Dubrovnik or Split hotel recommendations

[Flumpywoo]

Hi all, I'm looking for ideas for a family holiday for my 40th next year and we are currently looking at Split or Dubrovnik in Croatia in July/August. It'll be us and our 12 year old daughter, plus both sets of grandparents. We want to be in the centre/5-10 mins walk from plenty of bars and restaurants but also with a big pool for our daughter. Doesn't need slides etc. but a decent size rather than one of the small rectangular ones with plenty of sun beds. Am I asking for the impossible or can anyone share their gems please? Thanks!

There are no hotels of the kind you describe in the centre of the old, walled city of Dubrovnik.

Have a look at Hotel Croatia in Cavtat. It's across the bay from Dubrovnik.

Why not get a villa with a pool instead? There are some nice ones on the Oliver's Travels website for example..

@OolongTeaDrinker thank you, could be a great option. Are there Villas in the centre then? Whenever I have stayed in one they've been out the way a bit so didn't even consider it, but with all of us would be perfect.

I would send them an email - they have always been super helpful when we have used them in the past, I'm sure they could find what you are looking for :)

Thank you, I'll do that.

In Dubrovnik you will have to prioritise being close to the centre or a big pool. As @Cynic17 says, it's a packed walled city with no space for luxury swimming pools in the centre. We stayed about 30 mins walk but was years ago and can't remember the name. I want to go to Cavtat, but it's now pretty pricey so haven't investigated more.

As others have said you can't stay in the centre other than a few Air BnBs it's a medieval walled city at the end of the day. Look hotels in Lapad area, 10 mins out and with own facilities and sea front. All the Valamar hotels are fabulous but sit to the right of Lapad taking up their own half of the peninsula with views of the port.

Given the comments, I'd say Dubrovnik is out so perhaps just looking at Split, but of course open to other areas as it will probably be the same issue of small pools in the centre of town. It's my husband who is the fussy one wanting to be so close to everything, as he hates walking in the heat, along with other particular requirements that I won't list here, so it restricts a lot of places. But thank you everyone who has commented so far.

Would your DH compromise with a smaller resort close to Split? We had a great holiday at the Aparthotel Milenij in Baska Voda. We hired a car for 3 days to do day trips to Split and Dubrovnik, but had all we needed for a beach and pool holiday in resort.

The Rixos premium hotel in Dubrovnik was fabulous and nice indoor and outdoor pool but a 15-20 walk to the old town which was fine for us even in the heat.

@mugglewump thank you, this looks like a lovely hotel and close to plenty of restaurants etc. I will send him the link. He does also want an apartment, or at least a room with separate living space, so this ticks all the boxes. We only chose Split or Dubrovnik as they are well known to be honest, another town could still fit the bill.
Did you book as a package holiday as we'd love to do that, but accept we might have to book flights and accommodation separately.

@bakermummy21 unfortunately he wouldn't do 15-20 mins. Last year a 10 min walk and he was moaning, even though every other holiday we've been on has been more than this. I've told him he should book our holidays from now on if he wants to be so fussy, but thought I'd at least ask you all on here first! Haha. Thank you!

Dubrovnik in July or August!! Good luck.
We went in October and it was heaving.
Wouldn't recommend.

Cavtat is really lovely. Unfortunately the more touristy hotels with big pools are about a 10 minute walk around the coastline. The more traditional hotels in Cavtat proper only have small pools. However there are lots of places to swim in the sea within a few minutes' walk, varying from pebble beaches to lovely little rocky outcrops. And Cavtat is very pretty, has lots of restaurants but isn't too big and packed like Dubrovnik can be in summer - although it's a must-visit and you can go there by boat across the bay.

@Sunnnybunny72 unfortunately we have to go in the school holidays and the summer is probably the best weather wise, with (almost)
guaranteed sunshine. But as @Biscuitsneeded said, perhaps staying in a less busy place and visiting Dubrovnik might be a better option. Am glad I posted on here now.

If you are back on Dubrovnik then do check out the Valamar hotels they are great for kids and great for adults, the Lacroma and Tyrena have an incredible kids club (3 floors with gaming lounge!) with an incredible bar for adults opposite.
We went last July and whilst everyone was saying how busy it was I didn't think it was particularly. We got up early and did the city walls at 8am before it got too hot and before the crowds came. It is a great place but pricey.

Grand park hotel Rovinj? Not stayed in that particular hotel, but it is in a nice location, about 800m to the marina where there are loads of restaurants, but seems like you'd already pass several restaurants on the way to the marina. Has a proper pool and views of the old town. It would be about 15 mins to walk all the way to the old town. Airport for Rovinj is Pula, so does depend if you live somewhere with flights to Pula. There is a fancier 5* hotel a bit further on beyond the Grand park, but would likely exceed the 10 minute walking limit. We visit Pula (big Roman amphitheatre), Porec (UNESCO world heritage basilica) and Motovun (hill town) with a car from our base in Rovinj, so lots to do.

Thanks both, I will have a look!

I love if

Such a great place to stay