Hotel Istra Plava Laguna

The hotel's signature appeal lies in its direct access to the sea and diverse beaches, complemented by a serene natural environment that includes sports fields and a small forest, making it an ideal resort destination. Guests frequently highlight the excellent food, the exceptional friendliness of the staff, and the overall cleanliness of the property. This establishment is particularly well-suited for families seeking a child-friendly environment with various activities, couples looking for a tranquil getaway with beautiful views, and sightseers due to its convenient location near local attractions and easy access to Poreč. To enhance your stay, be mindful that some rooms are a considerable distance from the reception, and consider bringing extra cash as not all local vendors accept card payments.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the hotel's swimming pool, which is generally clean and not overly crowded, though some note it is not heated, especially in cooler months. A recurring point of concern is the escalator system, which guests report is frequently out of order, necessitating the use of numerous stairs to navigate the property, particularly challenging with luggage. For recreation, there are various sports facilities including tennis courts and crazy golf, and a gym is available at a nearby leisure center. The hotel also provides evening entertainment such as live music and shows, though these are not always consistent or held directly on-site. While the hotel offers a bar with cocktails, some find the drinks expensive, and the overall resort complex provides a wide array of amenities and activities for guests.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives praise for its cleanliness, with guests frequently noting that rooms are well-maintained and towels are changed daily. However, feedback on room comfort is mixed; while some find the rooms spacious, many describe them as outdated with older furnishings. A common complaint revolves around the beds, which are often reported as uncomfortable, with guests feeling springs or finding mattresses too hard. The bathrooms are consistently highlighted as being very small and awkward, often lacking proper ventilation and making entry to the shower difficult due to proximity to the toilet. Noise can also be an issue, with some guests experiencing disturbances from loud music, seagulls, or the hotel's central ventilation system.

Dining & Food Quality
Guests largely commend the dining experience, particularly the breakfast and dinner buffets, which offer a wide and varied selection of dishes. Many describe the food as delicious, abundant, and of excellent quality, with some highlighting the Gala Dinner as a particular treat. A significant advantage for many is the inclusion of free water, wine, and beer with dinner. While the variety is appreciated, some guests note that the breakfast lacks juices, offering only soda, and a few find the overall food quality to be mediocre or repetitive. The dining areas can sometimes feel crowded, and some guests report issues with seagulls entering the restaurant terrace.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent location, being very close to the sea and a variety of beaches, including those with natural surroundings and sports fields. Guests appreciate its proximity to local supermarkets, restaurants, and bars, making daily conveniences easily accessible. For exploring beyond the immediate vicinity, a tourist train provides convenient access to the center of Poreč. While parking is available, some guests find it can be chaotic or not directly adjacent to the hotel, despite a symbolic daily fee. Navigating the hotel itself can be challenging due to its large size and numerous stairs, which are particularly cumbersome when the escalator is not functioning.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise for their kindness, friendliness, and professionalism. Guests frequently highlight the helpfulness of the reception team, who are noted for their patience and knowledge, and the efficiency of the check-in process. The restaurant staff are also largely commended for their attentiveness and cordiality, though a few guests report encountering some less friendly individuals. While many appreciate the daily housekeeping and fresh towels, some reviews mention inconsistencies, such as rooms not being cleaned or towels not being replaced without prompting, leading to some frustration with the response from staff regarding these issues.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel's overall design and interior may appear dated to some, reflecting an older style, despite a more modern exterior. A notable policy that has drawn comment is the absence of mini-bars in rooms, which are instead available for rent at an additional daily fee. The hotel's large size means that some rooms are a considerable walking distance from the reception and main facilities, which can be inconvenient. While the resort complex offers various animations and shows, providing entertainment options beyond the hotel's direct offerings, guests should be prepared for the presence of seagulls in dining areas. It is also advisable to carry some cash, as not all local vendors or services within the wider area accept card payments.