HIDDEN GUEST: Grand Park Hotel Rovinj

Rovinj simply cannot be imagined without this iconic hotel.

Our second evaluation of Rovinj’s flagship hotel revealed its more intimate side during the winter. As the winter chill blanketed Rovinj, the hotel appeared even more organically embedded in the city’s landscape and daily life. Today, Rovinj simply cannot be imagined without this iconic hotel. The hotel’s spectacular design was conceived as a series of cascading terraces. Grand Hotel Park Rovinj sits at the entrance to the Monte Mulini area. With the final stage of the development complete, this area has become a holistic architectural and urbanist story. Coupled with the novel ACI Marina, Rovinj now boasts an exceptional coastal spot that impresses with world-class urbanism, tidy horticulture, quality urban decor and incredible attention to detail. The hotel’s architecture does not turn heads with its monumental size but by establishing a respectful dialogue with the surroundings. Discreet yet confident, the design speaks for itself, reflecting the investors’ respectful approach to preserving and presenting local history and identity. Grand Park Hotel Rovinj is a paragon of design that weaves the local story into its fabric, a move that pays off in the long run. The hotel is not only Rovinj’s new icon, but a catalyst for its transformation. With its recognisability, story and standard-setting quality, it has played a decisive role in solidifying Rovinj as one of the most prestigious and luxurious destinations in the Adriatic. Today, Rovinj is a destination where architecture, nature and modern lifestyle converge, blending into one experience.

The western coast of Istria, where Rovinj is located, is known for its excellent accessibility. Modern roads leading to this coastal gem are well-maintained, facilitating easy access from most Central European markets. That’s one of the destination’s key competitive advantages. Vicinity to several international airports is another edge over the competition. Pula Airport is 30 minutes away, while the airports in Trieste, Ljubljana and Zagreb are within a 150 km radius. In recent years, passenger numbers at all four airports have been steadily growing, alongside the burgeoning number of connections and seasonal accessibility. This air accessibility is an impetus for the future growth of the events industry in the region.

Rovinj is best experienced on relaxed strolls along its scenic walkways.

While guests can arrive by plane, most still opt to drive. Given the target markets, this choice seems logical. The hotel is well prepared to welcome them: its spacious underground parking garage and stellar valet parking service meet the hotel’s standards and ensure a seamless arrival and guest experience from the moment they arrive. Another striking advantage of Rovinj is the city’s compact urban design and layout. Most key landmarks, from the historical centre and the marina to the beaches and walking promenades, as well as the ample hotel facilities, are accessible on foot from the hotel. That is why we recommend that guests explore the city without a car, as Rovinj is best experienced on relaxed strolls along its scenic walkways. Those who still wish to get around on motorised transport can hail the local taxis or use modern platforms such as Uber. These local transport options further improve the possibilities of exploring the city and its surroundings. Rovinj’s transport is balanced, seamlessly merging accessibility, comfort and sustainability.

Even after several years since its inauguration, Grand Park Hotel Rovinj remains one of the most ambitious architectural projects in the Adriatic. The hotel’s design and the holistic urban architecture of the Monte Mulini area attest to this. The new square in front of the hotel is not merely an aesthetic addition, but a carefully designed public space where locals and guests alike can meet, play, and participate in spontaneous pop-up events. In 2026, this is a key advantage of modern hotel complexes.

The design appears organic, as if the hotel had been there for decades. This is its greatest strength.

Every, even the most trivial detail, counts, from the selection of materials to the pathways connecting the interior and exterior. We were particularly intrigued by the design of hotel corridors. In the vast majority of hotels, these spaces are oddly dull and soulless, but here, they have become part of the holistic stay. When walking through them, you are guided by the light, scent and rhythm.

Architectural studio 3LHD surpassed all expectations with this project. To this day, Grand Park Hotel Rovinj remains a reference for superb hotel architecture in our region and beyond. The project has shown that excellent architecture need not be a fad, but a long-term investment into a destination’s identity. In the same breath, the hotel is a testament to Croatia’s maturity as an architectural and design destination that can now go toe-to-toe with Europe’s best.

Imagine a hotel with two Michelin-recognised restaurants under one roof. Rovinj’s new icon is home to Agli Amici Rovinj with two Michelin stars and Cap Aureo with one. For an ambitious project such as Grand Park Hotel Rovinj, superb gastronomy was non-negotiable. Hence, this outstanding level of quality consistently trickles down from the restaurants to the bars. The Laurel & Barry Restaurant is the central space for gastronomical experiences. The breakfast and à la carte offerings are above-average and thoughtfully crafted. The winter menu is infused with Mediterranean flavours. We were most impressed by the unpretentious Adriatic squids and the minestrone. Thanks to the chefs and their team’s uncompromising technical quality, the dishes were elevated to new heights. Breakfast is a mix of buffet and à la carte, a sensible solution for catering to guests’ schedules, which often differ. The entire experience is smooth, not least thanks to the staff who are always attentive to take guests’ orders.

The range and breadth of the gastronomic offering exceed the confines of classic hotel offerings.

Various bars and culinary concepts double as relaxed meeting points for daily chats or late-night conversations after long events. We must also praise the extensive wine menus that feature handpicked regional favourites and carefully selected international wine brands. The exceptionally kind staff, brimming with youthful energy and donning casual uniforms that embody the hotel’s opulent yet relaxed identity, further contribute to a great impression. The Laurel & Berry restaurant provides a convincing introduction to the hotel’s world-class gastronomy.

Hotel rooms

We stayed in the Premium Sea View room, where the spaciousness is further enhanced by the panoramic glass windows and an inviting terrace ideal for a morning coffee or evening relaxation, with views of Rovinj and the glistening Adriatic. The interior reflects the omnipresent Mediterranean minimalist design: earthly hues, natural materials, and toned-down elegance create a relaxed yet sophisticated ambience. Even the clandestine TV screen, conveniently hidden in the wardrobe, exudes a sense of lavishness. The bathroom is an architectural wonder: featuring a spacious bath, a separate shower, and a separate toilet, it screams spaciousness and prestige. The room is made for the body and soul; we enjoyed the extremely comfortable bed linen and towels, and revelled in admiring the select artworks and the ambience that bridges Mediterranean design with Japandi minimalism. Each element functions intuitively, without flaws. Managing the lights and the air-conditioning has never been this simple. The spacious terrace with a table and chairs is complemented by cosy seating that made us feel as if we were in a prestigious, yet casual, beachside bar. A pearl of wisdom: an excellent hotel room is not one that aims to impress, but the one that knows how to stop time. That is its greatest asset and luxury.

Meetings centre

The conference centre functions as a self-sufficient organism whilst being logically and elegantly embedded into the hotel complex. The central banquet hall can accommodate up to 250 attendees and provides vehicle access. In turn, this opens the door to daring layouts, product launches, and events that go beyond a classic stage and theatre-style seating. The hall is complemented by three smaller, flexible meeting rooms and a private library ideal for VIP meetings, workshops or coffee breaks. The technical equipment is top-tier. All rooms follow the logic of modern meeting design with an abundance of natural daylight, excellent acoustics and an innate feeling for an event’s rhythm. Another advantage is the separate access to the conference centre, which ensures the flow of events remains undisturbed, regardless of the hotel’s hustle and bustle. We were also impressed by the numerous terraces and outdoor spaces that allow event organisers to host diverse programmes, coffee breaks and unforgettable meetings with views. At Grand Park Hotel Rovinj, the conference centre is not just infrastructure but a stage for writing stories at events. Phenomenal!

DESSERT – The extras

The infinity pool on the fifth floor is one of the hotel’s most recognisable features. The views overlooking St. Eufemia’s Church and the cityscape of Rovinj make this hotel one of the most photogenic spots on the Adriatic. Still, event organisers will appreciate another facet: the hotel is ideal for informal events, evening receptions, and gala endings, where the location is half the job done. With the right vision, the hotel’s facilities could host boutique, exclusive events with tremendous added value. The wellness & spa centre complements the conference capacities here. After an intensive event programme, it offers a relaxing ambience with its pools, saunas and treatments designed to regenerate and rebalance the body. Here, wellness is more than luxury; it is a functional tool to enhance attendees’ well-being and a reason to prolong their stay.

FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES

Considering the hotel’s relatively high prices, even outside the main tourist season, we would have expected more tiny yet paramount details that befit a hotel of this standard. These tiny gestures of goodwill usually distinguish a great institution from an excellent one. This time, apart from an apple and a biscuit in the room, we did not experience them. These need not be grand gestures, but quiet signs that let the guest know they were expected and appreciated. We hope the management goes the extra mile in the future and surprises their guests with something unique. In a hotel that is exceptional in so many ways, tiny details can become its unmistakable signature.

TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES

The hotel guide is perhaps the most telling indicator of the project’s ambition and depth. In fact, this is no classic guide but a thoughtfully designed omnibus of vignettes about Rovinj, its spirit, and the artists who helped co-create the hotel’s identity. This is content that goes beyond sharing information; it aims to establish a relation between the guest, their surroundings and the local community.

this guide plays an almost subversive role: it is a great read, in-depth and authentic.

In an era when hotels too often use generic, instantly forgettable communication, this guide plays an almost subversive role: it is a great read, in-depth and authentic. The guide is proof that the hotel not only relies on its architecture and peerless services but cultivates a culture of storytelling. The stories are those that linger in one’s memory much longer than the picture-postcard views or the flawless room. Inspiring!

SUSTAINABLE ENDEAVOURS

At Grand Park Hotel Rovinj, sustainability is not on a declaratory level – it is a well-thought-out operating system founded on data and certificates. In fact, the hotel has obtained the ISO 14001 environmental management certificate, which attests to its consistent energy efficiency. Together with the neighbouring Monte Mulini, also owned by Maistra Hospitality Group, the two resorts have been recognised as sustainability leaders according to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Independent evaluations of their sustainable practices have shown the same. Besides the certificates, the hotel’s architecture seeps into the hill to reduce the visual and environmental footprint, while natural materials and energy-efficient solutions enrich the holistic strategy. Local, seasonal products dominate the gastronomy. Not least, the wellness treatments rely on Istrian natural resources.

It is always intriguing to observe how time can (re)shape a perception of a hotel. When first glancing at a new hotel, a guest is often in awe of the design, the novelties and the ambition. We, too, were speechless when first visiting, impressed by Grand Park Hotel Rovinj’s opulence and confident design. Yet a hotel shows its true colours only after years of hosting numerous events, numerous guests, and daily use.

Grand Park Hotel Rovinj is, without a shred of doubt, the finest incentive hotel around.

Having hosted numerous events and welcoming countless guests, the hotel was ripe for our second evaluation. Upon returning, we adopted a more rational approach, yet we were still as astonished as before. The project has surpassed the framework of most hotel investments – it’s become a refined, curated tourist story that can easily be placed among the region’s best. Numerous details continue to sway guests, but the greatest trump card is the staff, who are proud of their work, professional and dedicated to fulfilling every guest’s whim. In terms of hosting events and curating incentive programmes, Grand Park Hotel Rovinj is without a shred of doubt the finest incentive hotel around. The combination of architecture, location, gastronomy, wellness, and flawless organisational and logistical support fosters an environment that impresses not only the attendees but also the event organisers themselves. This is no run-of-the-mill hotel simply hosting events, but a place where events transform into experiences. Is that not the mantra of all event organisers?

FINAL GRADE: 4.99 THREE MEETING STARS⭐⭐⭐ Resort Meeting Hotel 

3 MEETING STARS⭐⭐⭐ final score from 4.81 to 5.00
2 MEETING STARS⭐⭐ final score from 4.61 to 4.80
1 MEETING STAR⭐ final score from 4.41 to 4.60