Arbiana Heritage Hotel

Located just 10 metres from the sea and within the old walls of the city, this was originally an ornate villa built in 1924 to accommodate European nobility and it later became a private home. Today it is privately owned and run by the owners. The hotel has the feel of a private villa, has charming staff and many who have been there for many years. Early booking is essential.

The rear garden was terraced in 2018 and a beautiful outside pool added. At the same time the hotel was extensively refurbished. Nothing has been changed in the heritage building with original stone columns, arches and staircase preserved.

The already existing gardens called ‘Agatina Vrtovi’ (Agatha’ s Gardens) are in beautiful Mediterranean style with patio areas and tables and chairs where breakfast and a la carte meals can be taken outdoors. In the evening, twinkling lights and candles give this a fairy-take aspect.

G9 is an indoor wine bar, open from mid-June until mid-September for wine tastings. The main restaurant serves an a la carte menu and leads out onto the garden. Half board is a special set menu, waiter served and is not available in July and August. There’s a small bar with an outside terrace and low tables yet many people prefer to enjoy drinks in Agatha’s Gardens.

The pool has extensive terraces with sunbeds, parasols and pool towels all free of charge. A separate terrace has baldachins and an outdoor massage studio (must be booked in advance).

Mountain bikes, e-bikes and segways can be hired through reception subject to availability. Charge applies.

Very often, beautiful places take some reaching and Rab Island is no exception. Whether arriving at Rijeka or Zadar airports, the transfer usually takes around two hours 30 minutes and includes a ferry. The journey is a wonderful one with mountain scenery on one side and the coast and islands on the other.

As a two-centre holiday with Opatija or Lovran it is an easy transfer by Jadrolinija catamaran from Rijeka city, taking 90 minutes. Operates daily.

As a two-centre holiday with Zadar or Biograd na Moru, it is an easy transfer from Zadar in 2 hours 15 minutes (one stop en route at Silba). Operates three times per week.

Plitvice National Park is around a three-hour trip to Rab (including 15-minute ferry crossing) so this combination is a good one and if based on Rab, there is an organised day excursion to Plitvice.

Accommodation

• There are 30 stylishly furnished bedrooms and suites using quality fabrics including silk and muslin in some rooms.
• Rooms are of varying shapes and sizes
• Views include sea view, side sea view, inland town view, pool view across most room types
• There is a limited number of balconies due to the heritage status of the building
• All rooms are quite spacious and there is a choice of single, standard twin or double and deluxe double rooms which are a little larger

Amenities/Features

• Bar and outside terrace by the gardens
• A la carte restaurant and outdoor terrace
• Buffet breakfast with additional served items
• Beautiful Mediterranean enclosed garden for meals and drinks
• Outdoor pool with sunbeds, parasols and pool towels
• Some further outside seating including baldachins
• Outside massage studio-gazebo near pool area
• Free WiFi throughout the hotel
• Lift
• Parking (charge applies)

Classic single room

Classic single room with air conditioning, bathroom (usually with bath and shower and hairdryer), telephone, satellite TV, mini-bar, safe, robes and slippers. With inland town view.

Standard room

Standard room (double or twin) with air conditioning, bathroom (usually with bath and shower and hairdryer), telephone, satellite TV, mini-bar, safe, robes and slippers.

Deluxe room with balcony and sea view

Deluxe room with air conditioning, bathroom (usually with bath and shower and hairdryer), telephone, satellite TV, mini-bar, safe, robes and slippers and tea and coffee making facilities. With balcony and sea view.