Wine Hotel Cesarica

Medjugorje is obviously not a tourist destination, but if you are visiting for the right reasons (faith) Cesarica is hard to beat; this is the fourth time we visit Medjugorje and our third stay at this wonderful place, family-run by wonderful people. The location is excellent, some 250 yards away from where the main services are held, along a green and lit path (very helpful at night, as the Medjugorje nights are dark). It is neither a luxury hotel nor a spa (except for the soul) but its 4 stars are well-deserved; rooms are large and spotlessly clean, breakfast is very good and dinner is excellent -and abundant! It is home cooking, but very high quality -by far the best meals we've had in town (and quite a few other towns). To boot, the family runs the best cellar in the area -we're particularly fond of the red Blatinka premium- and at bargain prices! The staff is incredibly nice and helpful in all respects -they clearly form part of the spirit of Medjugorje! Their prices with half-pension (breakfast and dinner included) are a real bargain, especially considering their quality. Espresso machines ensure good coffee at any time, and the nice bar offers a good selection of beverages.

How this hotel merits 4 stars is beyond comprehension, it is on a par with a Travel Lodge or similar. No fridge, phone, balcony in the rooms, hardly any seating in the very small bar area. Poor choice of food at both dinner and breakfast. A few tables and chairs on the pavement. Apparently there is a roof terrace, but as I was only there for one night, I did not use it , or see any directions to it. The attraction of this hotel is the churches and religious statues nearby, to which many Catholics make pilgrimages, but if you are not religious there is little to take you here. I had a seriously dangerous experience here. On the landings there is a motion activated light, which is dim, and as you get further away from it, it becomes difficult to even see room numbers, and it soon goes out. When I left my room to go down, the lift was stuck on a lower floor. I searched for stairs and at first could not find them in the darkness. When I eventually did locate them it was stepping into pitch darkness, totally unlit. I had to feel my way down to the next floor, narrowly avoiding a fall, where there was some dim lighting. Why not a motion activated light here? What you are not told, is that, on the wall, beside the sensor to which you present your card to unlock your door, there is a switch which activates further lighting. If you haven't been told, and can hardly see, how are you supposd to know? When I asked others in our party, none were aware. My bed was comfortable, and the bathroom was fine, but I am pleased that I was only spending one night here.

This is a very new, clean and well-appointed hotel. Centrally located for a drive to Apparition Hill or a a very pleasant 10 minute walk to St. James Church. Rooms a bit overheated, and no chance to change the temperature, apart from opening the windows. TV reception is quite poor, but wifi is good. Halls are very dark. Breakfast is minimalist but decent fare. On site parking free but limited.

It was a magical week enhanced by this lovely family hotel: amazing people.. Wonderful location, divine wine (i bought 3 Red Caberney).. Very very clean and sapcious room.. and mostly feels like home. Medjugorieh next visit will surely be there. Til very soon deareat Ivana