Step inside the Hotel Adriatic and you might think you’ve wandered into a contemporary art museum rather than a boutique hotel in Rovinj, Croatia.
More than 100 pieces of museum-quality art adorn the public areas and guestrooms of this historical hotel situated on the city’s bustling harbor on the Adriatic Sea.
Created specifically for the hotel, the striking collection contributes to the Adriatic’s luxury status. The paintings, sculptures and photographs by Croatian and other European artists also reflect the diverse heritage of this charming town of 15,000 on the Istria Peninsula in northern Croatia.
Hotel Adriatic, part of Croatia’s Maistra Hospitality Group, also offers impressive sea views from its shady terrace and 18 sophisticated guestrooms. During a recent visit, I found the hotel’s location convenient for exploring the city’s ancient cobblestone streets and taking daytrips to the Roman ruins in Pula and wineries in Istria’s hilly interior.
The bell tower of the Church of St. Euphemia looms over Croatian seaside city of Rovinj. Photo Credit: Barbara Redding
A modern touch in Old Town
Built in 1892, the hotel is the oldest and only luxury hotel in Old Town. Its cream-colored exterior blends seamlessly with the pastel buildings in this pedestrian-only part of the town that is punctuated by a Venice-style bell tower.
The hotel’s interior, however, showcases contemporary design. Leather and velvet-upholstered chairs and sofas invite guests to relax and contemplate the bold, eclectic artwork lining the charcoal gray walls. I was fascinated by a cluster of lifelike owls that appeared to be in flight over the hotel’s French-inspired cafe.
White stone floors and handwoven rugs contrast with the myriad textures and muted tones of the artwork in the foyer, which is adjacent to a well-stocked bar. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors lead to the terrace, a popular gathering place for locals and guests known as the city’s “living room.”
The hotel’s spacious 14 rooms and four suites are individually styled. Wood floors, accent rugs and contemporary paintings and photographs infuse warmth onto the pristine white walls. Amenities include soaking tubs, walk-in showers and plush linens on comfortable mattresses. Bottled scents beside the beds help induce sleep, while espresso machines provide a morning wake-up call.
Sea breezes floated into my room from windows offering views of bobbing boats in the harbor, with St. Catherine Island in the background. Other rooms overlook the city’s main town square. Despite being in the heart of the tourist area of Rovinj, I slept soundly.
Escargot served on microgreens and ground chocolate at the Hotel Adriatic’s Brasserie Adriatic. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Maistra Hospitality Group
A highlight of my stay was dinner at the hotel’s Brasserie Adriatic. The elegant restaurant serves creative gourmet cuisine inspired by the French Riviera, using seasonal local ingredients. I started with a frothy espresso martini recommended by our knowledgeable waiter, Dominik.
When I spotted escargot on the menu, I had to try it. The artful presentation surprised me: six snails in shells poised on a bed of chocolate powder covered with microgreens. Dominik said the dish reflects Istria’s rich bounty from the land and sea. My main course of pan-fried sea bass filet with a spinach and potato casserole was equally well prepared and paired with excellent Croatian wines.
I skipped dessert for a nightcap at the friendly Caffe Bar, which carries more than 100 brands of whiskey. I decided to try a glass of Croatia’s favorite bittersweet liqueur, pelinkovac.
The hotel’s small size limits guest services. However, the Adriatic offers complimentary access to indoor and outdoor pools and the wellness spa at the nearby Grand Park Hotel Rovinj, also a Maistra property. A congenial driver in a golf cart whisked me to the five-star resort for an olive oil massage followed by a citrus salt scrub in its luxurious spa. The Grand also has a gym, sauna and steam rooms.
Bicycles provided for guests of the Hotel Adriatic. Photo Credit: Barbara Redding
Exploring on foot and by boat
Frequent water taxis deliver guests from the docks across from the hotel to nearby St. Catherine’s Island to lounge on the beach and swim in the Adriatic. The hotel also supplies bicycles.
But the only way to explore Old Town is on foot. From the hotel, I walked uphill to St. Euphemia on narrow cobbled streets no wider than sidewalks. The Venetian-style church and bell tower, built in 1736, dominates the city skyline. Unfortunately, both were closed for repairs during my visit, but I strolled across the plaza for gorgeous views of the clear-blue Adriatic Sea.
Seafood restaurants, quaint shops and art galleries line the walkways along the harbor. I found the Old Town’s colorful market a fun place to shop for fresh produce, truffles and handmade souvenirs.
From Rovinj, it’s about an hour’s drive south to Pula, home to one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in Europe. Boat tours run regularly to the beautiful Brijuni Islands, where former Yugoslavian president Tito spent his summers and collected exotic animals.
If you’re a wine and truffle fan like me, consider a daytrip to the small wineries in the hilly interior of the Istria Peninsula. My truffle hunt with dogs was a muddy, magical experience in a forest near the hilltop town of Motovun.
