Novigrad's Hidden Gem: Apartment 167 Awaits!
Apartment 167 Awaits: Novigrad's Oasis or Another Tourist Trap? (Brace Yourself, It's a Long One!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans (and maybe a little Croatian wine) about Apartment 167 in Novigrad, the "Hidden Gem" that's been whispering sweet nothings into my travel-obsessed ear. Honestly, the marketing team deserves a medal. "Hidden Gem"? Sounds intriguing, right? But is it actually… well, gem-like? Let's dig in, shall we? (And yes, this is going to be brutally honest, because let's face it, we all deserve the truth, especially after spending our hard-earned euros.)
First Impressions - The Accessible Angle (and the Dreaded Elevator):
Right off the bat, I need to give a HUGE shout-out for the accessibility. Accessible? Check. Wheelchair accessible? Double check! (Important for my Aunt Millie who, let's just say, has a very enthusiastic relationship with her mobility scooter.) The ramp situation was good, and the hallways were wide enough to navigate without doing the "sideways shuffle" you sometimes have to do (I'm looking at you, Paris).
Now, about that elevator. Sigh. It's there, which is a massive win. But (and there's always a but, isn't there?) it’s a little…slow. Like, "contemplate your life choices while you ascend/descend" slow. I swear I got older during a single trip. But hey, it works, and you can't fault them for that. Plus, the facilities for disabled guests were definitely a plus.
Internet - The Lifeline (and the Occasional Dropout):
Alright, let's talk about the digital age. We all need it, right? Constant connectivity is basically a human right at this point. The good news? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And, blessedly, Wi-Fi in public areas too. The Internet itself was… mostly reliable. The Internet access [LAN] option, also helpful. I, personally, prefer to work on a physical connection.
Now, the bad news. There were a few moments (usually right when I needed to send a crucial email) where the connection decided to take a holiday. Nothing world-ending, but a minor annoyance. Just be prepared to maybe, possibly, have a little digital detox now and again. (That's the beauty of being in Croatia, tbh.)
Cleanliness and Safety - Did I Get Sick? (Spoiler: No!)
This is where Apartment 167 really shines. I'm a bit of a germaphobe by nature (thanks, Mom!) and I was genuinely impressed. The Anti-viral cleaning products were evident. The rooms? Rooms sanitized between stays? Absolutely. I was, I kid you not, staring down from my balcony, and watching the cleaning lady in full gear, sterilizing like she was prepping for surgery. The Daily disinfection in common areas was a constant. They definitely took Hygiene certification very seriously! The Safe dining setup was a plus if you were worried about those things. Hand sanitizer was everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol? Apparently. More to the point, the rooms looked and smelled clean. No strange odors, no questionable stains, no existential dread that I’d contract something. The room sanitization opt-out available option was there too!
Dining, Sipping, and Snacking - Foodie Paradise (or Just Adequate?):
This is where things got… complex. Let's start with the good. Breakfast in room! Yes! They brought a tray of fresh pastries, fruit, and coffee to my room (that Breakfast takeaway service was a godsend on the days I planned to go to the beach). The Asian breakfast option sounded interesting, too, though I didn't try it. There's a Coffee shop, which is essential. And a Room service [24-hour] option – always a win in my book.
Now, the… less good. The restaurants on-site were fine. The a la carte menu was a bit hit-and-miss. The selection of Salad options was great and they had a Vegetarian restaurant that was a big deal for my veggie friend. I ended up hitting the Snack bar more often than not. The Poolside bar was the only thing that had a sense of "luxury" about it. The Happy hour deals weren't bad either.
Things to Do and… Relax? - A Spa-tastic Maybe:
The Swimming pool [outdoor] was gorgeous! I spent hours there, drinking cocktails and soaking up the sun. There's a Pool with view, a good one at that. Seriously, the view was chef's kiss.
The Spa/sauna situation, however, was a little… underwhelming. They had a Spa, a Sauna and a Steamroom, but it felt a bit cramped and could have been a bit more luxurious. The Massage was good, but not life-altering. The Foot bath was pleasant. They had a Fitness center, I did not test it. The Body scrub and Body wrap options were tempting, but I was more interested in lying by the pool.
The Room Itself - Your Home Away from… Well, Home:
Ah, the room. My primary residence during this whole Novigrad adventure. I booked a Non-smoking room, naturally. It had everything you need: Air conditioning (essential!), a comfy Sofa, a Desk (I did have to work sometimes, darnit!), a Mini bar, and a Refrigerator. The Bed was comfortable (thank goodness, because I needed my sleep!), and the Blackout curtains were perfect for shutting out the Croatian sun when you need it. I had a Terrace with a lovely view. The Bathroom wasn't huge, but it was clean and functional.
One slight hiccup: I may or may not have tripped over the carpeting once. Maybe twice. Clumsy, I am.
Services and Conveniences - The Helpful Bits (and the Slightly Less Helpful):
Daily housekeeping? Yes, please! The staff were lovely and always kept the place spotless! Concierge? Always a good thing, and the staff were very helpful. Luggage storage? Check. Laundry service? Fantastic!
The Cashless payment service was a plus. And I appreciated the Car park [free of charge]. The Shuttle service [airport transfer] was very reliable.
For the Kids - Family-Friendly or Not?
This place is family/child friendly. With Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and Kids meal options.
The Verdict - Hidden Gem? Maybe… But With Caveats!
So, is Apartment 167 a "Hidden Gem?" Well… it's complicated. The accessibility is fantastic. The cleanliness is top-notch. The location is great. The staff are lovely. But the dining options could be improved. The spa could be more luxurious. The elevator… well, let's just say it has character.
Overall, I'd give it a solid 7.5 out of 10. Definitely worth considering, especially if accessibility is a priority. But don't go in expecting perfection. Think of it as a comfortable, safe, and well-located basecamp for exploring the beauty of Novigrad.
NOW, FOR THE HARD SELL (Because Hey, I'm Also a Consumer!)
Tired of the Same Old Tourist Traps? Crave an Authentic Croatian Escape? Apartment 167 in Novigrad Awaits!
Here’s why you SHOULD book NOW:
- Unbeatable Accessibility: Travel Worry-Free! Apartment 167 is a haven for those with mobility needs. Wheelchair accessible, elevator, and attentive staff ensure a smooth and stress-free stay.
- Immaculate Cleanliness: Forget your worries about viruses and germs! The cleanliness is impeccable, with anti-viral cleaning products, room sanitization, and staff trained in safety protocols.
- Delicious Breakfast in Your Room: Start your day with a tray of fresh pastries, fruit, and coffee delivered right to your door. Forget hitting the buffet, relax in your pyjamas!
- Perfect Poolside Relaxation: The outdoor pool offers stunning views and a fantastic atmosphere for sunbathing and swimming.
- Prime Location: Explore the charming town of Novigrad, with its delicious restaurants, local shops, and stunning coastal scenery, all within easy reach of Apartment 167.
Plus, Book Now and Receive:
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas.
- Complimentary Bottle of Wine: Toast your Croatian adventure with a welcome bottle of local wine upon arrival!
- Special Discount on Spa Treatments: Indulge in a relaxing massage or enjoy the sauna at a reduced price!
**Don't miss out on this opportunity
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is MY Novigrad, Croatia, survival guide, and let's be honest, it's probably going to involve a lot of wine and possibly some sobbing. Apartment 167, here we come! (Or, well, I come. The apartment's probably just… waiting patiently.)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Pasta Panic of '23
Morning (or what I'm calling morning): Arrive at Zadar airport. The flight? A blur of questionable airplane coffee and the silent promise of a decent shower. Immediately regret not packing a travel pillow. Curse the airline's decision to put the screaming toddler directly behind me. Vow to find a quiet beach and become a seagull.
Afternoon: Finally, FINALLY make it to Novigrad! Apartment 167! Keys in hand! The place is… charming. Small, maybe a little dusty, but charming. Immediately drop a bag of groceries (including, crucially, pasta) on the floor. Realize I forgot to pack an adapter. World. Imploding.
- The Pasta Incident: Okay, so, I went straight for the pasta, okay? We all do when we're stressed. Needed comfort. Found a beautiful little shop (after wandering around lost, of course), grabbed some fancy fusilli, and… NOTHING. No pasta pot. No colander. My inner chef (a very novice chef, mind you) went into full-blown panic mode. Ended up boiling the pasta in a saucepan. Didn't drain it properly. Ended up eating semi-waterlogged pasta. Crying. Very hungry.
Evening: Wander aimlessly around the harbor, trying to find a restaurant that doesn't scream "tourist trap." Find one! It's called "Konoba Mate" - tiny, family-run, the kind of place you hope is good. Order the seafood platter. Get a massive plate of grilled fish, calamari, shrimp – everything. Eat it all. Feel vaguely guilty. Drink a local wine called… something. Forget the name. But it was good. REALLY good. Promise myself I'll remember the name tomorrow. Probably won't. Stumble back to Apartment 167, feeling like a beached whale, but a happy, seafood-stuffed whale.
Day 2: Beach Bliss and the Search for the Perfect Sunset (and Ice Cream!)
Morning (Again, loose definition): Wake up feeling… okay! The lack of sleep, surprisingly, hasn't destroyed me yet. Actually feel like I slept deep enough to wake up early. It's a miracle. The first task? Find a decent coffee shop. Succeed! (With bonus points for understanding how to order a macchiato in Croatian, which is basically a win for the day.)
Afternoon: Beach time! Tried to walk down to the beach. Then, I got lost and ended up at the wrong beach. The right beach, once I finally found it, was glorious. Crystal clear water. Hot sun. Bliss. Spent about three hours alternately swimming, baking, and reading a book about… well, it doesn’t matter. Beaching is a religion. Didn't stay in the sun for long enough. Sunburn city, basically.
- The Ice Cream Dilemma: The ice cream in Croatia is legendary. But choosing flavors is a life-or-death decision. The first shop, I got intimidated by the selection. Left empty handed. The second shop, I went for lavanda (lavender). It tasted like… soap. Devastated. Third shop was a winner though! Chocolate and pistachio. Redeemed.
Evening: The sunset! Oh, the sunset! Found a perfect spot near the harbor, with a glass of that glorious wine I still can't remember the name of, and watched the sky explode in color. Seriously, it was ridiculous. Made me want to weep with joy. Took approximately one million photos. Probably have approximately zero keepers. Afterward, dragged myself back to the Konoba Mate (again!) because, well, I'm lazy and it's good.
Day 3: History, Hiking, and the Great Olive Oil Debacle
Morning: Attempt to be cultured. Visit the Novigrad City Museum. It was…informative. But after a while, my attention span (which, let's be honest, isn't exactly legendary) started to wander. Managed to glean some basic historical knowledge. Pretended I was impressed by the Roman artifacts. Actually, I was mostly thinking about lunch.
Afternoon: Hike! I found some trail maps and set off. Got mildly lost. Saw some goats. Almost fell off a cliff. But the views? Spectacular. The Adriatic Sea is even more stunning from above. Worth the near-death experience.
- The Olive Oil Incident: On the way home, I stumbled upon an olive oil shop, which, oh my god, was amazing. So many different types, different flavors… It was overwhelming. I tried about ten different samples. Then, I got overzealous. Bought two bottles. Tried to carry them back to the apartment. Dropped one. Shattered. The tears were real. The floor was sticky. The smell of olive oil? Everywhere.
Evening: After the olive oil tragedy, needed comfort food. Pizza. Simple, effective. Found a little place with a wood-fired oven. Ordered a pizza with everything. Ate the entire thing. No regrets. Went to bed early, smelling faintly of olives and despair.
Day 4: Day Trip to Rovinj (And the Quest for the Perfect Souvenir)
Morning: Took a bus to Rovinj. Rovinj is beautiful. It's like a postcard. Cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, the sea… Stunning! But… a little too perfect? It feels a bit Disney-fied. But I'm still impressed.
Afternoon: Got thoroughly lost wandering the alleyways of Rovinj. Found a cute little jewelry shop. Tried on a necklace. Fell in love with it. Realized I had forgotten my wallet. Mortified. Rushed back to the (beautiful, but slightly intimidating) shop. Bought the necklace. Finally have a souvenir.
- The Rovinj Market Experience: Found a market! Wandered around, overwhelmed by the choices. The smells! The colors! All fascinating. Decided on a pair of linen pants. Bargained with a vendor. Successfully! (I think. Maybe he just felt sorry for me.)
Evening: Travel back to Novigrad. Ate leftovers. Watched the sunset. This time, I took a vow to remember the name of the wine. This time, I failed.
Day 5: Departure (And the Bitter Sweet Goodbye)
- Morning: Packing. The worst part of any trip. How did I accumulate THAT much laundry? Found a stray piece of pasta under the bed (the evidence of day one). Briefly considered leaving it. Decided against it. Ate one final breakfast. Had a moment with the ocean. A promise to return.
- Afternoon: Goodbye, Apartment 167! Goodbye, Novigrad! You were messy, imperfect, and sometimes a total pain in the behind. But you were also beautiful, delicious, and full of moments I'll never forget. Until next time! (When I'll definitely remember the name of that wine.)
- Evening: On the plane home. Reflecting. Wishing I'd bought more lavender ice cream. Starting to already miss it all. And, most importantly, dreaming of the next adventure.
So, there you have it. My Novigrad story. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to search for that pasta recipe… and maybe some therapy to deal with the olive oil incident. Wish me luck!
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Novigrad's Hidden Gem: Apartment 167 Awaits! - Let's Get Real, Shall We?
So, Apartment 167... Is it *really* a "hidden gem?" Or is it just a slightly less-terrible option?
What's the *actual* location like? Because the website said "close to everything."
What about the apartment itself? Is it clean? Because I hate cleaning.
Is there Wi-Fi? Because I have to be online. (Curse the modern world!)
Okay, so the apartment is… alright. What’s the best thing about it then?
Any downsides I should know about? Don't sugarcoat it.
Would you actually recommend Apartment 167?
Tell me about a specific, memorable experience you had at/near Apartment 167.
