Valamar Riviera Hotel & Residence

The Valamar Riviera Hotel & Residence occupies a series of neighboring buildings with facades painted in bright orange and soft gray tones, adorned with typical Venetian-style window shutters that are common all over Istria. The property was last renovated in 2010 and is impeccably maintained. The lobby is bright and light-filled, with floors made of pale local stone, and decorated in a contemporary style and vibrant colors. The reception area shares space with the lobby bar, made up of beige and navy blue upholstered couches and leather armchairs. The bar spills out onto the outdoor covered terrace in front of the hotel, with pleasant views of the seafront promenade. With an adult-only policy, this hotel is ideal for travelers looking for a quiet place to stay in the center of Porec's historic old town. The hotel is especially popular with package tourists from the U.K. and other European countries during the summer season. 

Valamar Riviera Hotel has a prime location right on the waterfront promenade of Porec's old town. Most of this part of town is pedestrian, but vehicles have access to the hotel. There are other upscale hotels located along this stretch of the waterfront, as well as many restaurants, cafes, and shops. The ferry terminal is a short walk away, where there's regular service to Venice.

• Two-minute walk to ferry terminal
• Three-minute walk to Euphrasian Basilica Complex
• Three-minute walk to Trg Marafor and Roman Forum
• 14-minute walk to public beach
• Five-minute boat ride to Valamar Isabella Island Resort
• 35-minute drive to Bale
• 40-minute drive to Motovun
• 40-minute drive to Rovinj
• 42-minute drive to Pula International Airport
• 42-minute drive to Groznjan
• 50-minute drive to Pula
• Three hours to Venice by ferry

The clean and charming guest rooms at this Valamar property feature bright, contemporary decor. Floors are hardwood in a warm finish, which matches the attractive wood-grain furniture. Walls are painted a light beige, with striped wallpaper accents in two tones of pale blue. Several large mirrors reflect the natural light from the large windows, and framed black-and-white prints on the walls add interesting decorative touches. Amenities available in all rooms include air-conditioning, 22-inch flat-screen TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities, minibars stocked with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, and free Wi-Fi. Irons and ironing boards -- if not provided -- are available on request. The modern bathrooms are tiled in soft beige and are equipped with walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, large mirrors, hairdryers, and toiletries.

Rooms are available as doubles or twins, and some of the suites include sofa beds. The Superior and Deluxe Rooms are street-facing and have balconies overlooking the waterfront and island, but are not necessarily bigger in size. Some of the Classic Rooms located at the back of the hotel have more floor space, but no balcony -- but there are scenic window views of the rooftops and narrow streets of the old town. Suites can sleep up to three guests and feature balconies with sea views, separate living rooms with a second flat-screen TV, and a few extra amenities like bathrobes and slippers. The Suites making up Villa Parentino offer similar amenities, but are more spacious and feature high ceilings.

While there are only a few notable on-site features at the Valamar Riviera Hotel & Residence, guests can also make use of the extensive facilities available at the nearby Valamar Isabella Island Resort. Thankfully, dining options are on-site, composed of an a la carte restaurant and lobby bar with a pleasant outdoor terrace overlooking the seafront. Included in the room rate is a generous breakfast buffet served in the breakfast room located just off the lobby area. A wide variety of hot and cold dishes is available, as well as made-to-order omelets and pancakes prepared at live counters. Guests following gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan diets can inform the kitchen staff in advance. 

The on-site fitness room is small and equipped with only three machines. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and the property offers a free shuttle service to the ferry terminal and parking area. (Parking is charged an extra daily fee.) Also part of the hotel is Villa Polesini, a restored Italian villa and garden located on the seafront that can be rented for weddings and special events.

Though there's no pool on-site, guests have access to the private beaches, swimming pools, and sports and spa facilities at the hotel's sister property, Valamar Isabella Island Resort, which is easily accessible via a free boat shuttle (about a five-minute trip). Use of the sun loungers here are charged an extra fee for Valamar Riviera guests.