Hotel Osejava

Hotel Osejava sits on along Makarska's harbor, with the Biocovo mountains towering behind. It's a perfect spot in this historic town, and the hotel itself also has a rich heritage. It was built in 1929 and for many years was famed as one of the best hotels around. Since then it's been almost completely rebuilt, and the current hotel has a clean, contemporary look. There's a coastal feel that runs throughout the property -- think: wicker chairs with pale blue and lemon yellow cushions, striped wallpaper, and large rattan hanging lights. The cafe has a contrasting tropical tree-house style, with dark bamboo furniture and distinctive leafy ceiling designs. Of course, one of the highlights here are the sea views, which are outstanding from so many vantage points throughout the hotel. It's a busy place and the town has a lively nightlife scene -- there's a club next door to the hotel, and regular evening booze cruises leave from the harbor. It does tend to be quieter in shoulder season. Guests are predominantly young couples.

Hotel Osejava is located at the end of Makarska's harbor, just steps from shopping and dining along the waterfront. There's a small pebble beach in front of the hotel, or it's a 15-minute stroll around the harbor to the main beach. The town is a nice place to wander on foot, with several historic churches and sights including Kacic Square, a five-minute walk from the property. Attractions farther afield include Biokovo National Park for hiking trails around Biokovo Mountain, which is a 15-minute drive away. Brela, one of the region's best beaches, is 20 minutes away by car. There's a car ferry across to Brac Island with a transit time of about an hour, and the international airport in Split is around a 75-minute drive. 

Rooms have a modern look that's due in part to stylish features like whitewashed cinderblock walls and photo-mural walls. Decor is largely white, with pale wood floors creating a fresh, seaside feel. Rooms have either pool or sea views, and some feature both -- the best, of course, have balconies with those views. Those without balconies include French windows, so it's still possible to let in that fresh sea air. Keep in mind that -- at night -- this will translate to noise. In fact, in high season, the neighboring nightclub may be a dealbreaker for light sleepers. 

Standard features include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Room service is also available. Junior Suites add living areas in an open-plan layout. Suites have separate bedrooms and living areas -- with sofa beds and charming rocking chairs. The private saunas in Suites are an unexpected perk. 

Bathrooms are modern, and partitioned from the rooms with opaque glass. They include a good amount of counter space, rainfall shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and basic toiletries. Junior Suites feature tubs with views of the sea for those looking for a bit of extra romance.

Hotel Osejava has some great spaces to kick back, which help makes its modern style even more appealing. There's a street-side terrace overlooking the harbor with both sofa and table seating, and a pretty elevated courtyard with superb panoramic sea views. The free buffet breakfast includes hot and cold options, and there is food available all day from two restaurants and a cafe. Half-board rates are also offered. The pool area is a nice secluded space with loungers, though it's a bit small for swimming and as of 2017 there are plans in motion for a second pool. A shingle beach is right across from the hotel as well. The spa has a menu of beauty and massage treatments plus a sauna, though we have to say that it's a bit on the clinical side. Unfortunately, there is no fitness center. Several stylish event rooms are available, accommodating up to 100, many of which have astounding sea views. The hotel has free Wi-Fi throughout, and a parking is available on-site.