Casa Garzotto Integrated Hotel

Casa Garzotto Integrated Hotel is a hotel in Rovinj, the pastel-coloured peninsula town that most visitors to Istria rank among the prettiest places on the Adriatic. The name suggests a house rather than a block, and that is the right way to think about it: a smaller property with an individual character, rather than a large resort. Rovinj rewards the traveller who stays in or near the old town. The lanes climb to the church of Saint Euphemia, the harbour fills with fishing boats and restaurant terraces, and the evening light turns the stone to honey. Sleeping within walking distance means you can see all of this at the quiet hours, early in the morning and after the day trippers have left. Rooms in a small hotel in an old building usually vary in size and layout, so read the room description carefully and ask about the floor, the view and whether there is a lift, since old town buildings often have stairs. Air conditioning, a private bathroom and Wi-Fi are normal at hotels of this class, and breakfast is often served at a small number of tables rather than from a vast buffet, which is part of the pleasure. Confirm details such as parking, check-in times and what is included in your rate when you book.

How to use it. Walk everywhere. The old town is small, the harbour is a few minutes away, and the best restaurants, galleries and bars are all within the same tangle of streets. Climb to Saint Euphemia in the morning, take a sunset stroll along the sea wall, and leave an evening for a harbour-side dinner of fish, pasta with truffles or local wine.

By car or boat you can reach the Lim fjord, the Golden Cape forest park, Pula, Motovun and the Istrian hill towns, and a day trip to the Brijuni islands is a pleasant change of pace.

Practical points. Rovinj is busy in July and August, and the old town streets can feel crowded at midday, so aim for shoulder months if you can. Parking in the old town is restricted, so ask the hotel where to leave a car and how to move luggage. Cobbled lanes and steps can be hard for wheeled cases, and a short taxi or porter service at arrival is worth asking about. Cards are widely accepted, but keep some cash for markets and small cafes.

Who is it for? Couples celebrating something, independent travellers who value atmosphere over facilities, and anyone who wants Rovinj at its most atmospheric. It is less suited to families who need a pool or beach on site, for whom the coastal resort hotels in this list are better. Rovinj is among the more expensive places to stay in Istria, so compare rates with other nearby hotels, read recent guest comments and check cancellation terms before you book.