October 15, 2019 - The Briig Boutique Hotel in Split, in cooperation with the Hoteza platform, offers the Hoteza HotPad system as a unique way to communicate with its guests -  as and it’s also a sustainable solution.

HRTurizam writes that by using the Hoteza platform, they discarded all printed brochures and material, earning, among the first in Croatia, MINT's written approval of categorization. Digitization of tourism in the true sense of the word.

From now on, all hotel guests can communicate with the hotel staff via digital devices, which are at their service at any time. Furthermore, they also get a wealth of information about the hotel, destination, and interesting events in their vicinity.

“The relaxation and ease of communication that the guest achieves by using the HotPad system encourage them to explore all the options this solution offers. From various events they can enjoy or information about the lively city they are in, to the gastronomic delights they can experience in the privacy of their own room - who can say no to a luxurious bed-and-breakfast?” concludes Duška Žižak, Marketing and Sales Manager of the Briig Hotel in Split.

Hoteza’s HotPad interactive system enables guests of the hotel to communicate with the hotel staff in real-time via the iPad in their rooms. The system allows them to order food or drinks, book a massage or beauty appointment, order a room refreshment or something from the bar, with minimal effort through an elegant, user-friendly interface that invites them to explore the contents of the hotel itself, as well as the destination.

“We are dedicated to finding a personalized solution within Hoteza's platform for each project we work on. Briig proved to be an ambitious project with a clear goal and vision, while Hoteza was a logical choice because, on the technological side, we have fulfilled all expectations and the high rankings set by Briig,” said Damir Knežević, director of Hoteza.

Hoteza has operated on the regional market for only four years, and they already have numerous experiences and clients from both international and local markets - and their unique know-how sets them apart from the competition. It all began with the IPTV smart system and mobile applications, and expanded with market needs that required new, innovative ways to communicate with guests.

Hoteza provides hoteliers with smart and personalized hotel solutions across several smart platforms, notable for their Hoteza interactive TV system, HotPad interactive in-room tablet application, and Hoteza Mobile, a hotel application that offers all services at your fingertips.

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

September 24, 2019 - The Amphora will be Split's largest hotel.

The peak season is long gone, which has been confirmed by the comfortable drop in temperature and September showers. However, the summer came and went without one of the biggest hotel projects in Dalmatia - the Amphora hotel on Znjan, owned by Split entrepreneur Zvonko Kotarac. 

This top-category hotel has been announced as the largest hotel in Split, which means it is one of the largest hotels in Dalmatia. Although it was originally planned to open this Easter, its doors are still closed. 

Slobodna Dalmacija writes that anyone who has walked past the hotel in recent days would say that it is in the final stages of completion, meaning it should fully open in a matter of days. There is still a fence in front of the entrance, but some of the windows on the terraces have been cleared. Slobodna Dalmacija called Zvonko Kotarac to see if the hotel was nearly ready to receive its first guests, though he neither confirmed nor denied the question.

The first project for this accommodation dates back to 2004, and according to the plans back then, the facility should have been much smaller. Three buildings were planned, each with a basement, ground floor, semi-basement, two floors, and a superstructure, and the construction line would coincide with the slope of the terrain. In this way, it would unobtrusively blend in with the view of the coast, in the area of Znjan, which has been devastated by inadequate construction. The designer then was Ante Kuzmanic, but as the architect once said to Slobodna, there was a dispute with the investor and he left the project. 

The plans for the hotel were then changed at the request of the investors. The architects then created a new draft and the detailed plan for the area was changed, that is, the city councilors raised their hands three times - in 2008, 2011 and 2016. From the initial 7,100 square meters, the hotel has grown to 17,500 square meters. So, in just over ten years, while we awaited its construction, the hotel grew 10,000 square meters and became the largest in Split!

The project was also changed to be more cost-effective to build. It was once accepted as two six-story buildings by the City, and in 2016, at the request of Kotarac's Dal-Koning Company, the City Council changed it to an eight-story building. Some city councilors have warned, such as architect Danira Matosic, that such a large object would disrupt the city's view from the sea, but that did not stop the required number of hands to adopt another DPU change.

Recall, a construction inspection in April this year found that, above all, excavators were digging more than was approved in the building permit, so the City approved its modification under the Emil Sverka project, and the works were completed.

Furthermore, the project envisaged that the Amphora's 11 floors would be heated and cooled by the sea, for which pipes would be installed 200 meters from the beach for the disabled, located next to the hotel. Design engineer Davor Lucin said that only near the pipe will the temperature be warmer or colder by three to five degrees. Senka Mrkonjic, president of the Association of Persons with Disabilities, commented that it was extremely inappropriate that no one had discussed this with them.

TCN wrote back in February that with 600 beds available, the Amphora will significantly improve the tourist image of the city - and it will also change the image of Žnjan.

The building will consist of two parts; the Amphora Resort is the main facility on nine floors with 207 accommodation units, 30 to 70 square meters in size, while the Amphora Residence will include 30 high-class apartments between 40 to 100 square meters. The buildings will be connected by a walkway.

Unlike the latest trends in buildings with fully enclosed facades, as many as three-quarters of all rooms will have a balcony overlooking the coast, the sea, and the central Dalmatian islands. The total investment is more than 26 million euro.

The main building and public spaces were designed by Emil Sverko, rooms by designer Patricia Sabljic, and the restaurants and Sky bar by architect Ante Vrban. Neno Kezic authored the residential part.

The hotel is called "Amphora" because Zvonko Kotarac owns a family collection of amphorae, one of the most complete in the area, which is substantially preserved and aged between 1800 and 2500 years. Thirty listed and conservation-protected amphorae will be permanently exhibited at the hotel. As a national cultural asset, it will be accessible to the public in the lobby of the hotel.

The Amphora will offer a congress hall with 500 seats, a wellness center of 2000 square meters, four types of saunas with an open view, three swimming pools, two of which will have a sea view and one that will be a winter pool with a glass wall, and two restaurants and three bars next to the spectacular Sky Bar, in an area of 800 square meters for 500 guests at the top of the building.

The Amphora said they would accommodate a very diverse clientele, from business people to families, mainly from the UK and Scandinavian countries. The hotel also said they'd hire 80 permanent staff and 40 seasonal workers back in February. 

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

A new hotel under construction at Split’s Bačvice beach, which saw its owners offer a 660 euro bribe to legalize 55 square meters, should open its doors on June 1. Although still under scaffolding, photos of the new hotel can be found on the Internet - and guests have already booked rooms, reports T.portal and Splitski Dnevnik on April 19, 2019. 

Namely, on the Booking.com website, the property is almost completely booked for the season. But how could it not be, when instead of construction workers atop scaffoldings, there are pictures of a luxury hotel with a swimming pool. These lavish rooms overlook the sea, and the hotel paints a picture of elegance - at the top of the hotel, the photos even show sun loungers and parasols. The controversial hotel will set you back 300 euro for a one night stay. You can see pictures of the hotel on Booking.com.

This new hotel is Villa Harmony, boasting six floors located directly next to the most famous beach in Split. Due to its size and appearance, Villa Harmony has caused a lot of controversy and complaints by Split citizens as the building blocks the view in this part of the city. When construction began in 2016, the Municipal Court in Split issued a verdict, which revealed that the area covered by the permit was reduced by 55 square meters. However, the project was still completed and went forward thanks to bribing officials of the Ministry.

Zoran Sikirica bought the land at Bačvice from former Split Mayor Željko Kerum through Oriens, where he was the director. The company then changed directors and moved to Trilj and Sinj before finally returning to Split.

Last year, Sikirica said that the four-star hotel saw an investment of 32 million kuna and was expected to open by the end of 2018. In all likelihood, problems with documentation were the cause of the delay.

Villa Harmony should have 26 rooms and a large penthouse and saunas, a gym, a restaurant and an outdoor bar by the pool. Eight rooms should have a jacuzzi. Sikirica’s company Špinut is also known for building two apartment blocks in the same Split district a few years ago. The project was worth 25 million euro.

Zoran Sikirica, one of the four suspects named in USKOK's action for giving and receiving bribes in the Ministry of Construction for this hotel, is said to have escaped arrest by traveling to Israel on Wednesday.

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

Split’s wishes have finally come true. Hotel Marjan, once a symbol of the Dalmatian capital which for the last 11 years has been the city’s eyesore and a threat to the heart of the flourishing tourist town, is ready for sale, reports Slobodna Dalmacija on April 15, 2019. 

Namely, the bankruptcy was completed for "Adriatic" d.d. by making a conclusion about the sale. The process is final and the final document produced by the judge of the Commercial Court in Split, Ivan Čulić, will go to Fina, who will look for a buyer.

Fina will sell the hotel by an electronic public auction. The hotel itself is 5,679 square meters, with a substation, parking lot, three courtyards and stairs, altogether making up nearly 12,000 square meters. According to bankruptcy law, four auctions are envisaged. In the first the object cannot be sold below three-quarters of the established value, the second below one half, the third below one quarter, while the fourth is sold for one kuna.

According to the accepted assessment by court expert Jure Malenica, the price is EUR 58 million or HRK 432 million (VAT included, so that there would be no confusion), which means that the buyer must offer approximately EUR 44 million in the first auction. In the second auction EUR 29 million, then EUR 14.5 million, and so on. 

The bankruptcy administrator Ante Gabelica is convinced that the unfinished hotel will soon be sold since it is an attractive property in a prestigious location.

Interestingly, there is no lack of interest, but the keys to the future owners are firmly held by the "Adris Group", whose "Adria Resorts”, through the purchase of receivables, has already invested an amount that is close to or even higher than the total estimated value of the object. There would be an uproar if Adris did not eventually buy the hotel. After all, the powerful Rovinj company already announced a significant investment in Split in its annual plan.

Recall, Željko Kerum bought the hotel "Marjan" in 2005. Kerum paid HRK 170 million, which was three times more than the required HRK 57 million. Less than four years later, a contract with "Hilton" was signed, and Kerum became the mayor one month after that. Works on “Marjan” were quickly interrupted, and in 2015, it all ended with the bankruptcy of “Adriatic”.

Fortunately, Split’s best-known eyesore will soon get a new owner who will give a new dimension to the tourist offer of the city.

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

“This is, apparently, a good story,” says Zvonko Kotarac proudly while looking at the selling capacity of his new hotel. “The interest is unbelievable, we are close to closing bookings for the peak season,” adds the Split entrepreneur. He is convinced that having a hotel that is 65 percent full year-round will certainly be achieved, reports Slobodna Dalmacija on February 18, 2019. 

The hotel above the Žnjan plateau is still under construction. When opened in May, which the investor does not doubt at all, it will be the largest operating hotel in Split.

With 600 beds available, it will significantly improve the tourist image of a city that cries for quality hotel facilities as opposed to plenty of beds in private accommodations. It will also change the image of Žnjan.

“It seems to us that this is the correct way of urbanizing this area,” says Kotarac.

The luxurious building will consist of two parts; the Amfora Resort is the main facility on nine floors with 207 accommodation units, 30 to 70 square meters in size, while the Amfora Resident will include 30 high class apartments between 40 to 100 square meters. The buildings will be connected by a walkway.

Unlike the latest trends in buildings with fully enclosed facades, as many as three-quarters of all rooms will have a balcony overlooking the coast, the sea and the central Dalmatian islands. The total investment is more than 26 million euro.

The main building and public spaces were designed by Emil Šverko, rooms created by designer Patricia Sabljić, and the restaurants and Sky bar by architect Ante Vrban. The residential part is authored by Neno Kezić.

The hotel will be called "Amfora" because Zvonko Kotarac owns a family collection of amphorae, one of the most complete in the area, which is greatly preserved and aged between 1800 and 2500 years. Thirty listed and conservation-protected amphorae will be permanently exhibited at the hotel. As a national cultural asset, it will be accessible to the public in the lobby of the hotel.

Amfora will offer a congress hall with 500 seats, a wellness center of 2000 square meters, four types of saunas with an open view, three swimming pools, two of which will have a sea view and one that will be a winter pool with a glass wall, and two restaurants and three bars next to the spectacular Sky Bar, in an area of 800 square meters for 500 guests at the top of the building.

Amfora will accommodate a very diverse clientele, from business people to families, mainly from the UK and Scandinavian countries. The hotel will boast 80 permanent staff and 40 seasonal workers. Interestingly, competitions for staff are still open.

The investment per room is at the level of the European average of about one hundred thousand euros. A lot of the accompanying content burdens the price but gives it quality. According to today's business parameters, the investment should be returned in ten years, and maybe a bit sooner. 

Kotarac is not a new player in the hotel business. You might already know him as the owner of the first five-star hotel in Split, "Atrium", which will be closed for two months due to complete reconstruction next January.

However, future hotel Amfora will be completely different. The Atrium, as a city hotel, has a large fluctuation of guests who stay for a day or two, while the Amfora will see guests staying for half a week to a week. The Amfora is expected to be even better annually. 

To read more about Split, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

There has never been a more significant investment boom in the hotel sector, especially in southern Croatia. At dozens of sites all over Dalmatia, construction is either underway or nearing completion on more than 45 new hotels which will bring about 6,000 brand new hotel rooms and 13,000 new beds on the market in 2019 alone, reports Slobodna Dalmacija on December 4, 2018. 

The total investment in tourism for 2019 is estimated at EUR 1.050 billion, or EUR 100 million more than this year. Of this amount, one third will be invested in four Dalmatian counties, or EUR 314 million in tourism projects. The real star for investors next year is Split-Dalmatia County, which will see EUR 197 million in tourism investment. The city of Split, however, is the most attractive to investors. Works are nearing their end on up to four 4-star hotels, which should, according to the investors, open their doors next spring - and documents have been collected for another five buildings!

According to a survey made by the Ministry of Tourism including the largest hotels in the country on their investment plans for 2019, companies will invest around EUR 626 million in tourism projects, while the public sector, i.e., counties and cities, will spend a total of EUR 425 million in tourism in the next year.

Investments in the private sector include hotels, camps, nautical tourism and other types of accommodations, facilities and attractions. This is precisely why Minister of Tourism Gari Cappelli pointed out that in the last two years, Croatia has seen a growth of 40 percent, and next year a new increase in tourism investment has been announced. 

According to investment data from the Ministry of Tourism survey, the most substantial amount of total investments is planned in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, with a total of EUR 203 million, along with Split-Dalmatia County, with an EUR 197 million investment. Istria will see an EUR 175 million investment in tourism. In continental counties, including the city of Zagreb, EUR 355 million will be invested.

Split-Dalmatia County announced research by audit and consulting firm Ernst Young (EC), according to which in the next five years (2018-2022), Croatia expects record investments in the hotel industry. According to their estimate, by 2022, investments will include a total of 9,700 hotel rooms, of which nearly 6,000 will be new rooms in 4 and 5-star hotels. Most of the hotels will open in Split, which chronically suffers from the lack of hotel beds. Eight new larger hotels and a host of smaller hotels would absolutely fix this image.

Next year, Split will receive the first "Marriott International" hotel in Croatia under the brand "Courtyard by Marriott”, which will open in the "Dalmatia Tower" of the Westgate complex. The new hotel will boast 190 rooms and four suites. At the beginning of the 2019 season, hotel "Amphora Resort" will open on Žnjan. An investment by Split entrepreneur Zvonko Kotarac, the hotel will have a total of 207 rooms, a large congress hall, a series of catering facilities, three swimming pools, and a luxurious wellness area. 

The new "Radisson Blu Resort" pavilion, with 54 rooms and 15 suites, was erected at the former hotel “Split” complex. At the site of the former Kaliternina at Bačvice, construction is nearing its end on a hotel which will have four floors with 60 rooms and 45 parking spaces.

At the site of the former "Ambassador" hotel, Klaus Alex Birkenstock invested EUR 17 million. The new "Ambassador" will have 101 rooms and suites, 240 for restaurant seating, a spa, gym, nightclub and underground garage with 59 spaces. The hotel will boast 4+ stars, and should open in the summer of 2019. On the plot located east of the bridge connecting Split and Bačvice, construction is underway on “Vila Harmony" which will have six floors and 26 rooms after an investment of HRK 32 million. 

With the completion of all these investments, which plan to receive their first guests in 2019, Split should boast around 1,500 new top hotel beds in exceptional locations, though it is not yet the desired 5,000 hotel beds, or even close to the 24,000 in family accommodation.

Dubrovnik and Šibenik-Knin counties announced symbolic investments of seven or nine million euros in smaller facilities for next year, while Zadar County will invest more than EUR 100 million in tourism for reconstruction and adaptation, the construction of smaller facilities and marina infrastructure.

In addition to those that will be completed in 2019, many of the major tourist projects are still in the process of getting the documentation prepped, such as the “Kupari Resort”, which should see an investment of HRK 700 million. We are also still waiting for the “Four Seasons" in the bay of Brizenica near Stari Grad on Hvar, which will have 120 rooms and around 100 villas, worth a billion kuna.

According to the announcement of the Minister of State Property Goran Marić, an investment of EUR 50 to 70 million is expected for Dubrovnik's Hotel Maestral, while Split's Duilovo expects an HRK 1.5 billion tourist investment after privatization. Privatization is also expected for the Children's Village in Krvavica on the Makarska Riviera, the "Pašman Resort", the Prevlaka Fortress, the "Czech Villa" on Vis, and others. 

To read more about Dalmatia, visit TCN's dedicated page here. 

What will be ready for the upcoming tourist season, and what can we expect for the future of Split hotels? 

The new 27-story monstrosity will be 110 meters high!

An elegant and sophisticated hotel designed for a dream vacation

Telegram.hr lists the top 20 hotels in Croatia for 2017 on September 19, 2017, according to the TripAdvisor ratings of the people who stayed there.