Uremović Crikvenica: Croatia's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
Uremović Crikvenica: Is This Croatia's Hidden Gem… or Just a Shiny Pebble? - An Honest, Messy Review
Okay, so I'm back from Uremović Crikvenica, that "hidden gem" everyone's been raving about. And let me tell you, the "hidden" part is a bit generous. It's not exactly hidden hidden. It's more like… easily overlooked. But is it worth finding? After a week of sun, sea (and a whole lotta gelato), here's the lowdown, warts and all. buckle up. This might get messy.
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First Impressions: The Good, The Slightly Less Good, and the "Wait, Really?" Moments
First off, finding the place was a breeze. Accessibility: check. Driving in Croatia is generally a pleasure, and the hotel's sign wasn't too hard to spot. Car park [free of charge]: double check. Huge bonus, especially when you're tired after a long drive. Airport transfer: They offered one (didn’t use it), good to know.
The Accessibility: generally seemed okay. Elevator: present and accounted for, which is a huge relief. Didn't delve too deep into specifics on wheelchair accommodations, but seemed to be trying.
The lobby? Well, it was… a lobby. Clean, bright. Air conditioning in public area: Yep. The first impressions were good – clean lines, friendly staff. Front desk [24-hour]: Always a win.
Then came the Internet:. Ugh. The brochure touted Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!. Lie. Okay, maybe not a full-blown lie, but the Wi-Fi was not my best friend. Intermittent is the word. I'd give it about a 3/10. They did offer Internet [LAN], but who wants to drag a cable around in 2024? Facepalm. I needed to post pictures, you know? Important Instagram stuff! #CrikvenicaLife #HiddengemHype
Internet services did exist - the hotel had it. It just wasn't… consistent.
The Check-in/out [express] didn’t really happen when I did it, but the Check-in/out [private] option was nice. They just didn't offer the express option at the time.
My Room: A Sanctuary… or Just a Room?
The room! Ah, the room. Look, it had Air conditioning, which I needed. The Blackout curtains were a godsend after those late-night gelato runs. Additional toilet: nope. But hey, the Private bathroom was clean, the Shower was decent, and the Bathrobes were fluffy (a definite win). Free bottled water: A touch I appreciated. It also came with an On-demand movies service, but the WIFI wasn't stable enough to support it, so no luck.
I did love the details. Hair dryer (check), Toiletries (check), Slippers (luxurious!). The Coffee/tea maker was essential. My favourite thing, though? The Safe box. Made me feel like I was in a goddamn spy movie.
The View from the window was… not the best. But it’s Croatia, you’ll find beauty.
Now for the nitpicks. The walls seemed a little…thin. Could hear the neighbors, and that’s not great if you want to, you know, sleep. sigh. Also, the Alarm clock was from the Jurassic period. I ended up using my phone.
Oh! And the Linens were pristine and crisp. Always a mark of quality.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Disappointment)
Let's talk food. Because, seriously, that's what a vacation is about, right?
Dining, drinking, and snacking: A solid effort.
The Breakfast [buffet] was a mixed bag. They had Asian breakfast (huh?), which was a bit of a head-scratcher for me; Western breakfast, of course. Buffet in restaurant: Always a winner. They offered the usual suspects: eggs, bacon, pastries. The coffee? Meh. Coffee/tea in restaurant: available, but not life-changing.
For lunch and dinner, options were plentiful. The hotel offered a A la carte in restaurant (which I tried), and the International cuisine in restaurant was pretty good. The Soup in restaurant was surprisingly delicious. Restaurants were available.
The crowning glory? The Poolside bar. Ahhh, that was the life. Poolside bar: check. They made a mean Aperol Spritz! Happy Hour was definitely the best time of the day. Happy hour: check.
I also loved the Bottle of water, which was available.
Now for the downside. The Room service [24-hour] was a godsend after a long day of sun.
Also, and this is a minor point, the Desserts in restaurant were… hit-or-miss. Definitely not the focus.
Alternative meal arrangement was offered to me, and they provided Vegetarian restaurant options.
The Food: I'd rate it a solid 7/10.
Spa? Yes. Relaxation? Mostly.
Okay, this is where Uremović Crikvenica kind of redeemed itself. The Spa/sauna area was a highlight. I was super impressed by the Spa.
Let's list them: Sauna, Steamroom, Massage. Foot bath. These were all available and divine.
I experienced a Body wrap, which was wonderfully relaxing. The Body scrub was heavenly. The Pool with view was beautiful (though not quite as dramatic as the promo photos).
Swimming pool [outdoor]: yes. And it was clean. Swimming pool: yep. Very clean.
Fitness center: present, didn't try it, but it looked like it could make you sweat, but the equipment didn't look brand new.. Gym/fitness: yeah, maybe. Did I mention the gelato?
The only minor issue: It was super popular, so you might have to wait for a massage. Book early.
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-Era Concerns (Sort Of)
Look, nobody wants to get sick on vacation. Uremović seemed to take things seriously. Hand sanitizer: everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol: Seemed like it. Daily disinfection in common areas: yup. The First aid kit was a good touch.
They had **Cashless payment service, which was good (thank god). *Safe dining setup* (all the tables were separated), though they could have been a little more proactive in managing the breakfast buffet.
I didn't really see any of the Anti-viral cleaning products, but I did see them cleaning everywhere.
I just got a little concerned that I saw no Sanitized kitchen and tableware items or something to ensure that. I also didn't get to see a Room sanitization opt-out available.
Things to Do (or Not Do)
Okay, so this hotel is Crikvenica is an easy and perfect location for a beach getaway. Things to do: I'll admit, the hotel isn't exactly in the heart of the action. More on the quiet side. It's about a ten-minute walk to the beach and the main drag, which is doable. They offer Bicycle parking, which is super useful.
The hotel offered a Terrace, which I enjoyed.
The Verdict: Worth the Trip? (Probably)
So, is Uremović Crikvenica a "hidden gem"? Maybe not hidden, but definitely worth a look. It's got its flaws (the Wi-Fi!), but the location, the spa, and the generally pleasant atmosphere make it a decent choice.
Pros:
- Great spa. I mean, seriously good.
- Clean and comfortable rooms.
- Friendly staff.
- Free parking.
- Good food (mostly).
Cons:
- Wi-Fi woes.
- Room acoustics could be better.
- Not exactly in the thick of the action.
My Rating: 7.5/10. Would I go back? Probably. If the price is right, and I'm in the mood for some serious R&R.
Special Offer: Book your stay at Uremović Crikvenica now and receive a complimentary massage at the spa! Plus, enjoy a free bottle of local Croatian wine upon arrival. Book now and experience the best of Crikvenica!
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Okay, buckle up, buttercup! Uremović Crikvenica, Croatia – population, I have no idea, but let's just say enough to make a decent beach party. Here's my attempt at a "realistic" itinerary, complete with my usual chaotic charm and a generous helping of existential dread (just kidding…mostly).
Uremović Crikvenica: A Tourist's Unvarnished Truth (and Maybe a Little Sunburn)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Beach Debacle
- Morning (10:00 AM-ish): Arrive at Rijeka Airport (RJK). Okay, first hurdle: the airport's smaller than my bathroom back home. Found a taxi, bartered like my life depended on it (it didn’t, but the principle, you know?). The driver, bless his heart, seemed to understand about three words of English and smelled faintly of cigarettes and…seaweed? We finally got to Crikvenica. The apartment, finally after what seemed like an eternity, was… functional. Clean(ish). The balcony? Glorious.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch. Found a Konoba (traditional Croatian restaurant) near the beach. Ordered "pljukanci with truffle" because I saw it on the menu and the word "truffle" just makes everything seem fancy and delicious (and I was right!). It was AMAZING. Sat near the water. Felt a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. Then, the beach. Oh, the beach.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): BEACH. Attempted to find a decent spot. This beach…it’s a pebble beach. I mean, pebbles. Like, enough pebbles to supply a whole army with ammo. Spent the next hour trying to find a relatively smooth patch, which was a fool's errand. Sat on the pebble hellscape, realized I'd forgotten sunscreen (classic!), and quickly developed a mild sunburn. So, yeah, not loving the beach so far. Decided to go for a swim. It was like walking on a bed of marbles. And… cold! Jumped in anyways. Amazing. Didn't feel the pebbles after.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Ice cream. Mandatory. Found a gelateria with flavors I'd never even heard of. (Fig with Honey? YES, please!). Sat and watched the sunset. Pretty good, so far.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Dinner. The restaurant: Konoba (again). It's always Konoba. This time, grilled fish. I'm not sure if it was the fish, the wine, or the fact that I'd finally stopped worrying about the pebbles, but it was divine. People watching. Croatian families with way more energy than me. Couples holding hands. I watched the stars. I felt… happy.
Day 2: The Island Escape (That Almost Didn't Happen)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Up early because I had visions of a boat trip to Krk. I thought I'd planned it all out, but the ferry schedule… well, Croatian ferry schedules are a law unto themselves. Almost missed the morning boat (thank goodness for the very kind woman at the ticket office who yelled at me in incomprehensible Croatian).
- Morning (10:00 AM-ish): The Ferry. The ferry ride was actually amazing, though! Crystal clear water, seagulls, cute little seaside villages… I even befriended a dog on board (he was much better at socializing than I am).
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Krk Island. Wandered around the town of Krk. Felt like a movie set. Beautiful, historical. Got completely lost. Ended up in a tiny church where some old ladies were singing Gregorian chants. Utterly peaceful.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Lunch on Krk. Found another Konoba (surprise!). Had more grilled fish. I may have developed a fish addiction.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Decided to walk a bit and discover a beach more suitable for my tender feet. Found a beautiful cove, with…wait for it… more pebbles. I'm starting to think this is Croatia's national pastime: Pebble Beaches.
- Evening (6:00 PM): The ferry back was…well, let’s just say I managed to not miss it this time. Watched the sunset. Drank a glass of wine. Had a moment of existential reflection about the nature of travel, which quickly shifted into: "I AM SO GLAD I FOUND A COZY SEAT!" And it did.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Dinner. Konoba. You get the idea. This time, pasta with scampi. Still amazing.
Day 3: The Great Crikvenica Walk & The Pursuit of Leisure (in its entirety)
- Morning (9:00 AM): The Crikvenica Promenade. The plan: walk the entire promenade and soak in the local life. Reality: I spent more time dodging rogue scooters than I did contemplating the meaning of life. But the views were fantastic, so it wasn't a complete waste.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Found a tiny little bakery. Bought a burek (savory pastry). Ate it on the go, leaving crumbs everywhere. Still worth it.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Chilled on the beach. Found a slightly less pebbly patch. Read a book. Actually relaxed for a bit. Enjoyed the blissfully warm sun.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Lunch. Again. Konoba. Surprise? I didn’t think so. Risotto this time. And the waiter, bless him, thought I was from the moon.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): The pursuit of leisure now fully achieved, I decided to get an hour-long massage. It was… wonderful. And a very welcome distraction.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Pre-dinner drinks. Found a bar with live music, it was actually a Croatian version of a karaoke night. I was mesmerized.
- Evening (8:00 PM): The Last Supper. Konoba. Yes, again. But this time…the feeling of being fully at peace. Ordered a seafood platter. Drank a bottle of local wine. Watching the stars. Knowing this was my last night (darn). Goodbye Crikvenica.
Day 4: The Journey Home (and the Sad Farewell)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Checked out of the apartment. Said goodbye to the view. Had a moment of sadness, but I quickly realized I was ready to go home.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Final breakfast. Konoba. One last burek.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Taxi to Rijeka Airport. Traffic was… interesting. The driver, now that he understood I enjoyed the ride, talked the entire way.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Flight home.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Back home. Dreaming of Konoba food and the sound of the waves. But I'm also happy to be home.
Quirky Observations & Rambles:
- The Language Barrier: My attempts to speak Croatian were hilariously bad. Mostly, I relied on pointing and smiling. It worked about 50% of the time.
- The Cats: There are a lot of cats. Magnificent creatures, lounging in the sun, judging everyone. I approve.
- The Sun: It's strong. Very strong. Wear sunscreen. Seriously. I'm still peeling.
- Croatians: They are inherently kind. They have an amazing quality of life that I'd love to bring home with me.
- Pebbles vs. Me: I think I may have developed a complex.
Final Thoughts:
Crikvenica is… well, it’s a true escape. It’s all laid back and easy. It’s a place where you can relax, eat amazing food, and forget your worries…even if you have to navigate pebble beaches to do it. And, yes, I'd go back. But next time, I'm bringing water shoes.
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Uremović Crikvenica: Seriously? Is it Actually Worth It? (My Rambling Answers)
Okay, spill the beans… what *is* Uremović Crikvenica anyway? I've never heard of it. Am I missing out?
Alright, buckle up, because this is where it gets… *personal*. Uremović Crikvenica isn't exactly on everyone's radar, which is part of its charm, I guess. It's a restaurant. And when I say restaurant, I mean *restaurant*. It's this little place clinging to the coastline near Crikvenica, Croatia. Think: incredibly fresh seafood, the bluest water you've ever seen (seriously, it's like the sky fell into the sea), and… well, a view that could make even the grumpiest person crack a smile. Is it worth it? YES. A thousand times, yes. Though, my first time there… Let's just say I was a bit of a mess. More on that later.
How do you *get* to Uremović Crikvenica? Is it a mission?
It’s easier than you think. (Unless you're me on my first attempt… God, that was a comedy of errors). You'll likely fly into Rijeka Airport (RJK) and then it's a bumpy but beautiful drive down the coast. The road winds along the Adriatic, hugging the cliffs. I actually *missed* the turn the first time. Talk about mortifying. I ended up in some tiny, dusty village thinking, "This can't be it!" Turns out, it wasn't. Check a map, and follow it closely! Parking can be… well, let's just say it’s "cozy." But there's usually *some* way to squeeze your car in. It's part of the adventure, right? (Or, you know, part of the stress.)
What’s the food *really* like? Is it just…more ordinary seafood?
Ordinary? Honey, no. This is *not* your average, run-of-the-mill seafood shack. The food is... *transcendent*. Think: the freshest catch of the day, grilled to perfection. They know how to treat their ingredients right. I'm talking the kind of seafood that *tastes* like the sea. The grilled fish, the scampi… (oh, the scampi!), and the black risotto filled with flavor - *chef's kiss*. It's all simple, beautifully prepared, and unbelievably delicious. The first time, I ordered the grilled octopus. I was terrified. I didn't *like* octopus. Until that octopus at Uremović. I swear it changed my life (okay, maybe just my culinary perspective, but still!). It was unbelievably tender and smoky. I still dream of it! And the wine? Perfect accompaniment to the food. Don't expect fancy foams or deconstructed anything. This is pure, unadulterated, deliciousness.
Give it to me straight: is it crazy expensive?
Okay, so it's not *cheap*. Let’s be real. But considering the quality of the food, the location, and the whole experience? I think it's worth it. It’s not going to break the bank unless you *really* go wild on the wine. Think of it as an investment in your happiness. And honestly, the memory is priceless. I’d pay double just for the view.
What if I don't speak Croatian? Am I doomed?
Absolutely not! The staff speak enough English, which is a relief. Plus, the menu usually has English translations. Be polite, be patient, and point a lot. (That worked for me!) You’ll be fine. The food speaks for itself, even if you can’t master the local lingo. I've muddled through with a mix of broken English and enthusiastic hand gestures. It's part of the fun!
Is it good for kids? Are there vegetarian options?
Hmmm, kids… This place is more of a romantic, "treat yourself" kind of place. There’s not a dedicated 'kids menu' but my friend's kids were welcomed. So, yes, kinda kid-friendly. Vegetarian options? Limited, but they’ll often make something up, maybe a grilled vegetable dish or a pasta. Call ahead if you're strict. I'd say seafood is the star. The joy of the place is really taking your time and savoring the flavors and the scenery, not just a quick meal.
Okay, you mentioned a "first time" disaster… care to elaborate? I love a good travel story.
Oh, you want to hear *that* story, do you? Alright, alright. Prepare yourself. So, I was *determined* to find this restaurant. I had seen all the photos, heard all the hype. I’d booked a table months in advance (which, by the way, is crucial, especially in peak season. Do it now!). Armed with my trusty GPS and an overabundance of self-confidence, I set off… First mistake: I’m notoriously bad with directions. Second mistake: I didn't account for the narrow, winding coastal roads. Third mistake… well, let’s just say my sense of direction is, shall we say, *challenged*. I missed the turn. Like, completely. Ended up driving in circles, feeling increasingly frustrated, and questioning my life choices. I eventually stumbled upon a tiny, dusty village. Asked for directions. (In terrible Croatian, mind you.) I was SO sweaty and flustered. After much back-Top Places To Stay
