Escape to Paradise: Stunning Trogir Apartment, Steps from Okrug Gornji Beach!
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Trogir Apartment - Honestly, Is It REALLY? (A Messy Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from the "Stunning Trogir Apartment, Steps from Okrug Gornji Beach," and let me tell you, the reality is, well, reality. It's not all perfectly curated Instagram posts, folks! And yes, I’m absolutely gonna rip into this place, even if that means being a completely embarrassing human.
First Impressions (the Good - Mostly):
The location? Spectacular. Seriously. You stumble out of the apartment and BAM! The Adriatic Sea is practically kissing your toes. Okrug Gornji Beach is literally steps away. I mean, I could practically smell the salty air before I even fully woke up. And that first morning? Pure magic. I swore I'd be out there, swimming, sunbathing, and living my best life. (Spoiler alert: I mostly ate croissants and watched the sea from the balcony. More on that later.)
Accessibility and Stuff (The Necessary Evil):
Alright, let's get the boring stuff out of the way. You know, that whole "Accessibility” thing. This place, bless its heart, does have an elevator. (Thank goodness. I lugged enough luggage for seven people, apparently). They claim "Facilities for disabled guests". I’m not disabled, so I can't give you a super-detailed assessment, but the general vibe was… trying. The entrance was accessible, and I saw a few ramps. You'd probably want to call ahead and double-check for specific needs, though.
Internet Mania (or Lack Thereof):
They shout about “Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!” and "Internet access – wireless", and I believed them like a fool. But, let me tell you, the Wi-Fi was…a beast. It was there, then gone, then sputtering back to life like a dying goldfish. I'm not joking. I tried to stream a movie one night, and I think my blood pressure rose faster than the loading bar. "Internet access – LAN" was present in the rooms (how quaint!) but who the heck still uses LAN in 2024? Forget about "Wi-Fi for special events." You'd need a miracle, a prayer, and maybe a sacrifice to the Wi-Fi gods.
Cleanliness and Safety (Did Someone Say OCD?!):
This is where they nailed it. Listen, I'm a germaphobe. Like, full-blown, hand-sanitizer-obsessed germaphobe. And I was actually impressed. They were clearly taking safety seriously. "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Rooms sanitized between stays"… it was all there. Hand sanitizer everywhere. The staff were masked (at the time, anyway) and seemed genuinely concerned about hygiene. I even saw a "Sterilizing equipment" thingy. Okay, I can relax.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Food Coma Incoming!):
Okay, the food. This is where it gets interesting. Remember that croissant story? Yeah. Breakfast was available. Maybe. It was a "Breakfast [buffet]" style, but it wasn't exactly a gourmet experience. "Coffee/tea in restaurant," sure, but it was the standard hotel coffee. The coffee shop? Non-existent. The main selling point, they said "restaurant", but it was a very basic "A la Carte in restaurant", which was basically the hotel's restaurant. I did try the "Salad", which the other reviewers said was actually not bad! (Spoiler Alert: it was.) I ate the "desserts", mostly because, hey, I travel to eat.
The poolside bar? Yeah, it was there, but the poor bartender looked utterly defeated by the constant stream of requests for Aperol Spritzes. I think he was living on Aperol fumes by the end of the week. The "Happy hour?" If you could call it that, it wasn't. It was a grim reminder that I'm poor. The snack bar? Don't ask.
The Apartment Itself (The Heart of the Matter):
This is where things get a little… complicated. The apartment was stunning. I'll give them that. The view from the balcony? Unreal. You know, the one thing everyone tells you about? Overlooking the turquoise waters? Yes. It IS real. The "balcony" was larger than my bedroom back home. But…
But… there were cracks. Little things. Small things that, over the course of a week, started to grate on my nerves. Let's start with the positives: "Air conditioning," "Air conditioning in public area," "Daily housekeeping", "Hair dryer," "In-room safe box," "Refrigerator," "Seating area," "Shower," etc. It was all there. Even a "TV with Satellite/cable channels."
Okay, it seems there was nothing missing from the description. Good for them.
Then the negatives: The "Non-smoking rooms" thing? Yeah, the lingering aroma of cheap cigarettes from previous guests was unavoidable. I think. It felt like they tried. The "Soundproofing?" HA! The upstairs neighbors had a party every single night. I think they were training to be competitive ballroom dancers, judging by the noise! They would also bring back friends at 3 in the morning, that, yes, would make noise.
And the "Cleaning"? "Daily housekeeping" was nice, but I think they just did a surface clean. There was a crumb that lived on the floor under the couch for the entire week. I'm still haunted by it. The "Linens" were fine, probably more durable than the sheets I have at home.
The Room (My Personal Hellscape):
My biggest issue was the "extra long bed." Yes, it was comfortable, and the "desk" was perfect for typing on my laptop when I had to work, but I did not request an extra long bed. It took up a whole lot of room. It made it difficult to walk around the "mini bar" or the "closet."
The "Window that opens?" Yes. The "Window that opens." But you couldn't leave it open for more than a few minutes because of the noise from the street.
My biggest issue, though? The lighting. The "reading light" was so dim, it may as well have not been there. I tried to read a book a few times, but I always wound up having to squint. I'd try to be romantic, and read a novel, but I'd end up using my phone flashlight.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (The Spa, or Lack Thereof):
The "Spa" was a joke. They advertised a "Sauna," "Massage," and "Body scrub", but the "Spa/sauna" was closed most of the time. When I asked about a massage, I got a vague shrug and a direction to a "massage room." It smelled like mothballs. I noped out of there faster than you can say "relaxation."
They advertised a "Fitness center," but the equipment looked like it had been salvaged from a scrapyard. The "Swimming pool [outdoor]" was nice, but it was crowded.
The Service & Services (The Staff's Great, Really):
The staff? They were trying. The front desk folks were friendly and helpful, even though they were clearly overworked. The "Concierge" was… well, I think he was mostly a "Doorman" who occasionally remembered how to check you in. I asked about getting a "Taxi service" to take me to the town. The taxi never came. I'd have to walk down the road, and then get a taxi.
The laundry service and the "Dry cleaning" were incredibly hard to get. I had to walk down to ask for it. and I had to walk down to get it.
"Room service [24-hour]" was a blatant lie. It came up to the door in the morning, and was never there. I always had to get my breakfast.
For the Kids (I Didn't Have Any, Thank God):
They say they’re "Family/child friendly" - Yeah, sure. I saw a "Babysitting service" listed, but I have no clue how that would have worked. The Kids facilities are advertised, but I did not see any.
Getting Around (Escape Attempts):
"Airport transfer?" Yes, they can get you one. But, be prepared to haggle with the taxi driver, because it's always cheaper than walking. "Car park [free of charge]" - Yes, if you're lucky. I spent more time circling to find a parking spot. "Taxi service" - Yep, see above.
The Verdict - Would I Go Back?
Honestly? Probably not. I mean, the view was amazing. And I did have some lovely moments watching the sunrise with a lukewarm coffee. But the small annoyances – the unreliable Wi-Fi, the lackluster food, the general feeling of a slightly-too-good-to-be-true situation – added up. It's not a bad place, it's just… not the paradise they promise. It's a decent apartment, with a stunning view, and a whole lot of imperfections. So, yeah. Book it if you want a stunning view. But lower your expectations. And pack your own decent
Loire Valley Luxury: Your Dream Villa Awaits (Private Pool!)
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your average "perfectly planned" itinerary. This is my Trogir adventure, and it's gonna be a glorious mess. We're talking an apartment near Okrug Gornji beach, Croatia, and a whole lotta "winging it" sprinkled in.
Trogir Tango – A Tourist's Travails (and Triumphs)
Day 1: Arrival & "Oh God, Did I Pack Enough Sunscreen?!"
- Morning (Like, REALLY late): Flight lands in Split. The air? Instantly hotter than a freshly-baked burek. I'm sweating before I even grab my luggage. Speaking of which, will my suitcase, with its questionable ability to survive baggage handling, even make it? Probably not. The airport is chaos; an orchestrated ballet of hurried travelers and confused-looking tourists like myself.
- Mid-Morning (Maybe Afternoon? Time is a Construct): Taxi ride to the apartment. Found it through Airbnb (and a prayer). The driver, bless his speedy heart, navigated the tiny roads of Trogir like a seasoned pro in a video game. Arrived at the apartment, a lovely little place just a hop, skip, and a slightly-stumbling-after-a-long-flight jump away from Okrug Gornji beach. First impressions? Perfect, except the air conditioning is wheezing like a chain smoker.
- Afternoon (Sun's Still Blazing): Unpacked (or, let's be honest, attempted to unpack). Surveyed the balcony. Immediate emotional reaction: pure, unadulterated joy. Sea view! Gorgeous! Followed by a frantic search for the sunscreen. Panic ensued. Found it. Crisis averted. Went straight to the beach. Fell in love with the Adriatic.
- Evening: Beach bumming, swimming, and generally getting my bearings. Dinner at a random konoba (tavern) recommended by the apartment owner (who only spoke Croatian, bless his helpful heart). I somehow managed to order grilled fish…it was delicious, even though I’m pretty sure I stabbed the poor thing’s eye with my fork. Watched the sunset. Utterly, ridiculously, and happily content. Had a cocktail, or two, or maybe three.
Day 2: Island Hopping & Existential Pondering on a Boat
- Morning: Woke up with a slight headache. Possibly related to the aforementioned cocktails. Coffee and a croissant (bought from a teeny bakery with the most charming old lady baker) helped. Planned a boat trip to the islands. Excited. Caffeinated (mostly).
- Mid-Morning: Boat trip departs. The sea, oh sweet Lord, the colour! Like liquid turquoise. Saw some islands. Hvar was the most famous, the most glamorous. I get it. But honestly? It's the small islands, with their hidden coves that truly captivated me. Got to snorkel. Nearly swallowed half the Adriatic Sea (thanks to clumsy fins and a bad sense of direction) but it was worth it.
- Afternoon: Drowning in Delights, Literally: The boat trip was lovely but the ocean was a wild beast. The waves were rough. I got seasick. I felt it coming on, that unmistakable dizziness that starts in your belly and crawls up your throat. My stomach decided to stage a protest. Found a shady spot on the deck and battled it. Then the sea got calmer. I was back in heaven.
- Evening: Dinner in Trogir's old town, which is UNESCO-listed and ridiculously beautiful. Cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, and a general sense of being transported back in time made me very sentimental. Ate some delicious pasta. Wandered around, feeling like a character in a fairytale. Got lost. Loved it. Finished the night at a bar.
Day 3: Fortress Fun & Fish Market Frolics (and a Major Hangry Moment)
- Morning: Decided to be cultural. Visited the Kamerlengo Fortress. The views were breathtaking. Towered above everything, felt powerful, majestic. Then came the climb up the windy stairs. Which made me feel incredibly unfit. Sat at the top, trying to catch my breath, and felt like I'd reached the peak of my physical endurance.
- Mid-Morning: Strolled through the wet market. The smells. The colours. The sheer energy! Fresh fish, mountains of fruit, everything glistening in the sun. Negotiated for some peaches that tasted like sunshine.
- Afternoon: The Hangry Horror: The afternoon went downhill. I got hangry. Seriously, like, full-on-rage-inducing hangry. Apparently, the combination of sightseeing, sun, and a lack of food transforms me into a snarling beast. Tried to get lunch, but everything was closed. Wandered the crowded streets like a starving zombie. Finally found a pizza place. Ate an entire pizza (probably the size of my head). The pizza saved my sanity.
- Evening: Quiet evening. Watched the sunset. Actually went for a swim in the evening. Meditated myself.
Day 4: Day Trip to Split & Decisive Dessert Decisions
- Morning: Bus to Split. This could be the real deal, I think.
- Mid-Morning: Spent most of the morning exploring Diocletian's Palace in Split. It was incredible. Wandered around. Felt small and very impressed by ancient history and civil engineering. Got a bit lost again.
- Afternoon: Wandered around Split. Ended up visiting a local shop, they were selling local food. I decided to bring some home.
- Evening: Decisive dessert decisions. Went to a lovely cafe and enjoyed the best gelato I've ever had in my life. Decided on a gelato and a walk on Riva. The colors of sunset were to die for.
Day 5: Beach Day, Relaxation & Reflecting on Life (and Laundry)
- Morning: Blissfully lazy day. Spent the morning on the beach. Literally just laid on the sand, read a book, and soaked up the sun. Almost drifted off into a nap and almost got sunburnt.
- Mid-Morning: Did some laundry. Why is doing laundry on vacation so satisfying?
- Afternoon: More beach! Swimming, sunbathing, and generally feeling like a lazy, happy puddle. Got a bit restless so walked around. It was nice, a lovely change of scenery.
- Evening: Packing time. Trying not to think about going home. Found a bar and had final drinks. Reflecting on my trip. It's been imperfect, messy, and utterly wonderful.
Day 6: Departure – Tears, Taxis, and a Promise to Return
- Morning: Woke up to the realization that my trip was ending. So sad. Stared at the sea again. Had breakfast.
- Late Morning/Afternoon: Taxi to the airport, more chaos, more sweating, more existential dread about returning to reality. Saying goodbye to Trogir and Croatia was hard. I'm already planning my return.
Final Thoughts:
This wasn't a perfect itinerary. It was a real one. Full of the highs and lows, the beautiful moments and the hangry meltdowns. I loved every messy second.
I highly recommend going to Trogir.
Bollendorf Apartment: 3-Person Paradise Awaits! (Germany)
Escape to Paradise: Trogir Apartment - Let's Get Real. (You've Been Warned.)
Okay, Seriously, How Close Are We REALLY to the Beach? Marketing Lies vs. Reality (and Sunburns)?
Alright, let's cut the crap. "Steps from the beach"? Yeah, technically true. Like, you could probably trip and fall into the ocean from the front door… *if* you’re feeling particularly athletic. There's a teensy little road, a charming (read: slightly uneven) sidewalk, and then BAM! Okrug Gornji beach. I walked it hungover, and still made it. It’s close. Think of it as "close enough to smell the sunscreen and hear the incessant seagulls." No, scratch that, you *will* smell the sunscreen and *will* hear the seagulls. Embrace it. You're on vacation! I once tripped on the sidewalk there, carrying a giant inflatable swan. Let’s just say the locals got a good laugh. My dignity, not so much. But hey, at least I was already covered in sand, right?
The Apartment Itself: Is It Actually "Stunning"? Or Just… Fine…? (Don't Sugarcoat It!)
“Stunning”? Okay, let's be realistic here. It’s not Buckingham Palace. But it *is* pretty darn nice. My first impression? Relief. Relief it looked exactly like the pictures. That always makes me happy. The place is clean, surprisingly spacious (for the price!), and the balcony… oh, the balcony. That's where the "stunning" comes in. The view? Unobstructed. The sunsets? Seriously Instagram-worthy. I spent a whole evening on that balcony with a bottle of *very* cheap Croatian wine (which tasted amazing anyway, because, vacation!) and a book I never finished. (Distractions, you know?). Oh! And a slight confession: I may have left a wine stain on the balcony table. Sorry, future guest. It adds character, right? But seriously, it's a great apartment. Don't expect perfect. Expect a solid, comfortable place to recharge after a day of sun, swimming, and questionable decision-making involving gelato.
The Kitchen: Can I Actually Cook, or Is It Just For Making Instant Noodles? (I'm a Terrible Cook, BTW.)
The kitchen… Ah, the kitchen. Now, I’m a culinary disaster. I once set off a smoke alarm making toast. Twice, actually. So, take my advice with a grain of salt (or a whole salt shaker, if you're me). The kitchen *is* functional. It has the basics: a hob, a fridge, a sink (thank god!), and some pots and pans. Now, if you're a Michelin-star chef, you might be slightly disappointed. If, like me, you're happy with scrambled eggs and cold cuts, you're golden. I managed to heat up some pre-made pasta (don't judge), and make some truly terrible coffee (again, don't judge), so it definitely works. There’s a *fantastic* little market just down the road where you can buy fresh produce. I suggest sticking to salads. Unless, of course, you have a death wish for your digestive system. Then, by all means, experiment! Let me know how it goes. Just, maybe, from a safe distance.
Getting Around: Do I Need a Car, or Can I Survive Relying on Public Transport (and My Feet)?
Okay, the car debate. I loathe driving on vacation. Loathe it. So, I opted for public transport and my own two feet. Big mistake? Not really. A bus runs regularly to the old town of Trogir (which is absolutely gorgeous, by the way – get lost there!). It's cheap, reliable enough, and you get to see the scenery. The downside? Sometimes the buses are packed, and you might end up smelling the aftershave of a sweaty Croatian man for an hour. (It's an experience.) Walking is definitely doable around Okrug Gornji. It's a beautiful stroll along the coast. I logged some serious steps. I even WALKED to a neighbouring beach, which was a slight mistake in the scorching heat. Learned my lesson there. If you want to explore further afield, a car would be handy. But honestly, I survived perfectly well without one and enjoyed the freedom of being able to drink a few *pivos*.
WiFi: Is It Actually Usable, or Will I Be Staring at My Screen in Frustration? (I Need to Post My Vacation Pics!)
WiFi. The bane of my existence. The internet, the web, the thing I can't live without, yet hate simultaneously. Okay, so the WiFi at the apartment was… not the fastest. Let’s just say it could handle emails and *maybe* a low-resolution Instagram post. I frequently found myself staring at that little buffering circle, and the urge to throw my phone into the ocean was strong. (I didn’t, obviously. I needed to post my vacation pics!). It’s sufficient, but don't expect to stream Netflix in HD. Consider it a digital detox opportunity… or, you know, just find a bar with better WiFi. I may have accidentally used up the entire month's data allowance in one day. The struggle is real. And the frustration is equally real.
The Noise: Am I Going to Be Kept Awake by Partying Tourists/Loud Locals/Seagulls (Again)?
Noise. The eternal question. Is it quiet? Mostly. Okrug Gornji is a lively place, so you'll hear the occasional laughter, music from the bars, and the inevitable *screech* of the seagulls. Seriously, those birds have a vendetta against tourists. The apartment itself is relatively quiet, especially at night. I slept like a log (or at least, like a slightly sunburnt log). The only real disturbance was the occasional late-night reveler returning from a beach bar, singing badly. (It wasn’t *that* bad, but still...) Bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper. You'll thank me. And, you know, maybe invest in some seagull-repellent spray. (I'm kidding. Mostly.). The noise level is manageable, but it is a beach town. Embrace the chaos! Or, at least, try to.
What's the Vibe? Is This Place Suitable for a Romantic Getaway, a Wild Party, or Just a Relaxing Family Vacation?
The vibe… Alright, let’s break it down. This apartment is pretty versatile. Romantic getaway? Absolutely. The balcony, the sunsets, the (potentially) cheap wine… it has all the ingredients. Wild party? Maybe not *right* in the apartment itself, but you're close enough to the bars and clubs of Okrug Gornji. I saw someHotels Blog Guide
