Hotel Delfin

We were there as part of a tour, and it felt more like a residential care home than a hotel. Most of the residents were in their seventies or older, and the evening live music seemed aimed at older Slovenians. We had half board, which was okay, but if you arrived after 7:30 pm, much of the food was gone. The meals were plentiful, though more canteen-style than gourmet. There’s an outdoor pool with heated seawater. Most of the staff were pleasant, but some didn’t speak English. The rooms are modest in size, with air conditioning and a small balcony, and the showers had good pressure.

The staff were hospitable and accommodating, and breakfast was a good way to stock up on caffeine and food for the day. I didn’t use the spa or outdoor pool, but both looked clean and well cared for, so they seem like a good backup if you don’t want to swim in the Adriatic. The hotel isn’t one of those fancy five-star design places, but the rooms were comfortable and very clean, and the air conditioning worked, which matters in summer. The guests seemed a bit older than average, with lots of grandparents and grandchildren while I was there, so the evenings were quiet and peaceful. It’s within walking distance of Izola, and you can cycle to Strunjan, Piran, Portorož, Lucija, and beyond. If you don’t bring a bike, you can rent one in Izola for €12 a day. Cycling is a good way to see the region, and the hotel can tell you about local routes. I’d recommend this place if you want to explore the Slovene coast and its hidden treasures. After three days, I couldn’t think of any drawbacks, and it was worth every penny.

The entertainment program has plenty on offer, and there are several pools and a well-equipped changing room. The rooms are modern and very nice, and the restaurant food is okay, but vegetarians may be limited to salad. The unpleasant part was a woman at the restaurant entrance who was very rude and unkind. That’s not appropriate for someone working with people.

A decent option for retirement associations and groups, in a nice spot near several beaches. The rooms and food are solid, though nothing special.