Pansion Zlatna ribica — Hotel in Grad Šibenik

My wife and I stayed for one night at Zlatna Ribica, June 2011. The hotel was difficult to find until we noticed the strong blue colours of their signs on the main street. We were given a double room with kitchenette, large balcony overlooking the road and ensuite on the first floor of a building in their complex but there was no lift. There was plenty of off-street parking. ||There were two members of staff available when we registered, but neither offered assistance with luggage (as is usual for a first floor room for seniors like us). Wireless internet was included free of charge. ||Sleep quality was fine, but lack of attention to a few details spoiled an otherwise positive experience. The shower head had hard caked-on calcium-like substance that made it look disgusting. The towels were scratchy and the batteries in the TV controller were nearly dead. Their hand-written instructions for the internet were inaccurate. Standards have obviously slipped. The staff were flippant rather than helpful and I was left with the impression that they were complacent. The expensive glossy promotional materials available at the front desk together with their lavish website, show it as a colourful and attractive place to stay - a place with a long history in hospitality, but I didn't feel it.||When it was time to eat, we chose their restaurant, only to discover that smoking was permitted in what's called the 'terrace' overlooking the water. The waiter was curt, didn't bother to take my drink order, and hadn't warned us that we were sitting in their 'smoking' section. We left without eating preferring the cheaper pizzeria across the road where smoking is not permitted in their restaurant. ||It's all very well to take the high ground with fine-dining. But to give preference of the view, fresh air and ambience to the minority - smokers - at the expense of non-smokers just spoiled the whole experience for me. There are other places to stay and eat in the vicinity.||It's a pity, because, that general area is sublime - pretty harbour, crystal clear water, uncrowded (at the time), picture...

My wife and I reserved a double room in this guesthouse via booking.com as we thought it is a proof that we placed an order with serious people. Of course, we got a confirmation for our reservation and after few days we went for a trip to Sibenik. When we came there the staff apologised to us and said they are overbooked. They said that a rock festival surprised them (Terraneo rock festival happens in Sibenik several years and is announced a year up front !!??), but I think that much bigger surprise was visible in our eyes after such bright answer from this genious. They offered to us a private apartement as a replacement, on our cost, of course (thanks God for hospitality of these nice people). We were really tired after many hours of travelling and decided to see that room. In a minute a lady from a neighborhood (if you can call one a neighbour when you have to visit her by bus) came and took us to her house. Unfortunatelly, we were surprised for a 2nd time in 15 minutes - the apartement offered to us was, in fact, a room. Of course, the toilet had to be shared with lady's family members, who probably had to move from our 'room' that morning. We were really not in a mood for getting so close with new friends of different generations, so we thanked to the lady and left. |Yes, I have forgotten to mention 'gratis' breakfast that a genious from Zlatna Ribica offered to us as a compensation. Really nice comfort when you have to sleep in a car.|I really hope that this experience...

I really can't understand the good ratings for this restaurant! The food quality is poor and overpriced (for what you get and what you would expect).

We visited with 4 person the location. We had octopus salad, rizotto with squid, a grilled sea fish and a grilled fish plate for two persons.

First of all the tables: we wanted to sit outside of the restaurant but we where seated inside. The reason was that all the free tables outside have a reservation. We have been there till closing and there where no person coming for the reserved tables. I think this was a lie from the waiters. And this is something i hate! I pay for the food; at last I schould be able to sit where I want!

Second: The food. The octopus salads did taste like from a can or from a frosted. This is an insult for a restaurant that is named "Golden Fish" ( this is the translation of the name). The grilled fish plate for two; only one word: DISAPOINTING ( see the pictures). Fried stuff does not belong onto a grilled plate! Really! I want grilled fish and not fried garbage from the supermarket! The shrimps where to done; the grilled fish very small. The octopus was although tasteless like the fried garbage. Ireally fell betrayed! What a rip-off!

Only the the sea fish was ok ( but not very good)

Location: the toiletts (for men) where like the food: DISAPOINTING and not clean.

Conclusion: save your money and have meal...