Staying at the Sheraton, Dubrovnik

The Sheraton, Dubrovnik.

Leighton Luke beds down adjacent to a beautiful Croatian bay.

Location: On a quiet, scenic bay in Srebreno, 8km south of Dubrovnik, the Sheraton is a new addition to the "Dubrovnik Riviera" and has been open since August 2015.

How big? The Sheraton has 239 rooms and 11 suites.

Room: A deluxe bay-view king room with a balcony.

Price: From $287 a night for room only or $330 including breakfast.

Check-in experience: Arriving at 11pm, it was quick and easy.

What's so good about this place? The peaceful location adjacent to the beautiful bay is hard to beat and the Sheraton still feels very new and squeaky clean.

And the bad? Although it's not far from anywhere and there are some dining and drinking options, it is quiet. It probably wouldn't suit those who like to be surrounded by noise and activity. Although there are buses and ferries into Dubrovnik, a rental car is probably needed to make the most of the wider area, but the driving is good, the scenery is stunning and the car parking at the hotel is free.

What's in the neighbourhood? There are a few bars along the waterfront and a restaurant offering Mediterranean fare is right across the street. Only a few minutes' walk away are a decent-sized supermarket, a shopping mall and a couple of restaurants serving pizzas and grills. The border crossings to Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina are close by, making it easy to do self-drive day trips to the scenery and culture of Kotor and Mostar.

Food and drink: The breakfast buffet at the main restaurant offers a good range of options, but if you're there later in the morning, it may be preferable to get an omelette made freshly for you rather than choosing some of the other items, which can hang around and cease to look very appetising. Lunches and dinners are available as either buffet or a la carte. The Piano Bar in the lobby, and the bayside Pinija pool bar, both serve drinks and snacks. Room service was slightly hit and miss, largely due to there being two versions of the menu and the confusion in the kitchen that resulted from ordering off what turned out to be an obsolete menu. The service recovery was, however, top-notch.

The bed: A Sheraton Sweet Sleeper to help a good night's rest.

Bathroom: Large, with double vanity basins, a full-sized bath and a really good shower.

Toiletries: The standard Sheraton range; inoffensive.

Noise: Very quiet but maybe noise from the pool area or the bars beyond might be a slight issue during peak season.

Exercise Facilities: There is a fitness centre onsite, plus both an outdoor and a heated indoor swimming pool.

Perfect for: Tranquility and relaxation while still in close proximity to the hubbub of Dubrovnik.

Would I return? The Sheraton is a very good hotel in a scenically spectacular area that is peaceful but still convenient; I would happily go back.