The Maritimo Hotel

Hotel Maritimo Makarska is family-run, and has an atmosphere that's more intimate than many of its nearby competitors. It caters to couples who want to avoid the crowds, and we encountered staff who were notably attentive. The modest lobby has striking decor, with red walls and boxy, white leather chairs in the small seating area around the corner from reception. There's a flat-screen TV on the wall and a little bookshelf, but the real entertainment is outside on the promenade, where guests can people-watch from a covered lounge, or the restaurant's breezy terrace. 

The hotel is situated right on the beachfront's palm-lined promenade, just outside the center of Makarska, a small port town on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. This region known for its beaches and pinewood forests, but there’s also a hint of nightlife, with a couple of beach bars hosting DJs day and night. It’s an easy walk along the promenade to tourist sights -- it takes about 15 minutes to reach Makarska’s attractive old town, where bars, restaurants, and coffee shops line narrow, sometimes labyrinthine streets. Down at the harbor, boat trips depart for the islands of Hvar and Brac. The closest airport is in Split, which is about an hour and a half away by car or bus.

The most notable feature of Hotel Maritimo Makarska's guest rooms is their furnished private balconies, which  offer views of the sea or mountains. Decor is contemporary and spaces feel pulled together, with blond-wood furniture, headboards with sleek sconces, and orange accent walls dotted with colorful prints, although bedspreads are a bit dated. Standard rooms have double or twin beds, built-in desks, and some have mini sofas that fold out. All units are equipped with AC, flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, and electric kettles are available by request. Upgraded rooms have much larger balconies that add sun loungers, and Junior Suites have separate living rooms with couches. There's also a one-bedroom apartment on the top floor with skylights and a kitchenette. The white-tiled bathrooms are basic but tidy, and have heated towel racks and walk-in showers, but they lack toiletries.  

This small hotel has limited amenities, but it offers direct access to the public pebbly beach, and to the popular seafront promenade that runs into the old town. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for a nominal fee. Another highlight is the hotel's restaurant, which has Dalmatian and Mediterranean cuisine on the menu, and an inviting outdoor terrace. The terrace is split in half by the promenade, with more seating that overlooks the sand, and there's a pergola for shade. There's also a small bar that serves up cocktails and espresso, with contemporary wicker lounge furniture on a separate outdoor terrace along the promenade. Covered on-site parking is available for a fee, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.