DALMACIJA PLACESHOTEL by Valamar in Makarska

The outside gazebo's all need new cushions or at least clean ones need new water cushions also was no music only dreary music needs uplifting music didn't see any entertainment maybe end of season but still in needs something

After reading very positive reviews on Trip Advisor for this hotel, we had high hopes and whilst we enjoyed some things, there are improvements to be made in several areas (in our honest opinion). On arrival everything looked lovely and were impressed with the airy communal spaces and lovely outside patio. We had a quick check in and as the time went on during our stay we realised we hadn’t been told how the credit system worked throughout the hotel including the pool bar and outside restaurant by the beach. Our room was a 2+1 with side balcony overlooking the car park. We had read these were better rooms with more space for 2 people but to be honest the lack of drawers, hooks and hanging space was disappointing. We only had 6 hangers for a 10 night stay. I asked for more and we got another 4 so managed to fit many items on each hanger but we had to leave lots of underwear and clothes in a big case on the floor as nowhere to put it. We had a lovely sea view with amazing sunsets most nights. I would recommend popping some pegs in your case as there is a clothes line on the balcony. The shower was very powerful and plenty of hot water anytime of day so that was a plus. The air con was a lifesaver during the heatwave though a little busy noisy. The situation round the pool needs sorting out. The first few days we tried without success to get a bed at several different times of day. We saw many many beds with towels on for hours at a time not being used particularly on the front row by the glass and the beds with curtains. We only saw the staff leave notes on beds twice during 10 days and they seemed to target the wrong people. The phrase “if you can’t beat them join them” kicked in after a few days so we decided to join the 6.30am club and reserve beds with towels. We ended up sitting outside early and eating breakfast round the pool which was quite nice to be fair. Several of the sunbeds are tired and broken and dirty. We enjoyed the dj at the pool on 3 occasions, really good choice of music. I’m sorry to say the staff at the pool bar were not friendly and happy in their work though we were always courteous and tried to make conversation. Maybe it was the long trousers they were made to wear or the fact there was wasn’t enough of them to cope with bar service at busy times. When buying alcoholic drinks or coffees we would ask for tap water but they didn’t seem to want to give it to us. We found this in other places throughout our stay too! To the hotel’s credit there were a few really good friendly members of staff in the main buffet restaurant for breakfast and dinner and Laura on the excursions desk was brilliant at her job and so helpful. Whilst we can’t fault the breakfast choice (Greek yogurt would be a nice addition), we didn’t enjoy the evening meals. The choice was huge but the quality and seasoning was not consistent. The desserts were pretty tasteless but the fresh fruit selection was always good. We ate elsewhere several evenings and f