Island Hotel Istra

Third visit & still stunned by the location & Old town but extremely disappointed with all elements of dining the staff were generally unhappy breakfast ok but repetitive dinner tasteless and boring literally no flavour food cleared away in areas 1.5 hours before restaurant closed?? & we wouldn’t return for these reasons which is a shame although used spa facilities for 1st time due to change in weather & they were fab. Everything about dining needs to be reconsidered as everyone we spoke to was disappointed & many were returning guests

We recently returned from yet another excellent holiday at this hotel. We have been on numerous occasions and have witnessed many improvements over the years. The latest we experienced included a walk in shower which was of great benefit to my wife who has some mobility problems. She though perhaps a small handle could be fitted in the shower cubicle to hold onto for safety purposes. The room was spotless throughout our stay and was cleaned daily to a very good standard. Every member of staff we met were very friendly and courteous and a credit to the hotel. The food was of decent quality with a good variety, and drinks with the meals are included. The restaurant is busy as you would expect but I would say only similar to many other hotels we have visited. The weather was excellent and we spent our days on Maskin island. Sunbeds are plentiful and free to hotel guests. We were however disappointed that the restaurant on Maskin was not open for lunch. We wondered if this was because we went later in the season (September) this year. It was open last year when we visited in July. We visited the spa on numerous occasions which is free to use for hotel guests and a real bonus. We have found this is not the case in many other hotels where a local fee has to be paid. The staff there are really friendly and professional. We are regular visitors to this wonderful hotel and will definitely return next year. I can't wait.

We have just arrived back from the hotel after a very enjoyable week with friends. Cannot fault the hotel for location, cleanliness, room, pool, spa. All facilities were excellent. The room was large with an amazing view. It was quiet and private as the balconies are staggered. There are beautiful walks around the two islands and lots to do or lots of places to relax. It didn’t feel busy. The ferry to Rovinj is every hour and the only downside is if the sea is too rough the ferry won’t go which could be an issue with transfers. So far so good. The worst part of the holiday experience was the restaurant. This needs major improvement. Spoke to lots of people with the same opinion. Firstly you have to queue early to get a table if you are in a group. We have stayed in numerous hotels and this restaurant situation is quite poor. The food in general was very good for breakfast and evening meals with lots of variety, always replenished quickly when empty. Always hot. My suggestions would be : 1. If you are in a larger group, tables could be reserved for the whole of your stay. 2. There could be two sittings so as not to overcrowd the restaurant. 3. Tea and coffee could be served to your table at breakfast, just a nice touch. 4. Staff are too quick to take your plates before everyone has finished eating. The added addition of wine/beer with dinner was great but if you are half way through your drink at 930 you have to leave it as not able to take it to the bar so it is wasted. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would definitely go back and recommend but the restaurant needs a major rethink. And finally Aqua Robics. On Sunday this was taken by a guy, can’t remember his name but he was brilliant. Possibly the most engaging member of staff he made it very enjoyable, although the girls also did a great job, well done

The hotel is set in a beautiful location and the views are amazing. Outdoor and indoor pools areas all clean and kept well. Lots of sunbeds around the pool and around the island. The ferry to Rovinj is regular and mostly on time, its free to the hotel users. The rooms are cleaned daily and cleaning staff are friendly. Fresh towels and pool towels when required. The Room is on the small side but adequate for two. The only downside is the chaotic dinner hall, it’s very busy, noisy and on a few occasions we found it hard to find a seat and had to share one evening with a couple we didn’t know. There is lots of choice cold meats, salad, cold vegetables in mayonnaise, fish and meat, all very bland and repetitive and mostly lukewarm. If you have food allergies I would not recommend, no labelling and staff didn’t understand when I was asking for gluten free, I was referred to a presume manager who asked me to find her a dinner time so she could tell me what was available to eat. There is a small area with 3 gluten free desserts, but no bread or toaster available. Staff seem unhappy but suppose I’d feel the same it’s manic. Definitely some training is required for food allergies especially if you have celiac disease. If you have food allergies I would not recommend, sadly we would not return, such a shame to food let’s down such a beautiful hotel.

Firstly some very good points The hotel is spotlessly clean , we had a sea view room and this was a nice room with good views . If you have an inland room you might have trees obstructing your view . No rush for sun beds as you have the pool , water front and some nice hidden coves . ( we went after the children were back at school ) The ferry to Rovinj is always on time and only about 15 minutes . One let down was the restaurant ! The food was fine but getting it was chaos I don’t know what it must be like in August . I have been to many places that have the buffet service but none as chaotic as this , maybe it’s the way it’s set out but I couldn’t wait to get out of the restaurant in the evening . The staff didn’t seem very happy but then maybe they are exhausted after a busy season . There is a lovely veranda to sit on after dinner many people playing cards and games and very relaxing but you will be lucky to order a drink as not many staff around . Also the smoking was annoying . I would go back I liked being on an island and could just pop to the mainland if needed .