Pharos Hvar Bayhill Hotel

We missed our plans to meet some newlyweds in the town square because we spent the evening waiting for food that never came. We left at 10:30pm to find somewhere open so we wouldn’t go hungry. Earlier that trip, it took over 45 minutes to get ice cream. On the night of the main problem, we sat down at 7:30pm, ordered promptly, and by 9:30pm still had no starter or main. Our waiter asked the kitchen three times and was told to “get out the kitchen.” We were eventually told no more food was coming out, even as other guests were being seated, ordering, and getting their meals. When I demanded to speak to the head chef, I got what felt like the worst hotel manager I’ve ever encountered. She never apologized, just looked at me as if I were stupid. I asked how “Me no speak no English” was an acceptable reply. She tried to say there were two chefs in the kitchen, but that isn’t my problem. This is a hotel, and you ruined our last night in Hvar. The old woman in that kitchen needs to lose her job immediately, and you need a team of at least six chefs working at once. The manager is supposed to be in charge, but she never took control of the conversation or tried to resolve anything. She’d be better off selling Taxi Boat rides. This hotel has potential, but the staff are useless and incompetent. The hotel and surrounding area are absolutely beautiful, though that’s where the compliments end. We booked Half Board expecting a small set menu with a few options each night, and a buffet every night was supposed to be available, but the sous chef couldn’t be bothered to cook.

At check-in we found out our Amfora reservation had been moved to its sister property, Pharos, a major drop in quality and cost. Nobody told us beforehand, and we weren’t refunded the price difference. It felt like a glorified motel: the shower was cold, the first-floor room’s exterior balcony door wasn’t securely closed when we arrived, and breakfast was mediocre. We were told our luggage would be stored securely during the transfer, but saw it being driven through town about four hours before our scheduled ferry. This hotel group is running a scam. Avoid all their properties.

Our information was also involved in a data breach, we were told at the end of the stay. We checked out early because the rooms were so bad. They’re extremely small, and the attempt at an edgy, hip look comes off more like a stoner’s college dorm room. The bathroom’s so cramped you can’t have both the shower door and the room door open at once. The manager laughed when I asked about early check-in. There’s a big fridge by reception stocked with drinks, but they aren’t available to buy. It felt like the five worst Coachella attendants had been given a small budget to run a hotel. Spend the extra $ and go to Amfora, or you will regret your stay guaranteed!

The climb back here is steep, so anyone with mobility challenges may want to consider somewhere else. The location is excellent, around four minutes on foot from a beach and about ten from the city centre. Afternoon sun lands perfectly, and the sunsets are unreal. The pool is the highlight, modern and relaxed, with a good atmosphere. Staff are friendly and easygoing, and the young, social crowd doesn’t get over the top. Rooms are clean, modern, and functional. Breakfast is easily a 10/10, with loads of variety and great quality.