The Grand Hotel Kvarner is a grand old hotel that once catered to wealthy Austrians vacationing at the turn of the century. Now it is a bit worn (that is, it is not as crisp-looking as I am sure it once was - a brand-spanking new American-style hotel is isn''t), but it is still a wonderful old hotel and a lot of fun to stay at. We had a large room with a sitting area (including cable TV and a well-stocked and inexpensive mini bar), and two balconies and a spectacular view out over the sparkling blue Adriatic. We had a large bathroom with a terrific shower (a rarity in many European hotels), and room service was very good, providing us with extra towls, blankets, etc... whenever we needed them. Our bed was very comfortable, and the room was decorated in an empire style that was very fitting for a hotel with the Kvarner''s illustrious history.
The Kvarner is a very romantic hotel, and is located at the head of the 12-mile promenade that runs down the Opatija Riviera. There are several very good restaurants within easy walking distance. The hotel''s terraced "beach" is wonderful. The cabana attendants will get you a lounge chair and you can spend the whole day feeling like a circa 1920s movie star. The hotel also has a pristine outdoor pool surrounded by lounge chairs and sheltering, fragrant pine trees. The large terrace overlooking the Adriatic is filled with unbrella-covered cafe tables, and is an excellent spot to enjoy a drink from the bar while reading, playing cards, or catching up on your writing. The Kvarner also has beautiful, well-manicured flower gardens which are lovely to stroll through. A very nice buffet breakfast (breads, fruits, juices, coffee - typical European breakfast) is included in the room price and served in the Crystal Ballroom, which has floor to ceiling windows overlooking the terrace and sea. The elegant ballroom sometimes hosts musical performances - we sat out on the terrace and listened to a jazz concert that was going on inside. The Hotel Kvarner is one of the most relaxing places I have ever been.
The Hotel is very centrally located - you can walk to everything easily from the Kvarner. There is parking available right in front of the hotel, however it is gated and you will need to be buzzed in. If you have a car, be sure to let the front desk know before you arrive so that they can reserve a space for you. If you plan on staying put in Opatija, you won''t need your car once you''ve parked it.