Hotel Albatros Plava Laguna

It is safe to say that the interior design is not the big draw at the All Inclusive Hotel Laguna Albatros. While mostly well-maintained, furnishings throughout are in various shades of cream and brown, with the only pops of color coming from the occasional plant and orange accent wall or column. Both rooms and common areas feel bare and unadorned. Outside, is more cheerful, with a sea-view pool, mini-golf and sports facilities, and a nearby small beach. The hotel attracts a crowd composed mostly of tourists with kids in tow, who are attracted to the great value from all-inclusive rates.

This hotel is a 10-minute drive outside of the old center of Porec, a rambling network of twisty cobbled alleys and tiny medieval churches. Visitors can also take one of the water taxis that ply their way up and down the Istria coastline, which at a half-hour journey might take longer, but is helpful for those without cars. There are a handful of restaurants, bars, and supermarkets within a 20-minute walk, or guests can find more in town. The transfer to Pula Airport takes between 50 and 70 minutes by car.

The 324 air-conditioned rooms here follow a similar design as the hotel's common areas, with mostly bare white walls, generic wood furniture, brown carpeting, and peach or yellow linens. Lower-category rooms can be on the small side, but they have a double bed, armchair, and tiny coffee table, as well as a desk that doubles as a flat-screen TV stand. Suites, meanwhile, are larger and have a couch, two armchairs, and a walk-in closet. Every room has a terrace with a table and chairs, some of which have distant sea views. Bathrooms are compact, with either a stand-up shower cubicle or a shower/tub combo, hairdryer, and toiletries. Each room has a flat-screen TV, safe, free Wi-Fi, and a minibar (fee).

The Laguna Albatros has a good list of features aimed primarily at keeping families happy. Many travelers come here for the all-inclusive package, which includes buffet meals, local alcoholic drinks (guests have to pay for premium drinks), and tons of activities. As well as this, there is a lobby bar and pool bar, both serving drinks, snacks, and light meals. Outside, there's a pool terrace with a small pool and a separate shallow one for kids. Also on-site are a mini-golf course, a basketball court, ping-pong tables, and tennis courts where the hotel puts on the occasional tournament. A small but well-equipped gym offers cardio equipment and weight-training machines. There is a kids’ club that runs daily throughout high season, as well as family-friendly entertainment put on by the animation team every evening. A private beach is set in a small cove a few minutes' walk from the main building. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel.