Crikvenica DREAM Home: HUGE Terrace & Unforgettable Holiday!
Crikvenica DREAM Home: HUGE Terrace & Unforgettable Holiday! - A Rambling, Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on Crikvenica DREAM Home. And let me tell you, it's been… an experience. Prepare for a review that's less polished brochure and more "Hey, this is what actually happened, warts and all."
First Impressions & the Damn Terrace (The Good, The Bad, and the "OMG I Almost Fell Off!")
Okay, so "DREAM Home" is probably a slight exaggeration. Let's call it "Charming Apartment with a Seriously Awesome Terrace" instead. The first thing that slapped me in the face (besides the Croatian sun) was that terrace. Seriously, it's HUGE. I'm talking sprawling, panoramic views of the Adriatic. You could practically hold a small country on that thing.
(Side note: I did almost plummet to my death while trying to take the perfect sunset photo. Let's just say my balance isn't what it used to be. Lesson learned: don't drink too much prosecco before attempting a dramatic Instagram pose.)
Accessibility: Hmmm… a Mixed Bag. (My Struggle to Find a Convenient Elevator)
Now, I'm not a person who needs full wheelchair accessibility, thank god. But I could see the struggle for someone who does. The main entrance? Not exactly a ramp-ridden paradise. And the building layout itself felt a bit… labyrinthine. Finding the elevator was a quest in itself! Once inside it was decent, but the initial navigation? Let's just say it could be friendlier.
Cleanliness & Safety: Did They Actually Sanitize? (The Sanitizer Obsession)
Okay, let's be real: in these post-pandemic days, cleanliness is a big deal. And I was pleased, mostly. Anti-viral cleaning products were a thing. Hand sanitizer stations? Everywhere. The place looked clean, and that counts for a lot. I was paranoid about using the kitchen, which I cleaned by myself.
The rooms were supposedly sanitized between stays. Room sanitization opt-out? Never looked at it. Did they REALLY sanitize? I couldn't say for sure, but it felt relatively safe, which calmed my nerves. Staff were wearing masks and I felt a tiny bit calmer.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Buffet Bliss (and My Regret About Over-eating)
The breakfast buffet? Oh. Em. Gee. It was… dangerous. I'm talking a glorious spread of everything you could possibly desire: from Asian breakfast(yep!), to Western breakfast, continental European, the usual suspects plus some local Croatian delights. It was a feast, a food coma waiting to happen. I may, or may not, have eaten my weight in fresh fruit and pastries every single morning. My waistline is still paying the price.
They had an A la carte restaurant with international cuisine, and I couldn't miss the chance. They also had a poolside bar, happy hour, and a snack bar. I might have spent a little too much time there. Coffee/tea in the restaurant was a nice touch. They also had a vegetarian restaurant.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Pools, Saunas, and the Great Escape (The Spa I Didn't Visit)
They had a pool with an incredible view and an outdoor swimming pool. I'm not a huge spa person but I still wanted to visit it. There's also a sauna, jacuzzi, and steamroom. The gym was also good, and the fitness center was something I didn't miss out on.
Rooms & Amenities: The Little Things That Matter (And the Slippers I Stole)
The rooms? Okay, it's not the Ritz, but it was comfortable enough. Air conditioning worked like a dream (thank you, sweet baby Jesus!). The bed was comfy, the blackout curtains were a godsend for those late-night parties (I kid!), and the free Wi-Fi was a life-saver (especially for me, trying to get my work done.) The in-room safe was a must, and the mini-bar was well-stocked (and, yes, I definitely took advantage of the complimentary tea/coffee). I might also have "accidentally" packed the complimentary slippers. Don't judge me.
Services and Conveniences: The Helpful & the Not-So-Helpful (The Luggage Saga)
They had a concierge which was a lifesaver when I was trying to find the best gelato place in town. The daily housekeeping was good. The laundry service was a bit pricey, but hey, convenience, right?
Getting Around: Driving, Parking and Taxi Services (The Parking Pains)
Getting around was pretty easy. They offered airport transfer, which was a relief. Car parking was free (thank goodness!), so I suggest you bring your own car if you plan on staying here.
For the Kids: Babysitting Services and Family Friendliness (My Non-Existent Kids' Take)
I’m child-free so I can't really comment, except to say there were definitely families around. Kids facilities and babysitting might be beneficial for you.
The Imperfections:
- Internet woes: While they boasted free Wi-Fi in all the rooms, I did have some occasional connectivity issues. Which is a pain when you're trying to work.
- The stairs: The building has a lot of stairs, just in case if there is no available elevator.
Final Verdict: Would I Go Back? (The Honest Truth)
Despite the minor hiccups and the near-death experience on the terrace, I had a really lovely time. The location is great, the views are stunning, and the apartment itself is charming. It's not perfect, but it's got a lot of heart.
So, would I go back? Yeah, probably. Just, next time, I’m bringing my own safety rope for the terrace. And maybe, just maybe, resisting the urge to raid the breakfast buffet every single day.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Holiday Awaits at This German Riding Stable!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is a real human's attempt at a holiday in Crikvenica, Croatia, complete with probable meltdowns, questionable fashion choices, and a whole lot of gelato. Let's GO!
The Adriatic Adventure: A Crikvenica Catastrophe (Probably) – 7 Days of Sun, Sea, and Self-Doubt
Day 1: Arrival of the Clumsy Crew & The Great Luggage Debacle
- Morning (ish): Arrive at Rijeka Airport (RJK). The flight…well, let’s just say the air conditioning was a personal affront to my existence. I was sweating BEFORE I even got off the plane. Find the pre-booked rental car. I'm praying it's not some tiny, terrifying thing. I’m envisioning something with enough space for the aforementioned copious amounts of luggage, and my emotional baggage.
- Afternoon: Attempt to navigate to our spacious holiday home in Crikvenica. Google Maps is my best friend (and occasional frenemy). This is where the first “clumsiness” factor sets in. Expect some wrong turns, possibly involving a donkey cart. Oh, and the luggage…dear god, the luggage. I swear, packing is an Olympic sport I’m destined to lose. Unpacking? Even worse. I feel like I need a decoder ring to figure out what I even brought!
- Evening: Finally, collapse into the holiday home. Terrace? Oh, sweet, blessed terrace! Crack open a bottle of local Croatian wine (probably a Plavac Mali, because I saw it on a blog once). Toast to survival. First impressions on the house… it looks… functional? Hopefully, the beds aren't like, medieval torture devices. Wander the neighborhood to grab supplies, with the goal of finding the nearest "konoba" (local restaurant) and praying they have something on the menu besides just grilled fish.
Day 2: Beach Bliss (Emphasis on the "Bliss") and a Lesson in Croatian Greetings
- Morning: Beach day! Armed with sunscreen, a hat that’s probably too big, and a healthy dose of optimism. The beach is beautiful, I'm sure it is. I'm planning on not falling on my face trying to get into the sea. I envision myself lounging effortlessly, reading a book, looking like a glamorous goddess of leisure. (Reality check: I’ll probably spend most of my time chasing rogue beach umbrellas and battling rogue waves.)
- Afternoon: Swim, sunbathe, repeat. Actually try to learn the Croatian phrase for "one beer, please". I’ll probably butcher it, look like an idiot, but the waiter will probably be used to it. I have this weird feeling the locals are all much more capable than me at everything
- Evening: Dinner at a local konoba. Try to order something other than grilled fish this time (this is ambitious). Maybe a little bit of local drama will happen - a catfight in the kitchen, or maybe a romantic proposal at the next table. The possibilities are endless!
- Anecdote: Remember the time I tried to order a "cappuccino" in a tiny Italian town and ended up with something that looked like lukewarm dishwater? Yeah, I'm expecting something similar. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best!
Day 3: Coastal Charm & The Great Gelato Quest
- Morning: Explore Crikvenica town. Wander the harbourside, pretend I'm a sophisticated traveller. I will get a cute souvenir that is not a plastic bottle opener.
- Afternoon: This is where the Gelato Quest begins. Search for the best gelato in Crikvenica. I'm not messing around here. It’s a serious mission! Several gelato stops are planned. Taste-test, score, and meticulously document each scoop. This is going to be epic.
- Evening: Relax by the sea. Watch the sunset with my gelato. Maybe cry because it's beautiful. This is my happy place. Reflect on the day, the gelato conquests, and the sheer joy of being on holiday. Maybe read a book I picked up in the airport.
- Rant: I hate those people who have to "document" every second of their holiday on Instagram. Let me at least have some privacy while I'm eating my gelato!
Day 4: The Great Hiking Blunder and a Dose of Culture
- Morning: Hiking! Yes, I'm pretending to be sporty! Plan: Explore some hiking trails offering stunning coastal views. Reality: I’ll probably get lost. I'll be sweating like a pig in a sauna and covered in mosquito bites. This is going to be a disaster, but a fun one.
- Afternoon: Visit a local museum or cultural site. Try to appreciate history and art and stuff. Pretend I'm knowledgeable about something other than gelato. The goal is to avoid looking totally clueless.
- Evening: Home-cooked meal. A glorious opportunity to burn something in the kitchen. I probably should've taken that cooking class. The goal is not to start a fire.
Day 5: Island Hopping & the Ferry Fiasco
- Morning: Take a ferry to a nearby island (Krk, maybe? Or maybe the islands aren't my thing). This is the part where I have to learn a new set of timetables and I might not get it right. My goal is, not ending up on the wrong side of the water.
- Afternoon: Explore the island. More coastal views, more exploring! I'm hoping for a quaint little town filled with hidden cafes and photo opportunities.
- Evening: Ferry back to Crikvenica. Hopefully, the ferry doesn't sink, or get delayed for hours, or decide to change course and leave without my.
Day 6: The Day of Rest (and Regret)
- Morning: Sleep in! Recover from all the activities. The great gelato quest will probably take its toll. Maybe read a book, or do nothing.
- Afternoon: Shopping! Souvenir shopping. I'm not sure if a shop is a good idea, I'm not one for a lot of impulsive decisions. I may or may not buy everything I see.
- Evening: Farewell dinner at a fancy restaurant. Dress up. Try to be classy. I'll probably spill something on myself.
- Emotional Volatility: I'll be sad that the holiday is ending, and exhausted from all the activities and also the stress of planning.
Day 7: Departure of the Clumsy Crew
- Morning: Pack. The dreaded packing process. I’m sure I'll forget something important. Or overpack with stuff I don’t need. One last look at the Croatian coast. Take a deep breath.
- Afternoon: Drive back to Rijeka Airport. Hope I don't get lost AGAIN. Hand in the rental car with minimal damage (fingers crossed).
- Evening: Fly home. Reflect on the adventure. The gelato was good, right? I think. Probably will plan the next vacation. The journey ends.
- Final Thoughts: This trip will likely be equal parts glorious and chaotic. I expect to emerge slightly sunburnt, a bit wiser, and definitely several pounds heavier thanks to the gelato. But, hey, that’s the point, right? To embrace the messiness, to enjoy the ridiculousness, and to create memories (good and bad) that I'll be laughing about for years to come. Sláinte! (I think that's Croatian for Cheers, maybe.)
Crikvenica DREAM Home: HUGE Terrace & Unforgettable Holiday! (Ask Me Anything...Seriously, Ask!)
Okay, the "HUGE Terrace" - is it actually huge? Because Airbnb photos are always…optimistic.
Dude, LISTEN. That terrace? It’s…it's life-altering. Okay, maybe not *life-altering*, but seriously big. Big enough to do yoga (badly, in my case), host a sunset cocktail party (again, badly), and still have room for the kids to fling water balloons at each other (mostly successfully). The pictures? They don't even *begin* to do it justice. I'm talking multiple zones – sunbathing, dining, chill-and-stare-at-the-sea zone. We even tried sleeping out there one night (mosquitoes: 1, us: 0 - but the *ambiance*!). The only downside? The sheer *amount* of sunscreen required. And the time it takes to sweep up all the pine needles. Seriously, nature's confetti!
The "Unforgettable Holiday" part… what made it so unforgettable? Good or bad? Be honest.
Both! Let's be real. Holidays, especially with kids, are a rollercoaster of joy, near-meltdowns, and questionable food choices. Unforgettable? Absolutely. My son, bless his heart, discovered a love for Croatian ice cream that bordered on addiction. He ate *five* cones in one day. The aftermath? Well, let's just say the bathroom became a biohazard zone. But the laughter? The joy of watching the sunset on that massive terrace, with the kids giggling and messy ice cream faces? That’s priceless. The bad? Mosquitoes. See the earlier answer. And the time I accidentally locked myself out on the terrace. In my pyjamas. At 2 AM. Luckily, my husband, bless his heart, had enough sense (and maybe a slight fear of the dark) to open the terrace door.
What’s the deal with the kitchen? Fully equipped as promised? Because I HATE poorly equipped kitchens.
Okay, the kitchen. This is where things get… complicated. It *is* equipped. Technically. But it's like the kitchen of a very well-meaning but slightly forgetful aunt. It has essentials, yes: a fridge, a stove, a microwave (thank god, for heating up the leftovers of my son’s ice cream induced illness). Utensils? Mostly there. But don't expect a garlic press that actually, you know, presses garlic. I brought my own. I also highly recommend bringing your favorite knife. The provided ones were…rustic. But honestly, you're in Crikvenica! Who wants to spend all their time slaving in the kitchen when you have the Adriatic Sea calling your name? Embrace simplicity. Embrace grilling. Embrace the local bakeries! Though, if any owners are reading, maybe a decent garlic press wouldn't go amiss? Just sayin'.
Tell me about the location. Is it truly as close to the beach as they say?
Close? Honey, it's basically *on* the beach… well, not literally. It's a very pleasant, breezy, almost-there-but-not-quite walk. I mean, you're not lugging chairs and towels across miles of hot sand. It's a short stroll – maybe five minutes, tops, depending on how many times you stop to admire the turquoise water (which you will, a LOT). And the best part? The proximity to the beachside restaurants and bars. After a day of sun and sea, you can practically stumble home (responsibly, of course!) The location is truly fantastic. You're close enough to the action without being *in* the thick of it. Perfect for escaping the noise while still enjoying it when desired. Just remember your flip-flops, and maybe a beach umbrella (the sun is fierce!).
Are there any downsides or unexpected quirks to the place we should know about?
Oh, honey, where do I even begin? This place is not *perfect*. But honestly, that's what makes it charming. The Wi-Fi, bless it's heart, can be a bit… temperamental. Don't expect blazing-fast speeds for video calls. (More time to unplug, right? Yeah, that's what *I* tell myself). Then there's the parking. Parking on the street is...competitive at best. You might have to employ a bit of your inner hawk to snag a good spot. And the air conditioning? Works. But in the height of summer – well, let's just say you'll be thankful for that huge terrace and a refreshing sea breeze. Also, one of the bedrooms had a slightly *odd* smell. I'm not saying it was *bad*, but it was there. We eventually figured out it probably was from some old linen. We opened the windows, and it was all good. But every place has a quirky charm, doesn't it? Embrace the imperfections! They make it *real*. And the view? The view makes you forget everything.
Would you recommend it to a friend? And if so, what kind of friend?
Absolutely. 100%. I'd recommend it in a heartbeat. I'd recommend it to the friend who appreciates a stunning view that'll make them fall silent. I'd recommend it to the friend who loves a big, beautiful terrace, perfect for a wine and a chat. I'd recommend it to the friend who values a good time, and is prepared to embrace the chaos and the charm. I'd recommend it for *anyone* who wants to escape and recharge. Especially after those last few, grueling years. And, like me, if they can forgive a slightly wonky garlic press. (Seriously, consider bringing your own). Just warn them about the mosquitoes. And maybe pack a good mosquito repellent. And another one. Just in case.
Anything else I should know? Like insider tips or hidden gems?
Okay, listen closely. Okay, first thing, there's a little bakery called "Pekara" down the street. Go. Get the burek. Get it every single morning. You will not regret it. Second, spend at least one sunset on the terrace. With a local Croatian wine and some snacks, and just *breathe*. Third, take a boat trip. They're a bit touristy, but the sea is gorgeous. Finally, don't be afraid to get lost wandering the little side streets. Crikvenica is full of hidden gems. The true gem? That terrace. And the chance to forget your everyday worries for a little while. Now, go have an unforgettable holiday! And if you get to the terrace, go sit there and wave, so I can relive it at the same time!
