Villa Pattiera

We have just come back from two weeks staying at the Villa Pattiera in Cavtat. As the other reviewers have said, it is a lovely small family run hotel only a few yards from the beautiful quayside of Cavtat.

We had room 11 on the top floor at the back of the hotel, which was a fairly small room but we had a very large sun terrace with plenty of room for chairs and sun loungers and a lovely side view to the bay and hills beyond. The room was kept spotlessly clean by Marija who always greeted us with a lovely smile as we guiltily crept down to breakfast at 9.30am, having over slept again! Bathroom had sit in bath plus good shower, hairdryer, shampoo etc - very modern and spacious. Our bed was firm but that suited us. Front of the hotel would be quite noisy at night, as many of the restaurants are close by, plus the church bells toll quite early.

All the staff are very friendly, particularly Martine on reception and their English is much better than our Croatian.

As for Cavtat, we reckon a week would be about right. Transport links were a bit restrictive and we made the mistake of thinking it would be easy to go to Dubrovnik and catch a ferry to other islands nearby. We didn't allow for the afternoon wind that seemed to whip up, which kept the temperatures down but also made the boat journey to the city slightly alarming for non seafaring folk. Our trips took over 75 minutes on occasions as the small boats chugged their way through the sea. Perhaps bigger boats operate in the high season? Cost - 80 Kunas return

We would also recommend looking out for cruise liners - if they are moored at Dubronik, it gets packed.

Cavtat was very beautiful...we spent hours swimming in the crystal clear waters (watch out for sea urchins - wear jelly shoes) or just sitting on one of the numerous benches watching the various huge yachts (it really seemed like Monte carlo at times).

Food - plenty of fish and italian influence - main courses about 90 kunas with some veg, desserts about 30 Kunas. Lovely ice cream from stall at only 4 Kunas - I recommend the Lemon sorbet. Local Baker (right next to the Villa), did excellent sandwiches or try the local snacks, nown as Buza, which consisted of a doughy bready with cheese and ham - delicious at about 15 Kunas each. Pint of beer only 14 Kunas a a cafe or less than 8 in the local supermarket.

Local tap water was perfectly good although should the need arise, Cavtat had an excellent chemist who spoke good English.