Rijeka's BEST Apartments & Rooms: Opa Opa Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the real, unvarnished, no-holds-barred review of Rijeka's BEST Apartments & Rooms: Opa Opa Awaits! Prepare for a rollercoaster because I just finished a stay and let me tell you, it’s… a lot. This isn't your average, sterile hotel review, so ditch the pretense and let's dive in headfirst, shall we?
First Impressions & Getting Around:
Okay, so first things first: getting there. Finding Opa Opa Awaits! was a slight adventure. Google Maps, bless its heart, has a sense of humor, and sometimes, “easy access” doesn't quite translate. There's a bit of navigating involved, mostly the uphill climb, but trust me, when you finally heave your luggage into the lobby (yes, there's an elevator! Thank the heavens!), you’ll feel like you earned your first pašnica (that’s a local pastry, I learned. Delicious).
Now, "accessibility" is a big thing for many, and frankly, I judge a place hard based on it. Opa Opa Awaits! tries. There's an elevator, which is obviously vital. They have "Facilities for disabled guests" listed, but. I didn't see any specific information beyond that during my visit, so I can't say what their accommodations are like on that front. This could be a significant improvement area. A huge one, if you ask me. More information on this could be a HUGE plus.
Once in though, you’re home. And the reception? It’s something else. Warm, welcoming, and not just because of the complimentary rakija (local brandy - very wise move, Opa Opa!). They had a 24-hour front desk, which is a lifesaver when you're jet-lagged and craving… well, anything. Contactless check-in/out? Yes, please. Efficiency is my love language.
And the "car park [on-site]"? Yes, they have it. "Car park [free of charge]"? Nope. It's not a dealbreaker, but keep it in mind if you rented a car like I did.
The Room: My Personal Fortress (with a Few Quirks)
My room? Oh, my room. Listed as a "Non-smoking" room, so that’s good. Clean, let's start there, very important. The bed? Comfy. Really comfy! Those blackout curtains? Magnificent. I slept like a baby (after a few shots of that rakija, of course).
Now, the little things. They had a mirror. And a seating area. And a desk! The desk was so useful for my laptop. I wrote everything down and the coffee-tea maker was wonderful. I also got a "Complimentary tea" and "Free bottled water". Score! The hair dryer and safe box were very appreciated, too. The internet access was great and a window that opens is something I can't do without.
There was even a "scale". I’m not sure I wanted to know the answer, but it was there.
The Bathroom: Where Things Got… Intimate.
Okay, let's talk about the loo. You have to understand, I'm a very private person. And the bathroom? It was… well-equipped. Separate shower/bathtub situation – fancy. Towels, yes. But let's just say the proximity of the toilet to the shower was intimate. Like, really intimate. You could basically shower and brush your teeth at the same time. I’m not claustrophobic, but it gave me a little pause. The slippers were nice, though. And the toiletries were actually pretty high quality.
Food, Glorious Food (and Drink!)
Okay, so the "Breakfast [buffet]"… ahem. Let me be honest. It was continental. The "Breakfast takeaway service" was a good idea, though.
The coffee/tea in the restaurant? Decent.
And the "Poolside bar"? Magnificent. I spent a good chunk of my vacation there, sipping something appropriately fruity while staring at the view. The "Happy hour" was a godsend. The bar staff were friendly, efficient, and could mix a mean cocktail.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax – My Weakness)
Rijeka itself is a city teeming with stuff. But let's be real, most days, I was all about the "Spa/sauna". They had a "Swimming pool with view". I did, of course, hit the "Sauna", the "Pool with view", and the "Steamroom".
The massage was a revelation. Hands of an angel, serious, serious skill. I had the "Body scrub". I’m not going to lie, the whole thing felt… decadent. A little body scrub is never a bad idea.
Cleanliness, Safety, and (the Dreaded) COVID Protocols
Here's where Opa Opa Awaits! truly shines. Hygiene certification? Check. "Anti-viral cleaning products"? Check. They were serious about sanitizing. "Daily disinfection in common areas"? Yup. Hand sanitizer everywhere. They even had "Staff trained in safety protocol." I never once felt unsafe. I did notice some things, like Individual-wrapped food options and, of course, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. I really appreciated everything.
The Overall Vibe: It’s Got Heart
Opa Opa Awaits! isn't perfect. It’s a little rough around the edges sometimes. Which is exactly what I liked about the experience. It had personality. It felt… real. It wasn’t just a hotel; it was a place to be. It’s got heart.
The Offer (Because, Let’s Face It, You're Here For a Deal):
STOP SCROLLING! Because here's the deal: Book your stay at Rijeka's BEST Apartments & Rooms: Opa Opa Awaits! this week and get a FREE welcome drink at the poolside bar AND a complimentary spa treatment (your choice!) This isn't just a vacation; it's an experience. Trust me. Click the link below to book now and say "Opa!" to your Rijeka adventure!
(Link Here)
Final Verdict: Highly Recommended (with a Few Caveats)
Would I go back? Absolutely. The quirks, the character, the location, that massage… It all adds up to a truly memorable stay. Just be aware of the intimacy in some of the bathrooms. And maybe double-check the accessibility options before you go. But if you're looking for a place with soul, genuine hospitality, and a ridiculously good poolside bar, Opa Opa Awaits! should be at the top of your list. Go. Experience. And tell me what you think. You won't regret it. I know I haven't. Now, where's that rakija?…
Escape to Paradise: NK House 188 - Your Chiang Mai Dream Awaits!
Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because here's my attempt at a brutally honest and hilariously messy itinerary for a stay at Opa Opa Apartments & Rooms in Rijeka, Croatia. Consider this less a guide, more a therapy session with a map.
Before We Even Get There (The Pre-Trip Panic)
- Weeks Before: Okay, so I booked Opa Opa. Looked cute online. Photos, as always, lied. I'm a chronic over-packer, envisioning myself as some sort of glamorous Euro-traveler, when in reality, I'm a slightly clumsy, perpetually anxious human. Packing list: 37 t-shirts (just in case!), enough adaptors to build a small spaceship, and approximately 8 jars of emergency peanut butter (again, just in case).
- Days Before: Existential dread sets in. Did I remember to tell the cat sitter the exact amount of tuna the ungrateful furball requires daily? Did I book travel insurance that actually covers… you know… everything? Probably not. Double and triple check passport, frantically search the house for missing socks (they're always missing), and start muttering phrases like, "I should have learned Croatian." (Spoiler Alert: I didn't.)
Day 1: Arrival – The "Oh Crap, I'm Actually Here" Moment
- Morning: Arrive in Rijeka. The airport is…small. Which is good, I guess…less chance of getting lost. But then the bus ride! It feels like a roller coaster in slow motion. Seriously, the driver took turns like he was auditioning for Formula One. My stomach is doing the cha-cha.
- Afternoon: Find Opa Opa. (Hopefully, it's actually where the internet says it is.) The check-in is… fine? The owner seems nice enough, probably used to dealing with anxious wrecks like me. The apartment? Hmmm… it’s… compact. And the view is… of a building… close to the apartment… great!. But, hey, it’s clean! And there’s Wi-Fi. Win!
- Evening: Must find food. The hunger pangs are real and overwhelming. Walk around aimlessly for, oh, an hour, getting more and more hangry. Finally, stumble upon a konoba (a traditional Croatian restaurant). Order something vaguely Croatian (whatever the waiter recommends, I can’t read any of this stuff) and nervously try to eat with a fork that feels like it’s made of lead. The food? Surprisingly good. Relief washes over me. I'm still alive!
Day 2: Exploring Rijeka – The "Tourist Trap Tango"
- Morning: Attempt to be a "cultured tourist," but mostly wander around the Korzo (Rijeka's main pedestrian street) feeling like a goldfish. The architecture is beautiful, genuinely, but the heat! It's already sizzling. Buy a ridiculously large ice cream cone that melts down my hand before I can even eat it. Tourist level: Rookie.
- Afternoon: Find Trsat Castle. Yes, it's beautiful. Yes, the views are amazing. Yes, I'm sweating like a pig. Climb the stairs, feeling my age with every step. Note to self: next time, pack more water and fewer self-doubt.
- Evening: Decide to be "adventurous," and attempt to find some local music. Wander into a dimly lit bar. Order a beer (the language barrier is real, but "pivo" seems to work). The music is… well, let's say it was… an experience. The band may or may not have been playing a slightly off-key cover of Bon Jovi, I'm not entirely sure. I feel awkward, but people start enjoying themselves. I end up attempting some dance moves that are more akin to a startled flamingo than anything remotely graceful.
Day 3: Beach Day – The Great Sunburn Disaster
- Morning: Determined to experience those gorgeous Croatian beaches. Head to one I saw online (apparently, the internet doesn't always lie). Sunscreen! Check! (Hopefully.) The water is crystal clear and actually swimable, and the beaches feel like a postcard
- Afternoon: Spend way too long in the sun. You know, thinking I'm invincible. This is where my genius comes in. Sunburn! The next day my face turns a lovely shade of lobster, which is not a good look. I spend the rest of the trip hiding in the shade, feeling like a slightly crispy, red-faced alien.
- Evening: Attempt to soothe the sunburn with aloe vera and ice packs. Watch some terrible TV and consider never leaving the apartment again.
Day 4: Eating and Drinking – The "When in Croatia…" Philosophy
- Morning: Wake up. Hangover, thanks to last night's adventures. Realize I forgot to eat a proper meal. Wander back to the konoba. Order the first thing I see. Do not want to think about it. It's delicious.
- Afternoon: Explore the local market! Everything is fresh, smells amazing, and is absolutely beyond me to purchase. Wander admiring the beauty alone.
- Evening: Find Opa Opa is kind enough to provide a kitchen! So, maybe I can cook! Attempt to make some pasta. Burn the pasta. Give up and eat chips.
Day 5: Departure – The "But Wait, There's More" Finale
- Morning: Pack (mostly). Realize I’ve forgotten to buy souvenirs, and scramble to make amends. Buy a bunch of tacky keychains. Regret the decision immediately.
- Afternoon: Check out of Opa Opa. Say goodbye to the grumpy, but ultimately lovable, owner, and head back to the airport. Reflect on the trip. It wasn't perfect. It was messy. It was exhausting. But it was also, for reasons I can't quite explain, utterly fantastic.
- Evening: On the plane. Already planning my next adventure, even though i'm feeling slightly sunburned and emotionally drained. Croatia, you beautiful, chaotic, occasionally confusing place, I will be back.
Post Script: Okay, maybe the apartment wasn't perfect. Maybe I messed up a few things. Maybe I looked like a total idiot at times. But that's the point, right? It's the imperfection, the little mishaps, and the honest reactions that make a trip like this memorable. And, hey, at least I didn't completely botch the trip. (Or did I?)
Unbelievable Pension Säntisblick: Your Meersburg, Germany Dream Getaway Awaits!
Okay, spill the beans! Is "Opa Opa Awaits!" actually *that* good? (Like, worth the hype, even?)
Let me tell you about the bathroom. Not the most glamorous aspect, I know, but vital. Tiny, like most European ones, but *spotless*. The water pressure was... glorious! I'm not kidding, after a long day exploring Rijeka, that shower was a religious experience. Seriously. Consider that my anecdote, because I still to this day reminisce about it.
However, there are downsides. The Wifi, at times, was slower than molasses in January. My husband was on a video call and kept getting cut off, which led to the most awkward, passive-aggressive "Is it *you* or is it the internet?" conversation. And my answer, "Yes, it is both," made for the best comedic theatre ever. But on the whole, yeah, pretty darn good.
What's the best way to get to "Opa Opa Awaits!"? Uber? Bus? Flying squirrel? Be honest.
The official answer is probably public transport, or (gasp!) a taxi. BUT HERE'S THE SCOOP. Parking in Rijeka is... a challenge. Let's just say I saw a guy reverse into a wall trying to parallel park, and I felt a kinship with him. Renting a car isn't always the best option but is still the best at times.
The walk from the bus station is fairly easy but uphill, so pack light! If you are up to the adventure, a taxi will definitely make your arrival much smoother.
Are the pictures on the website... accurate? We've all been burned before!
What's the deal with the "Opa Opa" part? Is it a party pad? Because my sleep is precious.
I didn't hear any bass thumping until 3 am, and I was very grateful. I'm an early riser, and even if I wasn't the area feels relatively quiet at night in general.
So, in short, you *should* be able to sleep soundly. Ask for a room away from the road if you're REALLY sensitive to noise.
Are there any hidden fees or nasty surprises I should know about? (Besides the potential parking nightmare.)
However, CHECK THE fine print! Always read the terms and conditions, because you can never be too sure. I'm a worrier, so I read everything three times. But I'm happy to report that I didn't fall into any of the usual tourist traps.
I'd always check if there's a cleaning fee, and if you need to pay for things like towels etc. (which is fairly uncommon). Besides that, you should be fine.
Okay, let's get real. What *didn't* you like? Be brutally honest. Even the little things.
Also, the location, *while* central to some things, could be slightly tricky to navigate at first. It wasn't as if you were in the middle of the city, and there's a bit of an uphill climb to get there.
And finally, my inner neat freak, I could have wished for a few more kitchen utensils. But nothing major! It's just me being overly sensitive, and not a big deal that should stop you from booking.
Is it suitable for kids? I've got a small army.
Honestly, I didn't see a lot of families there (I'm a solo traveler by choice, mostly). But it isn't a negative thing, it just depends on how much room you need.
I'd recommend checking with them specifically about kid-friendly amenities (cribs, high chairs, etc.). It's always better to be sure!
What's the food situation like nearby? (I need my caffeine fix and my gelato fix, stat!)
For food, you're spoiled for choice. From traditional Croatian restaurants to international options, you'll find something to suitCity Stay Finder
