It’s not so long ago that the main Croatia hot spots were THE brand-new place to visit; now the crowds have very firmly set their sights on Croatia, some of the lesser known towns are better bets for the luxury traveller who wishes to see the real Croatia. Rovinj on the west coast of the egg-shaped Istrian peninsula is a beautiful historic fishing port and the ultra-stylish, newly-opened, boutique Hotel Spirito Santo Palazzo Storico is the place to stay here.
Location
The old town of Rovinj stands on a headland, with houses tightly crowded down to the seafront. A maze of steep cobbled streets and piazzas lead to the hilltop church of St. Euphemia, whose towering steeple stands amidst the wooded hills and dominates the skyline. The hotel is in a prime location, just three minutes’ walk from the historic town centre. It’s an active traveler’s paradise here and a huge variety of sports and recreation activities can be enjoyed in Rovinj including: sailing, diving, sport fishing, rowing, kayaking, free climbing, cycling, horse riding, running or simply strolling along the picturesque seafront. The nearest beach from the hotel, the rocky Monte beach, is a lovely 7-minute walk away.
Style & Character
The hotel is made up of 3 carefully restored buildings that dates back to the 1920s and originally belonged to a prominent Italian family. Inside and out, the hotel oozes chic and contemporary luxury; it is a simple, paired back style which allows the history of the building to really shine through.
Service & Facilities
There is a cosy and stylish Wine & Aperitif Bar area on the ground floor with an open fireplace and a rather fabulous wine vault, as well as a pretty garden which the bar looks out onto. Parking is available 2 blocks from the hotel, as is common in many Croatian cities, vehicles are not allowed in the historic town centre. The warm service you’ll receive is evident from the very start when they pick up you and your luggage in a golf cart to make the short journey to the hotel. Anything to make your life simple. They are more than happy to assist with arranging excursions too and indeed the hotel themselves puts on tours of the old town city centre with specialised tour guides which are well worth attending.
Rooms
There are seven guest rooms in this intimate boutique hotel and all are named after the streets of Rovinj. Three are on the first floor, two on the second floor and two on the third. Each of the rooms has its own unique features, character and appeal. Some of the rooms have their own fireplaces, some have spectacular views of St Euphemia church, while another has a small terrace with sea views. Perhaps the most beautiful room and also the largest is Room Monte which can be found on the third floor; it has excellent views of the sea, town and of the church too – this room would get my vote but it really depends on where your own preferences lie.
Food & Drink
As well as the ground floor Wine & Aperitif Bar, on the first floor, you’ll find the Spirito Santo lounge bar with its own sophisticated terrace area. Here you can enjoy delicious light bites including: Istrian specialities – prosciutto, carpaccio, truffles, asparagus, a variety of cheeses, homemade breads and fresh sweets. It’s the perfect spot to along a light meal while watching the sunset along with a fine glass or two of wine.
Hotel Spirito Santo Palazzo Storico
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