Hotel Osmine

While the Osmine does a decent job of providing low-cost seaside vacations to package travelers, there’s little denying that this is a dated ‘80s-style property, long overdue for a refresh. It lacks much atmosphere, and decor is old-fashioned throughout, from the lobby’s white ceiling tiles and long, curved dark-wood front desk with marble-effect countertop, to the peach-colored patterned sofas and armchairs. Externally, it’s a low-rise, whitewashed building, with PVC-framed floor-to-ceiling windows and doors off the lobby, and an old-fashioned blue-and-white awning. The paved terrace space could be used to make things more inviting, given that the views of the sheltered cove and stony beach are rather attractive. Travelers with mobility difficulties should note there are lots of steps, especially to access the restaurant, plus elevators are tiny and don’t reach all floors. Most of the guests are families. 

The hotel has direct access to Osmine Beach, but is a five-minute taxi ride away from Slano. This adds to the seclusion, but it means getting to the village’s bars and restaurants, or father afield, can be challenging.

• Five minutes to Slano by car (35-minute walk)
• 19 minutes to Trsteno Arboretum by car
• 20 minutes to Ston village and Ston Walls by car
• 28 minutes to Stikovica Beach by car
• 38 minutes to Dubrovnik by car
• 57 minutes to Dubrovnik Airport by car

Split-level, air-conditioned rooms are functional, and decent enough to be comfortable, but they are on the basic and dated side. Large, old-fashioned tan-wood bed frames are composed of built-in headboards, bedside tables, and wall lamps. Walls are plain white, carpets are gray-green, and there are some exposed drainpipes. Decoration is otherwise minimal beyond a few framed prints, and there are outdated built-in closets with mirrored doors, but no desks. Windows are covered with floor-to-ceiling curtains and connected lounge spaces have frumpy teal patterned sofas and tan-wood framed armchairs upholstered in the same design. 

Standard amenities include individually controlled air-conditioning, flat-screen or tube-style TVs with satellite channels, phones, safes, and hairdryers -- but there are no fridges, coffee- and tea-making facilities, or toiletries. Free Wi-Fi is advertised as available in public areas only, though guests report it does reach some rooms.

Bathrooms are clean, but they are even more old-fashioned than the rooms and decked out all in white and gray. Dated built-in cream vanities have submerged sinks, plus fluorescent lighting above wall-mounted mirrors. Shower/tub combos with power showerheads sport cheap-looking, blue-and-white aquatic-themed shower curtains.

Pleasant balconies are furnished with simple outdoor tables, and weary-looking, water-damaged window box planters. Many (but not all) of the balconies also have beautiful sea and mountain views.

The Osmine’s seasonal outdoor saltwater pool is a good show for a two-and-a-half-pearl property. There are also sunbeds and umbrellas here and on the beach. Hotel rates are all-inclusive (a drawback for some), but guests report it’s actually more like full-board package -- expect three meals a day but no unlimited snacks in between. Croatian buffets offer decent variety, but drinks get poor reviews (there are no cocktails, and it’s not possible to pay extra for better-quality drinks). Live entertainment is unremarkable, and the gym is poorly equipped, but free use of bicycles, kayaks, and paddle boats is a nice perk.

Free Wi-Fi is advertised as being available in public areas only; it does reach some rooms, but is patchy throughout. Guests can use the computer terminal in the lobby, and there’s free parking.