The Villa Ariston is set in a beautiful location, just outside opatija. It is on the cliff top amidst beautiful gardens. The house is a grand old villa and the public areas are very opulent. I was disappointed to be allocated a room in the attic as I had requested a sea-view on the phone. It seems a shame that in such a beautiful location, so few of the rooms have views to match. The room itself was perfectly adequate (in line with the hotels 3 star rating) although I did bump my head on the sloping ceiling a few times. It was quiet and definitely to be recommended for a good night's sleep away from the noise of Opatija.

Ideally positioned, out of town yet on the coastal promenade. It takes about 20 mins walking to reach the town. Parking was no problem and off the road. The gardens are peaceful and well maintained and extend down to the private bathing area where you could fish, sunbathe or swim. Dinner was served outside, there are romantic gazebos in the garden and terraces all overlooking the sea. Dinner was good although unimaginative and quite pricy but you are paying for setting (got to be one of, if not the best, in Opatija) and the convenience. The staff were all friendly and efficient.
Breakfast was excellent, again served outside or in, wonderful buffet choice including bacon/ham and eggs.
Our room was probably the 'worst' in the hotel (in the attic and on the side of the hotel, number 5) yet it was perfectly comfortable and fine for a night or two. Air con, wireless internet and yes, a sea view if you opened the window and looked out!

What was a bit nasty was the constant tinny radio popmusic played on the terrace (fortunately you couldn't hear it once in the garden) this was on through breakfast and dinner and did, in no way, enhance the experience...I could understand maybe a little elegant classical rendition...maybe of the period or even a little Klapa, but this was totally tasteless.
Not to end on a sour note, we thoroughly enjoyed our brief stay and would recommend the hotel wholeheartedly (you can always ask them to switch the music off!!)

I felt like an honoured guest in this elegant ocean-side villa. Opatija was (is?) a playground for the rich Croatians and Villa Ariston reflects the opulence of the town. It has a beautiful garden sloping down to the gulf and it is possible to swim from next to the edge of the garden. We enjoyed the walks along the seaside walkway into the main part of town. Breakfast on the terrace on a bright sunny day was a delight. We had a cheaper attic room, but it did have a great view over the garden and the sea.

This hotel is certainly a trip into the opulence of the past. The hotel is a 100 year old villa on the edge of the sea, tastefully redone in the old style. Lots of polished dark woods, chandeliers, beautiful old furniture. The rooms are tastefully modern. Even the room in the attic is delightful, if you are less than 6ft. Service was excellent. No elevator, but help with the baggage was offered. Views were extraordinary. Not cheap, but at least offers free wi-fi.