Park Plaza Arena Pula

We really enjoyed the peaceful setting among the trees, with a small stony beach close by and pleasant tree-lined walks nearby. There's lots of free parking, and the rooms and bathrooms are a good size, very comfortable, and kept spotless. The saltwater pool and its surrounding area were just as clean, with staff maintaining them early each morning. Breakfast and dinner had a broad, changing selection of fresh, delicious hot and cold dishes. The staff were friendly and accommodating too. The one letdown was having no free tap or drinking water at dinner. Paying €5.60 for a large bottle every day gets expensive. After we mentioned it to a manager, though, a water dispenser appeared in the dining area a couple of days later. We appreciated the hotel listening and responding. I'd happily recommend it and visit again. It's a great place for a holiday.

Parking was tricky. One morning a car was parked in front of us, leaving very little room to maneuver between the two vehicles. Still, I loved this hotel. The food was the best, and the staff throughout were very, very kind and attentive. Even the soap and shower gel had an amazing, delicate scent.

The pool has a bar, with plenty of chairs and umbrellas. Old Town is about a ten-minute drive away. One tip: people claim the sun loungers very early, so you may want to pick one up before breakfast. It's a lovely medium-sized hotel, set by a small bay with a beautiful pine grove. The staff are fantastic, and breakfast is excellent. I had some of the best omelettes I've ever tried. The bartenders are friendly and know their local wines.

It's a beautiful place, and we couldn't fault the hotel or the staff. The food and drinks were a bit expensive, though, and the included breakfast and dinner were very much the same each day, which was disappointing. The sunbed towel situation was really annoying. People leave towels on loungers all day without using them, and some even reserve four beds for two people at opposite ends of the pool, moving between them as the sun shifts.