Our Stay at Apartments Patar near Plitvice Lakes National Park

Apartments Patar was one of the places we stayed during our road trip through Croatia. We began our trip at Hotel Ambasador in Split, which was our base while exploring Split and visiting Trogir. After spending some time on the coast, we drove inland and stayed at Apartments Patar in the Grabovac area.

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We stayed here for two nights in October. After that, we travelled back towards the coast and moved on to XIV Century Rooms in Kaštela for the last leg of our trip.

The main reason we chose Apartments Patar was its location close to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Visiting Plitvice was one of the main plans for our Croatia trip, and we wanted to arrive early in the day. The national park is around 9 kilometres from the property, while Entrance 2 is about 13 kilometres away. Staying nearby meant that we did not have to face a long drive before starting a full day of walking and sightseeing.

The area around the apartments was calm and quiet. After staying in Split, it was nice to spend a few days somewhere more peaceful. The property was surrounded by trees, garden space and a few other houses. It felt like a good base for exploring the national park and the surrounding countryside.

We had hired a car for our trip, which made staying here much easier. Free private parking was available at the property, and we did not need to reserve a space in advance. You can read more about our experience of driving in Croatia, including the roads, tolls and hiring a car.

There were no shops close to the apartments, so it was best to pick up food and other supplies before arriving. However, there were a few restaurants less than a mile away. 

Check-in was easy. The owner lived nearby, and we were given their contact details in case we needed any help. We were also told that their office was only around a two-minute walk away. We did not need to contact them during our stay, but it was good to know that help was close by.

Our apartment was on the first floor. There was no lift, so this is something to keep in mind if you have mobility problems or are travelling with heavy luggage. We were able to manage, but the stairs may not suit every guest.

The apartment itself was clean, comfortable and well maintained. It had everything we needed for our three-night stay. The main living area was spacious, with a large sofa, a coffee table and a flat-screen television with satellite channels. There was also a dining table, which gave us a proper place to sit and eat.

The apartment had air conditioning and heating. As we visited in October, the heating was useful, especially in the evenings. The simple furnishings and wooden flooring made the apartment feel warm and comfortable.

The kitchenette was well set up for a short self-catering stay. It included a refrigerator, stovetop, toaster, electric kettle, kitchenware and storage cupboards. We could make drinks, prepare breakfast and put together simple meals. Having a kitchen was especially helpful before our visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park. We wanted to leave early, so being able to prepare breakfast in the apartment saved time.

The bedroom was simple but comfortable. It had a double bed, bedside lights, a wardrobe and sockets close to the bed. Fresh towels and bed linen were provided.

The private bathroom was a good size. It had a bath with a shower, toilet, wash basin and washing machine. Towels, toilet paper, basic toiletries and a hairdryer were also available. The washing machine would be useful for anyone staying longer or travelling around Croatia for several weeks.

Free Wi-Fi was available throughout the property. We used it to check routes, opening times and details for our day at Plitvice Lakes National Park.

One of the best parts of Apartments Patar was the outdoor space. There was a shared garden with seating, picnic tables and a covered outdoor area. The property also had barbecue facilities and an outdoor fireplace.

Our apartment had a small balcony with a table and chairs overlooking the garden. We did not spend much time sitting outside, but the views were still pleasant.

The outdoor areas would be much more useful during the warmer months. There was also a children’s play area and outdoor play equipment, which makes the property a practical option for families.

The booking information also listed family rooms, highchairs, ski storage, cycling, horse riding and skiing in the surrounding area. We did not use these facilities or activities during our stay. Our main reason for being there was to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Overall, we were very happy with our stay at Apartments Patar. The apartment was clean, spacious and well equipped. The quiet setting was another big plus, especially after spending time in busier places.

The location worked very well for our visit to Plitvice Lakes. We were able to get an early start without a long journey, which made the day much easier.

Apartments Patar would suit couples, families and anyone travelling around Croatia by car. It is best for travellers who are happy to stay in a quiet area and do not need shops or busy streets close by.

We would stay at Apartments Patar again. It gave us a comfortable base, useful facilities and easy access to one of Croatia’s most beautiful national parks. You can check the latest prices and availability for Apartments Patar here.