Obala Marshala Tita 15, Porec, Croatia
Waterfront location in Porec's old town
Tidy, pleasant rooms with views of sea and old town
Room amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, kettles, and modern bathrooms
Two restaurants and a lobby bar with an outdoor terrace
Access to facilities at Valamar Isabella Island Resort via free boat ride
Private beach, pools, spa, and sport facilities at sister resort
Small on-site fitness room with a handful of machines
Generous breakfast buffet included in room rates
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel
No on-site pool (sister resort's pools require a boat ride)
No children under 16 allowed (pro for some)
Fitness center is small
Parking is charged an extra daily fee
Beach chairs at sister resort are charged extra
Hotel closes in the winter (except between Christmas and New Year)
The 105-room Valamar Riviera Hotel & Residence is a seasonal, adult-only upscale property located right on the waterfront of Porec's charming old town. Some rooms have balconies with sea views, and all offer amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars, electric kettles, and free Wi-Fi. The spacious suites, including those in nearby Villa Parentino, feature sea views and have separate living areas. A generous breakfast buffet is included in rates and the hotel offers two on-site restaurants, an outdoor terrace facing the seafront, a lobby bar, and a small fitness room, but there's no on-site pool -- guests have access to the beaches, pools, and other facilities of the Valamar Isabella Island Resort, which is accessed via a free boat ride. Families might prefer the Valamar Crystal Hotel, which offers plenty of kid-friendly amenities.
Scene
A contemporary, adult-only hotel popular with package tourists
The Valamar Riviera Hotel & Residence occupies a series of neighboring buildings with facades painted in bright orange and soft gray tones, adorned with typical Venetian-style window shutters that are common all over Istria. The property was last renovated in 2010 and is impeccably maintained. The lobby is bright and light-filled, with floors made of pale local stone, and decorated in a contemporary style and vibrant colors. The reception area shares space with the lobby bar, made up of beige and navy blue upholstered couches and leather armchairs. The bar spills out onto the outdoor covered terrace in front of the hotel, with pleasant views of the seafront promenade. With an adult-only policy, this hotel is ideal for travelers looking for a quiet place to stay in the center of Porec's historic old town. The hotel is especially popular with package tourists from the U.K. and other European countries during the summer season.
Location
On the waterfront promenade of Porec's old town
Valamar Riviera Hotel has a prime location right on the waterfront promenade of Porec's old town. Most of this part of town is pedestrian, but vehicles have access to the hotel. There are other upscale hotels located along this stretch of the waterfront, as well as many restaurants, cafes, and shops. The ferry terminal is a short walk away, where there's regular service to Venice.
Rooms
Spotless rooms decorated in a simple, modern style
The clean and charming guest rooms at this Valamar property feature bright, contemporary decor. Floors are hardwood in a warm finish, which matches the attractive wood-grain furniture. Walls are painted a light beige, with striped wallpaper accents in two tones of pale blue. Several large mirrors reflect the natural light from the large windows, and framed black-and-white prints on the walls add interesting decorative touches. Amenities available in all rooms include air-conditioning, 22-inch flat-screen TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities, minibars stocked with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, and free Wi-Fi. Irons and ironing boards -- if not provided -- are available on request. The modern bathrooms are tiled in soft beige and are equipped with walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, large mirrors, hairdryers, and toiletries.
Rooms are available as doubles or twins, and some of the suites include sofa beds. The Superior and Deluxe Rooms are street-facing and have balconies overlooking the waterfront and island, but are not necessarily bigger in size. Some of the Classic Rooms located at the back of the hotel have more floor space, but no balcony -- but there are scenic window views of the rooftops and narrow streets of the old town. Suites can sleep up to three guests and feature balconies with sea views, separate living rooms with a second flat-screen TV, and a few extra amenities like bathrobes and slippers. The Suites making up Villa Parentino offer similar amenities, but are more spacious and feature high ceilings.
Features
Restaurants and lobby bar, fitness room, and access to pools and beaches of sister resort
While there are only a few notable on-site features at the Valamar Riviera Hotel & Residence, guests can also make use of the extensive facilities available at the nearby Valamar Isabella Island Resort. Thankfully, dining options are on-site, composed of an a la carte restaurant and lobby bar with a pleasant outdoor terrace overlooking the seafront. Included in the room rate is a generous breakfast buffet served in the breakfast room located just off the lobby area. A wide variety of hot and cold dishes is available, as well as made-to-order omelets and pancakes prepared at live counters. Guests following gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan diets can inform the kitchen staff in advance.
The on-site fitness room is small and equipped with only three machines. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and the property offers a free shuttle service to the ferry terminal and parking area. (Parking is charged an extra daily fee.) Also part of the hotel is Villa Polesini, a restored Italian villa and garden located on the seafront that can be rented for weddings and special events.
Though there's no pool on-site, guests have access to the private beaches, swimming pools, and sports and spa facilities at the hotel's sister property, Valamar Isabella Island Resort, which is easily accessible via a free boat shuttle (about a five-minute trip). Use of the sun loungers here are charged an extra fee for Valamar Riviera guests.