As always- it is very hard for me to do a proper review without feeling a bit bratish ( is that even a word), however I'll try my best. This is a 4 star hotel with , which in my book is almost 5 star. Differences in that rating are usually quite subtle. That being said, I expected a bit more from this hotel. ||||One might argue that beginning of May is not quite a high season just yet, but since the hotel was full that statement is debatable. I'm mentioning that because the hotel feels either out of the season or seriously understaffed. When we arrived only one of the owners was there and nobody else. She was very polite and nice however she should not have been alone in a hotel. The day after , during the breakfast, only one guy was taking care of everything around. Him too was on the top of his game. With him being the only guy ( and was later joined by one more) it is not a surprise that most tables there were not set. Not only that, but outside tables were completely naked and not prepared for anything. That was very dissapointing because that terrace is one of the hotel's strongest points. ||||Our room was nice and clean however, as it is situated on the ground level, the isolation feels terrible- you can hear every little thing, especialy in the morning-. Not only that but you can also smell onions cooking quite nicely.||||Hotel has a nice little pool with lovely view. Too bad the weather was not quite there yet,but one could spend the whole day here, just chilling and relaxing.||||Food. Hotel's chef is a very talented young guy and we were quite privileged to try his 9-course tasting menu (for dinner). Food was fantastic and the portion size for a tasting menu was XXL so we got stuffed. Our waitress was very attentive. ||||Breakfast on the other hand was terrible. I've seen better breakfasts in two star sleazy hotels. Keep in mind that this is a 4-star hotel but there was barely any food here- some salami, barely few portions of jam and that's it. You can order a coffee or a tea and some eggs, but for 4 star hotel, the breakfast is disgraceful. ||||I just hope we caught them in the wrong moment (out of season??). On one hand everybody is very polite, location is beautiful, it's very quiet most of the time, food is fantastic but they certainly don't function like a well oiled machinery. People who are willing to pay for such a hotel don't really care if it's a season, holiday or whatever. Having a proper service is THE most important for a hotel to have and while this hotel's staff is professional and polite, it feels like 5 people is doing the job for 20.||||I would definitely...
Read moreMy recent dining experience at Draga di Lovrana was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we walked through the doors, we were enveloped in a warm, welcoming atmosphere that set the tone for the evening. However, what truly elevated our experience was the impeccable service provided by our waiter. His knowledge of the menu, passion for the cuisine, and genuine dedication to ensuring we had a memorable evening was unparalleled. He anticipated our every need, offering insightful recommendations that perfectly complemented our tastes, making us feel like cherished guests rather than mere customers.
The food was a revelation, each dish a masterful blend of flavors and textures that highlighted the richness of the local ingredients. The standout for me was the wine – a bottle of Teran, a remarkable red wine originating from Istria. The waiter’s enthusiasm for this particular wine was infectious, and his description did not disappoint. The Teran was robust and full-bodied, with a complexity that perfectly paired with our meal. It was clear that great care had been taken in curating the wine list, and this Istrian gem was the perfect choice.
The combination of exquisite food, exceptional wine, and, most importantly, the outstanding service made this an unforgettable dining experience. I can say without hesitation that I am already looking forward to my next visit to Draga di Lovrana. This restaurant is a true treasure, and I cannot wait to return and experience its...
Read moreI am not sure exactly what to make of this experience, but I find it funny enough.
After hiking nearby, my friend and I stopped by for lunch. Upon arrival, we were told to freely choose a spot on the terrace, which is absolutely gorgeous. A solid minute went by before the waiter rushed to our table to state that we needed to be reseated. We complied in perplexity, unaware that we were being led to a low-chair seating arrangement. Although we found no objections to the initial seating, the waiter insisted it was wet from the morning dew, while simultaneously wiping off a puddle from the low table. After poking some fun at the theme of our apparently abhorrent breach of Tuesday noon's dress code, the waiter finally shrugged and exhaled, "Boss's orders." What ensued would have been one of the saddest drinks of our lives if not for the amusing fact that we were the only two guests in the entire restaurant at the time. The staff, who were drinking coffee and scrolling on their phones, even seemed somewhat startled that someone had decided to show up.
In the end, I 100% agree with the opinion of the 'Boss' that we should have sought our...
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