Island Hotel Istra & All Suite Island Hotel Istra

This was my second stay at this beautiful hotel, and returning to Rovinj always feels wonderful. Hotel Istra has a truly magical setting and so many qualities that make it special. With a few thoughtful improvements, it could easily be first class. The pool — Absolutely outstanding. Spotlessly clean, perfectly maintained, and always the ideal temperature. The setting — The island is breathtaking. The jogging path, the sunsets and sunrises, and the peaceful atmosphere make it unlike anywhere else. The addition of water sports is a fantastic bonus. Food — A noticeable improvement since my last visit. Plenty of variety and consistently good quality. Rooms — Compact but smartly designed, well equipped, and very comfortable. The beds are excellent. Boat transfer — Efficient, punctual, and a smooth way to travel between the island and the mainland. Air conditioning — The biggest challenge during peak season. Both the rooms and communal areas were often too warm, and it was hard to find a genuinely cool space. Staff engagement — Staff were polite but noticeably less engaged than on my previous stay. In several beach‑front cafés and eateries, they seemed disconnected or unhappy daytime entertainment -The daytime schedule is extremely limited. The kids club focuses almost entirely on very young children, and the activities are repetitive, mainly dancing sessions and mermaid‑tail sessions. These are lovely for small children, but they don’t cater to a wider age range or to boys and sporty kids. This is surprising given the facilities available: tennis courts, large open spaces, shaded areas, and a huge indoor kids club room. There is so much scope for sports sessions, ball games, mini‑football, tennis lessons, creative workshops, or mixed‑age challenges, yet none of these were offered. The kids club itself is a massive, well‑equipped space, but it’s not being used to its potential. It could easily host structured sessions, themed afternoons, indoor sports, craft activities, or age‑group clubs. Instead, it feels under‑utilised, with very little for children aged 6+ , a key age group for family resorts Evening entertainment - This is where the gap is most noticeable. The hotel has a fully set‑up stage, and a large bar area with sliding doors that could open to create a brilliant evening venue. Yet during peak August, not a single show was put on. This is a major missed opportunity. Families naturally look for evening entertainment , magic shows, live performers, acrobatics, local musicians and adults appreciate something later in the evening too. Without this, guests feel they need to take the boat to the mainland every night, which means the hotel loses atmosphere, footfall, and bar revenue. Rovinj has a thriving creative scene, with performers regularly appearing in the main square. Bringing these acts to the island would be simple, cost‑effective, and hugely appreciated. It would also support the local economy and give the hotel a unique cultural edge. The Captains Bar is lovely , perfect for couples wanting quiet music and conversation. I say let that remain for that romantic vibe, as let’s be honest nobody wants bored kids running around, and add in the suggested family entertainment in the main reception/ bar area and everyone has something that suits. The island shop -convenient and well‑stocked for toys, inflatables, and pool essentials, but it’s missing a range of basic, practical items that families often need during a stay. This becomes especially noticeable because the hotel is on an island, where even small errands require a boat trip to the mainland. it doesn’t offer everyday essentials such as: snacks and drinks (crisps, biscuits, bottled water) • basic toiletries (toothpaste, deodorant, shower gel) • women’s sanitary products • simple medication (paracetamol, ibuprofen, plasters) • children’s essentials (sunscreen for sensitive skin, after‑sun, mosquito repellent) For families — especially those with young children — having to take a one‑hour round trip on the boat just to pick up something small can be inconvenient and disruptive. Even though the mainland is easy to reach, it’s not always practical when you’re mid‑holiday, dealing with tired kids, or simply wanting to relax on the island. Given the hotel’s growing family audience, expanding the shop’s offering to include these everyday necessities would make a significant difference. It would save guests time, reduce stress, and make the island feel more self‑contained and guest‑friendly. In summary: Hotel Istra is a beautiful place and holds a special place in my heart. I would never want it to lose its charm or become overly commercial , it’s a hidden gem. But with a few thoughtful tweaks, especially around entertainment, staff engagement, and practical family needs, it could elevate itself from lovely to exceptional. Right now, it feels a little unsure whether it wants to be an adults‑focused retreat or a family‑friendly resort. It works wonderfully as the former, but to truly cater for families of varying ages, it needs to refine the subtle but important details that make a family holiday seamless.

Hotel very clean and staff very friendly and professional . However the breakfast was good the evening meals buffet was tasteless. Lots of choice . Children running around the dining room with people carrying hot plates of food. Not good overall. This was our third visit and wouldn’t go back it was very noisy.

Location was just stunning. Ferry ride to get to and from Rovinj easy and free. No problem at all to nip there and back of an evening. Plus is that you will most likely see dolphins from the boat. 20 mins max. The best part of the hotel for us was the location to private bays with loungers with amazing snorkling, lots and lots of different beautiful fish to see with amazing water clarity and privacy. Anyone complaining abouty the food it mad - it was delicious, healthy and lots of choice. Outside seating was lovely and calm atmosphere. Must do jetski safari, padel boarding hire and bike tour to Pula. We loved every minute and found it very relaxing. Top tip do not stay on the main beach but venture to the second Island round the back to secluded coves and much better snorkling. Rooms are quite small but clean and functional; bed comfortable by hotel standards.

We spend here 3 days with our 12 yo daughter. Hotel is located on the island and you have to use the boat to the land, it goes very often and it is not a problem. Hotel is very nice, clean and very big. Food was great but we booked the breakfast only for the dinner we had to go to the Rovinj since it was very expensive in the hotel. Downside of May booking is that nothing works on the island - no restaurants no bars... Pool was very nice and clean and we use it al lot (closed one) open pool was too cold still. Beach looks extremely nice as well. Parking is well organized - it is in the city and you have a shuttle bus to the port reception. Overall expirience was very good but it is better to come in summer.

Such a fantastic location. 10/10 for cleanliness. Room was lovely howler we could not get the air con to go below 23. When we asked a reception we were told this is the minimum it was set to. Whilst we were there my disabled wife became unwell, Helena the restaurant manager went above and beyond in catering for her special needs. She deserves a big thank you. However all the staff were exceptional and made every guest feel special. Would love to return again when it is a bit cooler.