HIDDEN GUEST: Hotel Lone

The hotel is a comprehensive artwork, an exhibition of top design, and an art gallery, has a design hotel concept, and a presentation of local knowledge throughout. Hotel Lone, which we evaluated for the first time in 2013, is all this and more. Therefore, the time has come for a re-evaluation of this five-star hotel, resembling a luxurious ocean-going cruise ship, settled in the middle of Zlatni rt, a protected park on the outskirts of Rovinj. The innovative concept of the tourist company Maistra and architectural office 3LHD has perfectly passed the test of time. Eight years after opening, Lone is a synonym for top design and superior service. Lone is getting better and better every year.

In 2018, Pula Airport marked a record turnover. Compared to 2017, the number of passengers increased by more than 20 per cent, which is a positive message for the future of the tourism industry in Istria. Even more positive moves are expected this year. Increasingly better accessibility is also complemented by solid road infrastructure. For meeting guests arriving by car are well taken care of, as the hotel has a large parking lot and an underground garage. We recommend a walk along the nicely arranged promenade to the city centre. An approximately one-kilometre-long path is arranged to the very last detail and is a balm for body and soul.

The credit for hotel’s architecture goes to 3LHD architectural studio. The studio’s interdisciplinary approach is a model for the development of new tourism products. The project involved local artists, designers and furniture manufacturers. The furniture is the work of the design team Numen/For Use, soft furnishings (as well as the uniforms of the waiting staff) of the studio I-Gle. The wellness centre was created by Studio 92, art installations and graphics are the work of Ivana Franke and Silvio Vujičić, and the visual identity of the hotel was created by the Bruketa & Žinić & Grey agency. The architecture always impresses me, and I find a detail that leaves me speechless during every visit. It is not surprising that the hotel has been noticed by international experts and that it is the most awarded regional hotel. Excellent.

The hotel service has been upgraded since our last visit. The original culinary story was created by Canadian Priska Thuring, whose legacy is still followed. Breakfast is still among the best in the region and can be described as trendy, modern and simply excellent. There are three restaurants in the hotel, and we recommend a visit to the à la carte ResoLution restaurant. An exceptional wine list is waiting for you, as well as the fusion culinary heritage of Prisca Thuring. Guests are delighted with themed evenings, such as sushi and sweet weekends. The staff is professional and always at hand. The slightly more casual approach is not disturbing, but rather presents a part of the overall hotel experience, although this is the area where the hotel has the most room for improvement to achieve perfection.

Spacious rooms are defined by a giant panoramic glass wall with zen views over the Adriatic Sea or the heavenly garden and a spacious balcony. The room is full of glass, which creates reflection and introduces the undulation of the sea and the shadows of the surrounding forest. The combination of black walls and bright autumn furniture works elegantly. The tapestry behind bed is an artwork and a source of inspiration. There is enough work space, and the special touch is the exceptional lighting, which I place at the very top. This category also includes the original Croatian furniture of the Numen group.

Hotel Lone is at the heart of Maistra’s meetings offer. With its ten halls it is also suitable for more complex events. The largest hall accommodates 650 guests, who will be thrilled by the spacious lobby, suitable for accompanying exhibitions.

An exceptional wellness centre deviates from the clichés and extends to 1700 square metres, and also astonishes with submerged rooms and zen resting places.

During the visit, we did not encounter negative surprises; the slightly inconsistent staff is a minor distraction, which sometimes surprises in the negative direction.

Tiny design details that are unique, thoughtful and inspiring.

The visit to Hotel Lone was too short and it seems we could stay at the hotel for a long time. The hotel operates with freshness and originality, and even after a few years of operation, it is still in great condition. A return visit also enables guests to experience a very personal contact with the culture, design, nature and culinary scene of the destination. This is also appreciated by event organisers, inspired by the playfulness, flexibility and originality of the what is available for meetings, which still greatly deviates from what is seen in the competition. It is still true that less is more and this is clearly seen in the case of Lone.