Just about the most beautiful hotel I've ever stayed in, and I've stayed in the top. Recently renovated, and it shows.
Our third-floor room had a huge balcony with an overhang for shade, and French doors opening onto it from both the bedroom and the bathroom. I never thought a toilet needed a sea view. You get one here, looking out at the Adriatic glistening and rippling, and I don't think I can settle for less going forward. Pay for the sea view.
Opened in 1884 as a spa retreat for the Habsburgs. That Austro-Hungarian architecture runs through the hotel and the whole town, so different from the rest of this coast.
Breakfast is excellent. The terrace pigeons are extremely aggressive, which keeps the entertainment high.
Classic Adriatic stone beach with ladders and steps, but just to the side there's a sandy-bottomed section where you can stand chest-deep and play ball games.
The spa is included: two Finnish saunas, a Turkish steam room, and beautiful showers with Lanvin products. We barely used our own shower.
You're right in the center, which matters because some Opatija hotels are remote. Roko, one of the best restaurants in town, is across the street.
A comparable room in Sicily would run $500 to $600 a night. This isn't close. I'm definitely going back.