where you go. Little konobas in smaller towns or outside of tourist hotspots are usually much cheaper. I ate like a queen on a budget, most of the time. (Okay, maybe a princess at times. I confess.) Just be aware that eating *right* by the main tourist attractions can be expensive. Walk a few blocks away, and you'll often find better food *and* better prices.
Practical Stuff: What's the best way to get around, do I need to speak Croatian, and what should I pack?
Getting around? **Rent a car?** Totally depends on where you go! Car is fine for a road trip, but forget about it in Dubrovnik or Split (parking is a nightmare!). Ferries are amazing if you're island-hopping. Buses are great for some routes.
**Do you need to speak Croatian?** Well, no. English is widely spoken (thank goodness!). But, a few basic phrases (hello, thank you, etc.) are *always* appreciated. I tried, I really did. My attempts at Croatian probably made the locals laugh, but at least they appreciated the effort.
**Packing?** SUNSCREEN. Seriously. That Croatian sun is no joke. Swimsuits (duh!), comfortable shoes for walking, and a hat. A light jacket for evenings. And maybe an adapter for your electronics. Remember, the most important thing to pack is a sense of adventure (and maybe some patience for the occasional crowded attraction). I spent a whole day wearing the wrong shoes in Dubrovnik, I am pretty sure I destroyed my feet! Also, there will be people everywhere. So, pack an adequate amount of patience!
Anything else I should know? Hidden gems? And what was the *one* thing you remember most?
Hidden gems? Try smaller towns like Rovinj (charming!), or explore the Istrian Peninsula, which is amazing and often overlooked. Also don't forget the NationalHotel Safari
