Hotel Garden Istra Plava Laguna

We are a family of four, two adults and a pre-teen and teenager.In the description of the hotel and area, we formed high expectations. We are not complainers and have often read reviews and rolled out eyes but we were all really disappointed with the overall holiday. Having said that, its two weeks of the year, when you have worked hard to pay for, so we still ended up, having a good time.Pro'sThe hotels pools were good. Having walked around the area, they were the best. Our kids loved them.Hotel room, we opted for a family room and I have to say, it was the best set up, we have ever stayed in. We had a sliding door between two really good sized rooms and two bathrooms. The decor is dated but we did not have an issue with it. The balcony looked out onto the staff car park but again, no issue, as you do not spend a lot of time in your room/balcony. The rooms were kept immaculate. The cleaning staff were very good.Con'sThe hotel was too big for us. This is personal choice only. Meal times were a total nightmare. Our first meal (evening) was quite stressful. We went for the quieter time (as they advise you of the peak times to avoid) it was total chaos. Not enough serving staff for drinks. We ordered water (as it is bottled and you pay for it) and it didn't arrive till after all our meal and that was after we chased up the member of staff. There were kids screaming, running up and down and other adults with no manners at all. I complained about the service to the Manager that evening and the next evening, we moved to an adjoining restaurant room and it was slightly better.Meals times (Breakfast and Evening as half board) were not enjoyable,BUT the food was good and the staff worked so hard. I actually felt sorry for them, as most of the other guests that I saw, treated them like they were invisible.We went on a few of excursions, only one organised by Jet2 which was the trip to Venice. It was amazing and we would love to visit again. The waterpark was fantastic (but food was not) and we had a boat trip to some nearby islands (booked through the tourist info) This was great too.

Was a bit nervous about the hotel after reading reviews but it was fabulous. Great range of activities for our toddler and the room in particular was extremely spacious. The toddler splash pool was a big hit and the tree lined walk towards the beach relaxing. Had no issues getting sunbeds and actually preferred being away from the pool on the garden/lawn sections, softer for little ones. Staff at the hotel were amazing, super friendly, greeting guests at dinner. There was a wide range of food options which was great for our picky toddler and the poolside bar offers a range of food which we enjoyed at lunch. There was also a range of high chairs at meal times and while the restaurant does cater for a lot of people, it never felt crowded and there was always a table. The soft play area in reception was also a hit and I also personally enjoyed some of the classes such as spinning and pool bike. Fab family hotel.

My husband treated our children and their families to a holiday with us to celebrate his semi retirement and Sol Garden Istra fitted the bill perfectly. Lots of facilities for kids and adults alike. Umag town nearby and we hired a car to visit Italy and Slovenia. Also visited Venice by Catamaran. Superb central setting.