Maistra Select Island Hotel Istra

Just perfect weekend. Staff was kind, food delicious and better plages then anywhere else in whole Istria

We were looking forward to staying at this hotel. We knew it was coming to the end of the season for them so did not expect everything to be open. But on the second night they decided to turn off the air conditioning making the room hot and stuffy (24 to 25 degrees) first of all I thought the it had broken so went to tell the hotel reception. I told by the receptionist that the air conditioning was not working, he said the management decided to switch it off due to it being cooler. I told them it was too warm to sleep under the blankets and if I didn’t I was being eaten by mosquitoes. First of all it felt like he was saying tough, I asked if I could have a thin sheet sent up to my room and then contacted TUI. The next day they sent up a noisy fan that just made things worse. Over the 7 nights I was there I probably had 1 night good sleep. The breakfast was good with good choice. The main meal was ok but got boring quick it was a nice that soft drinks beer and wine was supplied with the food. The island is lovely. The main town Rovinj was gorgeous and I highly recommend visiting there, probably just stay on the main land because if the sea is choppy they warn you the boat may not run and you will be stranded. Also there is so many places to eat and drink you will be spolit. May be this hotel would be better in the summer when fully open but I can also seeing it being very busy. But if I knew they were going to switch off the air conditioning I would have never booked it.

Really enjoyed our stay at this lovely hotel in a beautiful location. We had a sea view room on 3rd floor. Well worth the extra cost. As it was the end of season not all the facilities were open which was disappointing but on the other hand it was less busy and peaceful. The food was very good with lots of choice. But unfortunately very manic at times. This was managed by picking our times to dine. Staff were helpful and worked very hard. Would definitely return. Loved the boat transfer to Rovinj. Free and efficient.

Positives - excellent island location with fabulous views & close to the beach Free ferry service into Old Town Great swimming pools Room ok but basic but the cleanliness was exemplary (special mention to Zoka the room cleaner who was an excellent ambassador for this hotel -pleasant friendly & helpful at all times Negatives--food bland & at times luke warm Tables uncomfortably close together Not enough staff in dining room clearing tables in the evenings Always having to ask rushed off their feet busy waiters for cutlery once vacant table found Very expensive hotel drinks menu to a captive audience (Seems lots of people stayed in restaurant to fill up on the free wine & beer after their meals but who can blame them!!!) Very disappointed with the evening entertainment not enough variety Had the drinks been more reasonably priced we would have enjoyed our time at the Istra & not used the ferry to the Old Town as often Sadly this hotel did not live up to our expectations

The stunning backdrop of Rovinj gives this hotel the wow factor. The 10 minute ferry ride from the port to the island is a pleasure. The hotel is well maintained, the rooms have everything you need, plenty of hot water, the towels a bit old but a small gripe. We were only there three nights but the food was decent every day with local wine and beer included with the meals, plenty of choice at the buffet plus a couple of on site restaurants too. Loads of sun beds, pool towels available and pool bar and great to walk around the island and see the hotel from different angles. My one disappointment was the staff; unusually they were not particularly friendly. I don't know if they had season fatigue as it was September but our first evening I was met with a young girl speaking to me in German as I went in for dinner . When I clearly didn't understand what she meant, she just raised her voice and continued in German, got hold of my wrist and pushed the hotel wrist band on to the scanner in front of her: no explanation from her Manager either who was clearly standing next to her.. No one at reception on check in had mentioned the need for this when entering the restaurant and I don't speak German; felt rather rude. The bar staff were off hand too; when we asked if we could order some food we were told to sit outside and wait until someone came to take our order! When we went to collect pool towels, the guy told us to wait, no explanation of what we were waiting for as they were in front of him. His colleague arrived after about 5 mins and gave us the towels?! I think we are used to Croatians being so friendly ( our 4th visit to the country) so it was a shame but no point dwelling on the bad. To end on a positive note, one thing we loved was the viewing tower on the island which gave wonderful views. We went up 5 times in three days and didn't see another soul doing the same, such a shame as there's a bench at the top too so can sit and take in the scenery.