Maistra Select Mlini Villas and Apartments

"Our experience with this property was extremely stressful and unprofessional. Just three days before our arrival, we received a notification that our reservation at Villas Mlini was being canceled due to alleged "technical difficulties," and they attempted to move us to significantly cheaper accommodation (Hotel Astarea). ​However, by checking Booking.com, we discovered that the exact same units were still available for sale, but at a much higher price than what we had booked. Only after our sharp reaction, involving Booking.com support, and sending proof of their availability manipulation, did the "technical problems" suddenly vanish. Suddenly, a "better option" was offered as a solution, which turned out to be the exact same type of apartment we originally booked, just in the first row to the sea instead of the second or third. Considering we are traveling with a baby under one year old, this level of uncertainty and stress just before the trip is unacceptable. The peak of unprofessionalism was that no compensation for the stress and hours spent resolving their "mistakes" was offered proactively; it was granted only upon our explicit request and suggestion. ​As for the accommodation itself, the furniture and design are quite dated and in need of a refresh. The biggest challenge during our stay was the window insulation; being by the sea, the sound of the wind is quite loud inside. Also, the curtains do not block out light completely, so darkening the room for a peaceful sleep could be much better. ​I also witnessed a very unpleasant scene in the wellness area that showed a complete lack of knowledge regarding their own house rules. I saw a staff member speaking in a raised voice to a gentleman who was using the sauna correctly (on a towel and without a swimsuit, as stated at the entrance). The reason was a complaint from a family with a child (approx. 12 years old) who were in the sauna wearing swimsuits and sitting directly on the wood without towels. When I pointed out that children are not allowed in the sauna according to the rules and that they were violating hygiene regulations, I was told that "in Scandinavian countries, children go to the sauna." It is unbelievable that staff would rudely correct a guest who follows the hotel rules just to appease those who clearly violate them. ​Additionally, every unit has a bathtub, but it does not come with a plug to fill it. We contacted the reception and were told that there isn't a single bathtub plug in the entire complex. ​Positive: The staff at the reception and on-site are extremely kind and helpful. The breakfast was very good, varied, and of high quality, which brightened our mornings. The sea view from the balcony is truly beautiful."

"We stayed for 3 nights over the Easter weekend and it was perfect! The apartment had everything we needed for a short stay, plenty of room with 1 bedroom and then a sofa bed in the front room for my 2 lanky teenagers! Stunning views from the balcony and bedroom with the lovely sound of waves, and a beautiful walk along the coast through Mlini to Srebreno. We were worried that everything would be closed over Easter but there were a few restaurants open so we never struggled to find somewhere to eat and stocked up on a few bits from the supermarket in Srebreno on the Saturday. We ate lunch at Oleanders the day we landed which was lovely. My teens used the indoor pool and also the outdoor pool just opened while we were there so had a (cold!) dip in there as well. The pool area was lovely. We got the boat to Cavtat and Dubrovnik from Mlini and also took a day trip to Bosnia so we packed in a lot while we were there but it still felt like a very chilled and peaceful break. I'm sure it gets much busier for the rest of the season so I feel like we were lucky to see it so quiet, but also intrigued to see what else opens up in peak season and would love to come back again some day!"

"This was our 2nd visit to Croatia, the first time in Cavtat a few years ago. We found Mlini much quieter, but still with plenty to offer. We went self-catering in one of the apartments with a partial sea view, and it could not be faulted in any way. The apartment was well equipped with everything you could wish for with self-catering. Towels were changed every day, as was the apartment cleaned, and complimentary tea/coffee topped up. The balcony was perfect, with 2 sun loungers, 2 tables and 4 chairs, very nice for relaxing on in the evening. Plenty of nice restaurants close by, as are the ferries to Dubrovnik and Cavtat. A 15/20 minute walk along the promenade brings you into Srebreno, where there is a large supermarket to do all your shopping. All in all, probably one of the best holidays we've had and would highly recommend these apartments and villas."