Maistra Select Island Hotel Katarina

Pros -spacious suite with lots of floor space -pool and beach nice and relaxing -beach chairs and umbrella free for hotel guests (non hotel guests may use beach) -boat shuttle easy to use but sometimes a tad late -lovely patio/balcony with hanging/drying contraption for water stuff -extensive options for breakfast across many cultures and preferences -American drip coffee (in addition to typical espresso machine options) -American style pancakes or French toast, but no maple syrup -made to order eggs and omelettes in addition to ready to eat, scrambled eggs and fried eggs -many outdoor seating areas, including dining areas -draft beer available at walk up beach bar and ice cream Cons -spartan furnishings and minimal basic decor in rooms (potential to be so much nicer) -only one outlet in living area and one in bathroom -small shower -no tissues in room -lovely outside ambience doesn’t match inside spartan atmosphere -limited (no) vegetarian option one night for dinner, beans always had meat in them -dinner buffet more like cafeteria quality food, some main dishes above average but most were average FYI -credit cards only on the entire island -pebble beach, having aqua socks helpful

The location is beautiful with 360 degree views. Lovely trees make it a shady and breezy place to stay which is good in the heat. Lots of families but also lots of space to find peaceful spots. Rooms are a little dated. Shower over bathtub and no kettle. Comfortable beds and clean though. Breakfast choices are extensive. Lots of fresh fruit, cheeses, eggs etc. It was my birthday whilst there and they realised from my passport and left a complementary bottle of Prosecco on ice in our room which was a lovely surprise. Good value and recommended

We had the most wonderful time here. This is a charming hotel with plenty of character due to it not being a large modern resort. We had a family room which was large and split into 2. Our 14 year old and 11 year old enjoyed having their own space. The room had a fridge meaning you could get bits from ‘Tommy’s’ and keep them chilled. Bar prices were reflective of the area as well as food prices. Pizzas start at around 10 euros and giant prawns on skewers with salad around 18 euros. We loved the little coves around the island and soon found a favourite spot to snorkel and swim. Plenty of sunbeds around and umbrellas as well as trees to get shade. The pool was our last swim of the day before dinner and was really clean with a pool bar for drinks if we wanted. The buffet for breakfast and dinner was varied and had something for all including my daughter and husband who are picky eaters! The hotel is clean and functional and it is easy to get the boat over to Rovinj to explore the cobbled streets and absorb the atmosphere. The staff were really friendly and helpful. On my daughters birthday we couldn’t do what we had planned as it was typically the only poor weather day there ;) but at dinner they arranged a cake, a balloon flower and a letter from the hotel manager to be presented to her which was very thoughtful and well received. If you’re looking for a resort with bells whistles constant entertainment etc then this may not be the place for you. If you want somewhere with a chilled vibe, amazing sea and a bit of charm then go. We loved it.

Although a little dated, we had an amazing stay with our family. The food was delicious and varied, with plenty to choose from. We did have to ask for gluten free bread which is available if requested. The restaurant was exceptionally clean and the staff were very friendly and attentive. When we asked for a jug of water with our evening meal however, only bottled was available to buy which was quite pricey, this is also the case at lunchtime. The tap water is clean and suitable to drink, so we filled our empty bottles and took them with us. Our room was spotless on arrival and very spacious, it was checked every day, and the beds were turned down, even if we’d made them. Clean towels were provided daily and we just had to ask if we needed anything. The saltwater pools were great, which is where we spent a lot of time with our grandchildren, there are also numerous bays on the shore with sunbeds and umbrellas to choose from and swim in the sea. Everything was so clean with no litter to be seen around the island which has lovely walks and gardens, try and spot the Hoopoes. An hourly ferry from St Katarina Island took us to the mainland where we explored Rovinj, a pretty Venetian style town situated on the harbour side. Numerous narrow cobbled streets and alleys with tall rustic buildings leading off the main square took us to many galleries, restaurants, bars and shops and the 17th century church of St Euphemia at the top of the hill is well worth a visit. With live street entertainment and great scenery to take in, it’s a lovely place to have a meal and a drink and watch the world go by while watching the sun set over the horizon. Several boat trips are available in the harbour which are reasonably priced and the local national park is within walking distance and well worth visiting. There are supermarkets dotted around the mainland, Tommy being the biggest on the east side of Rovinj only a 15 minute walk from the fountain in the main square, don’t mistake it for the smaller Tommy supermarket on the harbour if you want a better deal. All in all we had a great experience and lovely holiday and would definitely return in the future.

This is a lovely old fashioned hotel on an island 5 mins by boat from Rovinj harbour. Many of the old hotels in Rovinj have been bough up and redeveloped but so far this one is untouched - it has been bought by the Maistra Group (as with all the others) but so far not redeveloped. As we went in May and the weather was stormy one night no boats ran after 8pm and so we were (eventually) put up in the Hotel Eden nearby. I'm not sure how often this happens but they are building an (EU funded) improvement to the harbour so possible fairly often. The hotel is characterful and quirky and we liked it in a slightly shambolic way. Its amazing being on the island which is very peaceful and has amazing views from every angle and room. The rooms are old and shabby but everything works and the bathrooms have had a light touch reno. Overall we loved it but if you are looking for chic and mega air conded lobbies etc it wont be for you. If you love sea swimming and walking round an exclusive island its great,