elle_gibbo

Dubrovnik Guesthouse review: House Tereza

We were very happy during our stay here, but it really depends on what you're after. If you want 5 star luxury, then it's doubtful you're even searching this site, but if you're after value for money, then you're onto a winner.

We have recently come back from a 6 week trip to Europe and while both of us earn reasonable money, a 6 week trip is always going to be expensive and one of the biggest costs is accommodation. So we looked for location/medium price hotels and discovered this on TravellersPoint.

On arrival by bus from the airport, we were delivered outside of the old town walls and made our way through THRONGS of tourists. It was like being in an ant hill. Thousands of people walking into and out of the walled city.

But Old Dubrovnik is only a few kms squared, so any destination was going to be within easy reach. Or so we thought and something for everyone to consider. There are a LOT of stairs that lead to most accommodation. So if you are travelling with the kitchen sink, know that you will have to lug it up a flight or 5 before you get to your destination.

We were lucky and only had two flights of stairs to contend with. We'd received no information from Traveller's Point about how to make contact with the owner of the apartment and had to just 'wing it'. Despite that, we had a very easy introduction. Having ascended our first flight of approximately 20 steps, we paused for breath along an area that was littered with restaurants. About 2 minutes into our reprieve, a waiter from the closest restaurant enquired about whether were staying at House Tereza, and when we confirmed, he said he had the keys. So that's the only thing I would suggest confirming before arrival. Who and where to meet the key holder.

Despite our oversight on that part, we made our way up two more flights of stairs and discovered our flat. It was a comfortable, basic place with two single beds pushed together to make a double. There was a modern bathroom and kitchen, and it was all and more than we had expected.

We had read from another traveller, that staying in the old town can bring a lot of noise in the evening and that is certainly true.

We were there JUST out of off season (early Sept) and the noise coming from the restaurants just 20m away did keep us awake until about midnight or 1am... to be honest, I'm not sure the exact time, as I did fall asleep. So if you are a light sleeper, I would suggest you don't sleep in the Old Town, or if you do, head to the outer street.

House Tereza is very conveniently located, but then again, everything in Dubrovnik is conveniently located. Although with only 1.5 flights of stairs to contend with, with luggage, House Tereza was a godsend. I did see some poor folks pulling heavy suitcases up 4 or 5 flights of stairs to get to their accommodation, so check a Google Map before you commit.

Tereza knocked on our penultimate day to say hello and discuss payment. All went smoothly.

House Tereza is not luxury accommodation, but it is clean and well located and well priced.

I have no reservations in recommending this accommodation.

Happy stay.

Elle & David.

Overall

5

Location

5

Cleanliness

5

Value

5

Facilities

3

Service

4

elle_gibbo stayed here in Sep 2009
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Amalfi Coast Hotel review: Hotel Continental on the Rock

My boyfriend and I recently stayed at the Hotel Continental on the Rock and couldn't have asked for a more friendly or personal service.

Having just arrived in Italy from Australia, we were confronted with a) driving on the opposite side of the road to what we are used to, b) in infamous narrow, hairpin bends and winding roads of the Amalfi Coast and c) the pressure of having locals prepared to drive at death defying speeds along the road tailgaiting our car and getting frustrated with our cautious progression. By the time we arrived at the hotel we were both feeling a bit frazzled. My boyfriend went in to confirm that this was the hotel we were staying in, only to be told that they hadn't received a full fax/email from TravellersPoint (a company they had not yet worked with) so weren't sure if we were coming or not. But Antonio had set aside a room, just in case, which was brilliant, because the Amalfi was still incredibly busy and to have discovered we didn't have a room, would have been a horrible setback. He could see we were both a bit frazzled, so offered us a coffee and sat down with us for a chat. He was incredibly kind and didn't charge us for the coffees, saying that he wanted to repay some of the hospitality he had received in Australia on his visits. It was a wonderful start to our stay and it just got better.

He put us in a beautiful room, with vaulted ceilings and a vast bed. The bathroom was outside on the balcony, which only added to the stay. A few days later, all our suitcases were moved to another room, which was equally beautiful. the bed looked out towards two French doors that opened onto a large balcony and beyond it the beautiful vista of the sea. We felt very special. It is a traditional style Amalfi building and the rooms are comfortable and spacious (well the ones were stayed in were), but if you like hotels like the Hilton or Radisson, then this might not be for you. It's a little more basic, but perfectly ample for your needs.

We have nothing but compliments for everyone who worked at HOtel Continental. Every morning, as we ascended the extraordinarly steep stairs to get our breakfast (included in the price) we were met with smiles and given valuable information on how we could spend our day, and things to avoid.

The hotel is situated halfway between Amalfi and Positano, which makes it an ideal return location if your staying for a few days.

There is a bus stop RIGHT OUTSIDE the hotel, which is serviced by regular buses heading to Amalfi, Positano and Sorrento. So if you want to ditch your car, the hotel has a car park and you can leave the winding roads to the bus drivers. However, we were there just out of season and the car park was full, so if you're there during the high season, it would be worth enquiring where you might be able to park your car, as there are not a lot of opportunities along the coastal road.

You are also within a 1km walk to a town that has several restaurants, a laundromat (although it did cost us 35 euros to have two sets of washing done!) There is also Praino beach nearby which will take you about 10 minutes to walk to and is worth a visit. There are some lovely eateries and it's also where the boats to Capri go from.

So in conclusion, if you're not looking for 5 star, but a great location, with beautiful views and a well positioned and reasonably priced place to stay on the Amalfi, then Hotel Continental on the Rocks and Antonio, will make your stay a very special one.

Elle & David

Overall

5

Location

5

Cleanliness

5

Value

5

Facilities

3

Service

5

elle_gibbo stayed here in Sep 2009
Stayed at Hotel Continental on the Rock in Amalfi Coast? Write a review