Hotel Katarina

The restaurant staff and cleaning staff were both very kind, but I never saw the management. The hotel felt more like three stars than four, and the outdoor pool area wasn’t very appealing, mostly concrete with hardly any shade or trees. To get there you have to cross the road and go down stairs. Online photos make it look much nicer. There’s just one elevator down to the restaurant and pool, and only two elevators serving eight floors. It gets far too crowded in the hotel and the area during high season, so I wouldn’t come then. Check your bill carefully, especially if you paid online in advance.

The food quality was the one thing we weren’t happy with. Otherwise, we had a great time at the hotel. The pools were perfect for children, and our son loved the entertainment team’s activities by the pool and at the bar in the evenings. The cleaning staff were always smiling and helpful.

Friendly reception, a nice place, and a great breakfast. But for a four-star hotel, I’d expect shower gel to be refilled. On my first morning, I found none in the shower. Also, the reception is open 24/7, but there was nowhere to buy mineral water or soda at night. The bar was closed and there were no vending machines.

The spa was the highlight for us, with its pool, hot tub and sauna. Our room had a sea view and balcony, and I’d suggest trying for an upper floor. The location is good, though you need to cross the street to reach the pools and beach. We felt very comfortable at the hotel, and they took care of many of our specific needs. The staff were professional and polite. For a four-star hotel, the food could be better, with fresher, tastier ingredients such as fresh-squeezed juice, nuts and good-quality cheese.