Hotel Marko Polo - Korcula, Croatia 

2 couples (30-somethings) Very disappointing. Tour Operator put us in room (we booked / paid for suite) which was a bad start. 2 days of our 7 days lost trying to get it resolved (no luck). Hotel is more 3 star standard (toilet roll reminded me of school in the 70’s!). It’s large and, to the most part, it is clean. Indoor pool had same dirty ashtray, tissue and glasses 3 days in row which concerned us regarding how often they change the water! Breakfast is 7-10am – get there by 945 as the second 10am hits the food is taken away, lights go off, machines get unplugged etc. No exception made when you arrive 3am after long flight. Staff “lurk” waiting for your cup/spoon to be left down and they instantly remove it. They would stretch across you to get an un-used glass. Perhaps they see this as efficient, it comes across as very rude, esp first thing in the morning. Despite paying B&B we avoided breakfast for latter part of holiday due to this procedure. It is part of staff training as we saw a new recruit being reprimanded for not doing the lurk/swoop technique! Korcula has a sewage smell problem & this would seep through to the hotel on occasions. They try cover it up with over-powering air freshener. Most negative part – the staff. Very rude and unhelpful, especially the day Reception, bar by Reception and staff at breakfast. Exceptions to this were one of the cleaners and the 2 guys manning the outside pool bar area. We visited late June just before season really took off. Don’t know what mood staff will be in by time season is in full swing. For older travellers watch for plenty of steps. Plus side - Stunning view from room & a good selection of food at breakfast (hot, pastries, fruit, yoghurt etc). I would not anticipate returning to Korcula and I would certainly never stay at this hotel. It was not value for money as we paid ?800 per person. An aside, and nothing to do with hotel, but Beware The Bottled Water. The brands Jena and Bistra (not sure if they the exact spellings) seemed absolutely fine but there was another brand that had “things” floating in 3 of the 4 bottles we got. Insects and dirt and who-knows- what. Didn’t notice till we were about half way through and didn’t kill us but we don’t like to dwell on what we consumed.

Hotel staff not very helpful,slow service,good location,nice pool,large rooms , nice town.Decor pretty plain.