Isabella Island Resort, Valamar Collection

We have been to probably nearly 30 AI hotels across Europe and I couldn't agree with Chris H more, regarding the AI drinks package for AI TUI 4* Guests in the main building. We travelled early May aged mid 60s. It has to be the most limited drinks package we have ever had. I too would have liked some mocktails included along with Tea at the bar and Breakfast tea and UHT milk in the room. The soft drinks allowed from the dispenser are not very good and ruined what should have been a nice vodka and orange. TUI asked for a review on our return and I put this to them in detail with examples from their other hotels including some in Croatia. I also included some other issues that follow. But it's not all about the drinks. The food was in our top 5 or so, fresh, varied and tasty. The snacks provided in the afternoon are not snacks but another full meal in themselves. OK all meals in any AI get a bit samey into the 2nd week, but if you are willing to try something different you wouldn't be disappointed and if you are you could always go back and try something different. Food is never hot/hot in AI in our experience, but it just seems that us Brits are the only ones bothered about it. Again we agree with Chris H as this being the only AI 4* hotel with restaurants on site that doesn't offer at least one visit to one of their restaurants for AI guests. The spa didn't offer courtesy sauna or steam room for AI guests either, which normally happens with TUI 4* The entertainment was poor, there was only 1 guy on a guitar that did a turn on a Saturday evening, and there was nothing going on during the day from TUI. Having said all that we thought the location of this hotel was amazing, the rooms are good, the staff hardworking and helpful, the area clean and if you book through TUI note that their rooms are at the back of the hotel with evening sun and a decent view so no need to upgrade in our opinion, as the front and back rooms appear to be identical. I would add that the shower is over the bath and I struggled as the hand rail in the bath is too low and I feel that for safety reasons for older guests who do not want to have a bath every evening that a higher hand rail should be fitted. The issues I have brought up are not the hotels fault or the rep, who was lovely, but I think that TUI needs to go back to the drawing board with this hotel and negotiate a better deal with the hotel owners. PS where was my bath robe and slippers? which I have come to expect from TUI 4* All the above sounds negative but we really did have a lovely time. Just putting you in the picture.

We went on the first week of June and had an absolutely fantastic holiday. I cannot speak highly enough of this resort. The island itself is stunning with so many different coastal areas to find, each with their own views and charm. It is so well kept, from cleanliness to layout, and constantly surprised me how tidy it was all over. Also, I have to mention the gardeners. Being one myself, I have to commend how fabulously maintained the grounds are from that point of view. For my 3 year old, there was endless stuff to do to keep her occupied, especially the maro club where the soft play is and the evening disco. The staff working directly with the children were outstanding. The enchanted forest was a huge hit with her too. The food and drinks were great, the pool areas are brilliant and tidy and our room with sea view was spot on. Only downside of the room was an internal adjoining door to the next room which we could unfortunately hear the noisy neighbors through in the middle of the night, but that's just other people enjoying their stay. Also, the ferry service back to porec is great and constant throughout the day, where there is more lovely things to see and do. We had a truly brilliant holiday, and to anyone second guessing booking here, you won't be disappointed. Well done valamar!!

What can I say such a beautiful hotel and the island is very clean, safe and well maintained. There are lots of different coves on the island to swim in and the sea is so clear. The hotel itself is very clean throughout could not fault at all. If I had to critique in any way one of the pools was on the cold side but this is all I can say to fault this hotel. The boat ride over to porec is quick and the boat runs every 15mins, in the evening its every half hour. Porec is a lovely town to wander through with lots of historical sites.

The hotel itself has a lot of positives; - the room was great with a lot of storage space, beautiful view over the harbour and a big balcony. - the grounds are immaculately kept and beautiful to walk around - beaches are great, beautiful clear water - the staff are super friendly and very attentive Unfortunately it wasn’t the best in other respects; - there was basically zero entertainment all week, not sure if that was due to it being September (?) but it was pretty boring in the evenings. Surprised at how little was going on. - there was some very busy days in the restaurant as the service was only 2 hours, which meant most people were there at 7 and once I couldn’t find a table to sit at. - there is a boat that goes back and forth to the island. Usually very good but once was stuck in Porec for 2 hours because the smaller boat was running only and they were only taking hotel workers - sometimes one person at a time and just leaving guests. - AC had been switched off by the hotel as the weather was cooler. This was annoying as someone travelling alone I don’t feel comfortable sleeping with the balcony door open and the rooms did get quite warm (even if the hotel didn’t think so). If AC is advertised is should be available. - there were a few exercise classes going on but you had to go up to the gym to see them which meant I didn’t realise they were there until the end of the week - they should be displayed in the lobby Porec itself is a lovely town. Nice to walk around and explore, very pretty. Not a huge amount to do and that along with the lack of entertainment at the hotel it was all a bit Low energy (although a majority of tourists were about 80 so perhaps that’s why)

Honestly one of the most amazing places I’ve stayed staff are exceptional the rooms where clean and well locked after would recommend to a Friend, upon arrival I was greeted with a gift basket of pastries I did stuff my face with them loved every single one.

Hotel 4*, the pillows are worn out, the bed squeaks, it's too soft... there's nothing else to add, the bedroom door is hanging, the balcony door in room 322 is stuck, the mini bar is as empty as the poor, so we don't need it... the reception is horrible, on leaving we wanted to stay on the island and asked, considering that check out is until 10.00 in the morning, to prepare our suitcases in the luggage room, but instead the receptionist says leave it aside so that everyone can take it...the food at breakfast is a disaster, pastries from yesterday, dirty dishes, cold everything, the chocolate spread for pancakes like nuttela has a dry crust on top of how old it is, etc.....