Hotel Gran Vista Plava Laguna

The hotel offers an excellent value for money experience, particularly appealing to budget-conscious travelers and families seeking a pleasant seaside getaway. Its signature feature is its prime location near the sea, providing beautiful views and easy access to the beach. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's remarkable cleanliness, the friendly and attentive staff, and the surprisingly high quality and variety of food offered. While the hotel retains an older, 1980s aesthetic, it is generally well-maintained, though some areas show their age. Active travelers will appreciate the built-in exercise from the numerous stairs throughout the property, which are a prominent feature of the hotel's layout. To make the most of your stay, guests should be prepared for the many steps leading to various areas of the hotel, including the beach, and are advised to take full advantage of the diverse and plentiful buffet options available for meals, which receive consistent praise.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a pleasant medium-sized pool that is generally clean and deep enough for swimming, often accompanied by music in the lobby area. However, guests frequently note issues with elevators; the main one can be slow or out of service, and many rooms, especially those not in suites, are only accessible via numerous stairs, making luggage transport challenging. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests report inconsistent signal strength. The air conditioning in rooms is present but often described as weak, noisy, or not fully effective, struggling to cool rooms adequately. Parking can be a significant challenge, with limited spots that are often shared with other hotels, sometimes requiring an uphill walk or patience to find a space. The hotel's overall structure reflects its 1980s origin, with many areas appearing dated, though it is generally well-maintained.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the hotel's high standards of cleanliness, noting that rooms and bathrooms are immaculately maintained. However, the room size can be a point of contention, with some finding them small or cramped, particularly in suites. A recurring concern is the bathroom, which is frequently described as extremely tiny, outdated, and lacking proper ventilation, making movement difficult and sometimes leading to unpleasant odors. The shower cabin is often so small that guests struggle to enter or exit comfortably. While beds are generally reported as comfortable, some prefer firmer mattresses. In-room amenities are basic; a significant number of guests express disappointment about the absence of a mini-fridge or minibar. The television sets are typically old with poor resolution and limited channels, and there are often only one or two electrical outlets available. Some guests also report issues with noise from service areas or other guests.

Dining & Food Quality
The dining experience at the hotel receives widespread acclaim, with guests consistently praising the excellent food quality and variety offered for both breakfast and dinner. The buffet-style meals are described as surprisingly tasty and plentiful, ensuring no guest leaves hungry. Breakfast includes a rich selection, with some guests appreciating options like plant-based milks and gluten-free bread, though the coffee quality can be inconsistent. Dinner is particularly highlighted for its diverse menu, often featuring various meats, fish, salads, and an impressive array of desserts and ice cream, with special grand dinners on Fridays. Basic drinks, including wine and beer, are typically included with half-board. While the restaurant can become crowded, most guests find the staff efficient. However, some express concerns regarding hygiene practices, such as staff handling dirty dishes and then setting new tables, and occasional issues with juice or drink dispensers.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent location, situated very close to the sea and beach, offering beautiful views and easy access to the coastline. This prime position is a major draw for guests seeking a convenient seaside holiday. However, a dominant theme in guest feedback is the hotel's accessibility, primarily due to the pervasive presence of stairs. Guests frequently mention the numerous steps required to reach the beach, reception, and various room blocks, with some areas lacking elevators entirely. This makes the hotel less suitable for elderly guests or those with mobility issues, and challenging for families with strollers or heavy luggage. Parking is another area of concern; spots are limited, often shared with other hotels, and can be difficult to secure, sometimes requiring an uphill walk. Despite these challenges, the hotel's proximity to a tourist train to Poreč and a nearby aquapark, along with local shops and restaurants, adds to its appeal.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Guests frequently commend the reception staff for being welcoming, efficient during check-in, and ready to assist with inquiries or issues. The restaurant staff are noted for their attentiveness and hard work in managing the busy dining areas, ensuring tables are cleared promptly. Housekeeping and cleaning staff are also highlighted for their diligence in maintaining the hotel's cleanliness and for thoughtful gestures, such as providing fresh linen and even small birthday surprises. While the vast majority of interactions are positive, a few guests have reported isolated instances of unhelpful responses regarding room issues or strict enforcement of rules, such as at the pool area. Overall, the dedication of the staff significantly contributes to a positive guest experience, making visitors feel well-cared for throughout their stay.

Additional Information
For families, the hotel offers various children's entertainment options, including a playground, kids' disco, and evening movie screenings on a big screen, ensuring younger guests are well-occupied. A common point of feedback concerns sunbeds and umbrellas around the pool area; while available, they are often limited and quickly reserved, with guests noting that rules against reserving them are not always enforced. Guests should also be aware that sun loungers on the beach may incur an additional charge. The hotel utilizes an older system for room access, providing a single, traditional key attached to a large plastic tag, which some find inconvenient as it must be left at reception if multiple guests need separate access. Furthermore, guests frequently mention the absence of a safe in the rooms for securing valuables.