Island Hotel Istra

We just spent 11 nights here and apart from a few minor issues, I would definitely go back and recommend it anyone who wants to holiday in Croatia. The hotel itself is obviously on an island, with another island joined by a walkway. This means there is loads of space for people to go and investigate, and set up on a sunlonger out of the way if they wish. There are 4 pools (2 large, 2 kids), and lots of sunbeds. The pool area is closed until 9 am, so as long as you're there on time, there's no real danger of not getting a bed. The food selection at breakfast and dinner, was good, and is much the same that you would find at any half board hotel. I've had better, but I've also had a lot, lot worse! I've read some reviews with people who have complained about it, which I really don't get. The staff were all super friendly and helpful. It was my wifes birthday while we were there and we came back to the room one evening to find a bottle of champagne, and a birthday banner. The ferry to and from the hotel was no issue as long as you time them correctly. The only things that could have been better all concerned our room. It was myself, my wife, and our 11 year old daughter staying. We found our room (No 275) to be a bit on the small side. There's a table and chair in the room, and with the pull out bed opened, they get in the way when going out onto the balcony. Toes were stubbed on the chair on numerous occasions 😂 The wardrobe space wasnt great for the three of us. There are two top shelves for clothing which I had to use the chair to stand on (it did come in handy i suppose 😂 ) to be able to reach. I couldn't reach them, and I'm 6ft 1" tall. Our fridge didn't work. The drinks that were in there were luke warm, which also meant, any bottles of water that we put in there, also stayed luke warm. I reported this to reception the day after we arrived, and nobody had came to check it out by the time we left. These are minor things, and it would not put me off from returning. All in all, we had a lovely visit 😊

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. Pool — Absolutely outstanding. Spotlessly clean, perfectly maintained, and always the ideal temperature. 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 hugely noticeable improvement since my last visit. Plenty of variety and consistently good quality. Genuinely great. 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. Daytime entertainment — The daytime schedule is extremely limited. The kids club focuses almost entirely on very young children, with activities such as learn to swim, mermaid-tail sessions and ball games in the pool. Usually once a day for about 20-30 mins.These are lovely for small children, but they don’t cater to a wider age range or to sporty kids. Given the facilities available — tennis courts, large open spaces, shaded areas, and a huge indoor kids club room — there is so much potential for sports sessions, mini-football, tennis lessons, creative workshops, or mixed-age challenges. The list could be endless. If these do exist, it certainly wasn’t clear to me and they were not well advertised as a cohesive daytime programme of activities across the resort. The kids club itself is a large, well-equipped space, but it’s not being used to its potential. It could easily host structured sessions, themed afternoons, indoor sports, At the moment, it feels under‑utilised and again very much focused on very young children. Evening entertainment — This is where the gap is most noticeable. All very confusing. The hotel has a fully set-up stage and a large bar area that could create a brilliant evening venue if opened up, yet during peak August there was hardly any evening entertainment at all. Families naturally look for evening entertainment, something for the kids at a slightly earlier time, and then something later in the evening too for adults and slightly older children to enjoy. Without this, guests head to the mainland, which reduces atmosphere and bar revenue. Rovinj has a thriving creative scene, and bringing performers to the island would be simple, cost-effective, and hugely appreciated. The Captains Bar is perfect for couples wanting quiet music and conversation, so keeping that space calm and peaceful while adding a full family entertainment programme to the main reception/bar area would give everyone something that suits. Island shop — Convenient and well-stocked for toys, inflatables, and pool essentials, but missing a range of everyday practical items that families often need. Because the hotel is on an island, even small errands require a boat trip to the mainland. Essentials such as snacks, basic toiletries, women’s sanitary products, simple medication, and children’s necessities would make a big difference. For families , especially with young children, taking a one hour round trip for something small can be inconvenient and disruptive. 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 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 romantic retreat or a family-friendly resort. It works wonderfully as the former, and in reality it’s a large enough island that it could do both really well if developed. But to truly cater for families of varying ages, it needs to refine the subtle but important details that make a family holiday seamless. Dare I say an all inclusive option would not go amiss here and would offer something hard to find on the mainland. More family boat trips and day trips with pick up from the hotel would be a real winner to, currently the options are very exclusive and expensive, missing a trick. Until the next time! Thanks for a wonderful holiday.

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.