Marco Polo Hotel

we were upgraded to suites which were exceptional. large basis rooms. big bathrooms with all amenities. average breakfast. no lift to suits so had to carry our luggage as no porter available to assist. we were told only for transfers.

My family and I throughly enjoyed our week in Hotel Marco Polo. I was holidaying with my parents who are agile, but in their 70s, and my sister. The hotel was billed as a 4star although some reviews said it was more of a 3star. Having stayed there I am happy to agree with the 4star rating. Upon entering the small reception area I was a little disappointed at first as it was dark and seemed a bit old fashioned but once we got setttled into our rooms (go for the newer ones as the older ones are quite dark) we were very happy. My parents would be quite fussy but they were happy with their rooms and the staff were extremely helpful. Location was just perfect - literally a few steps to the sea. The beaches are all pebble beaches and the actual space to sit out is quite tight but it's fine when there aren't many people there. The section of beach in front of the hotel is for guests only but it's not all exclusive and separated. The staff are soooo friendly - Sonia and Tanya at breakfast make getting up worth it. They are so natually friendly. The waiters are lovely too in the evening. The food was really really fanastic and we're all foodies. One word of caution - if you don't want to get hit with a large bill, stick to the fish on the menu. If you go with something they might have just caught that day, they weigh it by the kilo and you might end up paying 4 times the price. Or you could just check how much it is likely to be. The fish is usually around 12 euro but on one occasion we paid around 40 for one portion as it was weighed. We ate breakfast, lunch and dinner there and on the one occasion we ventured up to the somewhat fancy looking restaurant at the other end of the pier, we were very disappointed. Admittedly it was a little cheaper but if you like your food fresh and good quality, stick to there. We normally don't do package holidays and like to explore a bit but it was such a home away from home and the food was so lovely that we ended up eating there all the time. You can reserve a table down by the water and eat your lovely fish with the water lapping up.Truly heavan. We didn't do any of the tours as we felt they were quite pricey and we did get the feeling that they like people to do them as that's how they must make quite a bit of money. They did organise a car and driver for us to take us around a bit and that worked out well as my parents are elderly but we heard good reports about people driving themselves. There isn't a huge amount to do in Gradac and if you want to go for a nice long walk just continue up past the church, up the hill, and go down to the other side where it's quieter and you can go for nice runs or walks. We enjoyed just relaxing and out of our week we spent 5 days there and it was great for reading, swimming, eating, sleeping. You can go on boat trips too to the islands which we didn't do but that is also an option. Overall, i would recommend it. Our hotel bill for lunches and dinner for four people came to 500 euros at the end of the week. That didn't include alcohol but did include water and juices and we weren't watching what we were eating. The other thing is that tipping is very much encouraged there so you should allow another 100 euros at least for the week for waiters and housekeeping. Would definitely recommend it. It's small and very well run . We stayed in a big hotel in Dubrovnik and while it had a pool and great views from the 6th floor, i'd much prefer the intimacy of the Marco Polo where the staff know you after a day or two. Hope this has helped. Forgot to mention the gym at the top and a roof terrace which is very nice. Jacuzzi and spa too for the winter months as well. And also it is quiet. Some people mentioned some bar but that must have closed. There was a building beside it that was closed down. There are bars along the strip that play music but you can't hear them from the Marco Polo.

If you're heading to Gradac to stay for a few nights, Hotel Marco Polo is the best of a poor local selection. Rooms, although air-conditioned, are quite dark mainly due to the choice of furniture. Some of the balconies are indeed quite small but with the stony beach outside the front door, you won't really need these. However, the quality of the room cleaning service leaves a lot to be desired. Floors were not swept in our 7 days there and sheets were not changed once. Glasses used for the mini-bar were also never changed. Very disappointing that such simple things are overlooked. Hotel food with the acclaimed "new" chef is, at best, standard fare. Dishes can be very much hit-and-miss. Was hoping for a more traditional Croatian menu, with local produce but that wasn’t really available. Some dishes are poor imitations of traditional Italian ones. Again, with the local competition, it it’s the best of a poor selection. Can become repetitive if you’re going to be there any longer than 4 days. The claim that evening service staff are trained sommeliers is a little bit much. It’s a pity the “seasonal” staff aren’t given a bigger role in the hotel. Some permanent staff seem to be a little less enthusiastic unfortunately. Overall, a disappointing stay, although it’s a good location as a base for visiting the sights in the area. Small hotel trying to give you that family feel, with a friendly and helpful facade, but missing the point somewhat. Better off staying in Dubrovnik or Split and maybe spending a night in the Hotel Marco Polo when passing through to Makarska or the beautiful islands such as Korcula.

Although we have seemingly booked the lowest category of room (there a rooms without balcony, small balcony, and with or without sea view), we were given (for a small extra fee) a great room on the top floor with sea view and a nice balcony. The welcome was warm, and the nice receptionist showed us around the hotel and gave us plenty of information about Gradac and the surrounding area, and made suggestions for day trips. What is most remarkable about this hotel is that all staff is extremely helpful and cheerful, and it really seems that everybody is giving their best in all aspects. The fact that the hotel is a small boutique hotel, makes the experience of staying there very personal. Breakfast consists of a buffet of carefully chosen many local products. We found that the olive oil was excellent (a shame that we forgot to ask where it can be purchased...), and the local dried figs were also a highlight. One of the nicest things in the hotel is the restaurant Nicolo Polo, which serves lunch and dinner. The menu contains excellent choices, but the chef is always prepared to create your favorite meal, in case you have special requests. What seems to be not usual in Croatia is the availability of good bottled wine by the glass. The only thing you should be prepared for, is that in the very high season, the beach right in front of the hotel is quite crowded and small. However, the hotel makes up for this by providing lots of sunbeds for hotel guests. All in all, we were amazed to find such a jewel!

This hotel is a little gem. We arrived at 4.00 a.m tired and disgruntled, to be welcomed by Stipe, the young owner.He was charming and provided us with canapes and drinks, made us feel ay home and then carried out bags to our room. The aim of the staff here is clearly to make one's stay as enjoyable as possible. All the staff were friendly, cheerful and nothing was too much trouble. The smiles were all genuine and no-one ever looked other than delighted to serve. This is a boutique hotel and has so much to offer the visitor. Here you are an individual, not simply one of hundreds of guests, as in a good large hotel. Stipe and his staff have struck the right balance by giving excellent service without being intrusive. The food was good , the room beautifully furnished with fantasic sea views and the lounge cosy.The sea was at the front door and sun loungers were always available. The only noise we heard was that of the waves gently lapping on the shore. The trips suited a range of interests. They were in an air-conditioned minibus and the drivers acted as guides. The minibus could go along tracks that a normal tourist coach couldn't so we were able to go to little hidden coves to swim or to magnificent waterfalls hidden high in the mountains. The normal tourist sights were also available so trips were tailored to the needs of the individuals - a luxury you don't get with large tours! Gradac itself is quiet, in a beautiful spot which is very central but unless you want to simply lie in the sun I think a week is long enough to enjoy what the village has to offer.

MY wife and I stayed at the Marco Polo hotel in March, and although the weather was quite cool, this did not dampen our initial posiitve impression of the hotel. Although private parking is limited we were able to park outside on the roadway - effectively directly on the coast. We were greeted very friendly by Tina, who completed the necessary formalities with the minimum of fuss berfore taking us on a tour of the hotel and then to our room. Our room had an amazing sea view - and was beautifully furnished and appointed throughout. We have stayed in many hotels around the world, and given that that the Marco Polo is described as a boutique hotel, I doubt if the furnishing could, or indeed should, be improved. Dinner in the evening was an experience - the waiter was excellent, food was of very good quality and well presented - and in my case the chef was clearly happy to accomodate my conservative tastes. Breakfast each morning was, again, very good. In fact, the Marco Polo hotel is the first place I have stayed that I have found each and every member of staff very courteous, freindly and efficient - they all seem to enjoy working in the establishment. Alhtough Gradac was extremely quite when we stayed there, adn I understand that in summer the place is quite crowded, my wife and I would have no hesitation in revisiting the Marco Polo.

Encouraged by the good critics found on the web, we reserved four nights in Marco Polo Hotel. The hotel is surrounded by very noisy bars opened until 4 in the morning: as a result it is almost impossible to find some rest there. We were disappointed by the room: very small bathroom and minuscule balcony. Moreover the parking spots are very limited and difficult to access. A good point is the quality of the food in the restaurant.

Although early in the season ,we were a walk up booking to the Marco Polo and found them very accommodating . Limited parking available at rear , with outside staircase accessible to each floor by use of room " key " for those who come back late at night . Staff very friendly and waitstaff eager to please . Restaurant serves good and varied food for all tastes . Healthy buffet breafast bar . Tables also available next to sea wall , within a few metres of the sea . Sun recliners on pebbly beach . Has newly equipped gym on top floor complete with sun deck , sauna , table tennis and weights etc. Manager chats and mingles with patrons to keep eye on the ball . Recommended for all .

The hotel is very beautiful set close to the water. A balcony even "hangd out" over the water/beach between the trees...perfect for afternoon reading etc. The restaurant served very good food during the evening. the room was top class so was the service with arranged trip to dubrovnic and more places with hotels own minibus. We where there with to kids 5 and 10. The owner speaked swedish so that was ofcause an extra bonus for us (from sweden)

We were looking for a nice, clean hotel to spend our honeymoon and the Marco Polo easily ticked those boxes for us. The town/fishing village of Gradac was very nice and had plenty of bars and restaurants to cater for most tastes. I would say though that the parking for the hotel is not plentiful add to that the fact that the hotel is down a very, very narrow street and it's definitely not the place for a huge "truck" with a nervous driver. We were allocated a suite which was very clean, spacious and light. The airconditioning had it's work cut out while we were there as it stayed over 34 C for the whole 2 weeks and not much colder at night! The fridge was very well stocked even though we did hook things out to make space for our bottles of water! The bathroom was not huge but more than adequate and also very clean, no grubby hairs in the shower plughole which is always a good sign. As for the rest of the hotel, I cannot praise it enough. You can book a massage through reception who will also look up bus and ferry times for you and even lend you a map if needed and greeted us by name every time we walked past them. The food in the restaurant was very good however, one thing we did find disappointing was that the menu didn't change for the whole fortnight and didn't include any daily specials. However, the staff again were extremely helpful and supportive with my wheat allergy and even went out to buy rice cakes for me so that I could eat something at breakfast and with dinner. The waiting staff were very polite and we frequently got something free with our dinner after they all discovered we were on our honeymoon. The lounge had several comfortable leather sofas and chairs and gave you a good place to surf the internet using their wireless connection. The signal wasn't the strongest but they didn't charge us so I didn't complain. I am really looking forward to our next holiday in Croatia because we'll be heading straight back to the Marco Polo. My final comment? The hotel was far better than I expected and contributed to an amazing honeymoon and we were amazed and delighted to receive a christmas card from the staff!