Dave Black

I was thinking of going to Croatia early next year and, being on a
budget, private rooms seem the best bet for accommodation. The probem
is, I've no experience of what they're like.

So, can anyone tell me first of all, how much contact do you usually
have to have with the family offering the room? I like to relax when
I'm on holiday, and I think I'd find it pretty embarrassing, not to say
stressful, if I had to interact with strangers in their own home, as if
I were a guest staying with a family. Is this what usually happens with
private rooms? Or is it more like being in an hotel (ie, more
anonymous)?

My other problem is that I'm a non-smoker and cigarette smoke makes me
feel ill. Is there any facility for chosing a 'non-smoking home' when
booking a room?

Any experiences anyone can share on this subject would be very welcome
- as I say, I know absolutely nothing about this system of
accommodation.

Dave

Sarah Banick

"dave black" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected] oups.com...
    >I was thinking of going to Croatia early next year and, being on a
    > budget, private rooms seem the best bet for accommodation. The probem
    > is, I've no experience of what they're like.
    > So, can anyone tell me first of all, how much contact do you usually
    > have to have with the family offering the room? I like to relax when
    > I'm on holiday, and I think I'd find it pretty embarrassing, not to say
    > stressful, if I had to interact with strangers in their own home, as if
    > I were a guest staying with a family. Is this what usually happens with
    > private rooms? Or is it more like being in an hotel (ie, more
    > anonymous)?
    > My other problem is that I'm a non-smoker and cigarette smoke makes me
    > feel ill. Is there any facility for chosing a 'non-smoking home' when
    > booking a room?
    > Any experiences anyone can share on this subject would be very welcome
    > - as I say, I know absolutely nothing about this system of
    > accommodation.

It really depends on the place and how it's set up. Some are only a room in
same house, where you stand the chance of seeing the owner everytime you
open the door. Others are separate apartments upstairs, downstairs, or next
door. I'd say the latter is more the rule. Lots of folks in coastal Croatia
have added separate accommodations to their homes in order to benefit from
vacationers. Sometimes they've even moved so they can profit from the entire
house. I can say they are always clean and efficient, at least where I've
been. And I've never been bothered by a family, although I have been invited
to dinner :-) They are usually eager to help you get settled, and answer
questions, and then disappear.

Not sure what you can do about the smoking. Are you booking ahead of time
over the web? (there are many home sites available on the web) You can try
to ask there, but due to limited English you may not get an answer.

I always travel with a candle (the kind with lids) so that I can burn that
if the smoke smell is strong.

If you're staying in Trogir, I can recommend a great place.

Sarah