Smart Selection Hotel Istra

I am currently staying at the Smart Selection Hotel in Opatija and can honestly say it is the worst experience I have ever encountered. 1) Despite us having a long flight and headed up to check into the hotel at 1.55pm (check in is at 2pm) they refused to check us in and made us wait a few more minutes until the clock struck 2pm. Extremely rude staff, no customer service or value. 2) No mini fridge or safe in the room to be used (you have to pay extra to use the safe in reception) 3) Dirty swimming pool and tiny, not like the pictures at all. 4) Basic rooms, have been renovated but to a low standard. 5) You cannot buy drinks from the bar downstairs and bring them to your room which is ridiculous. The staff are awful, if you are heading to Opatija I would recommend you pick a different hotel.

I was looking for a last minute weeks holiday after the stress of moving house. Booked with tui half board plus also the hotel has had a full refurbishment . The coach driver took the sea view road which had lovey scenery but wasn’t well suited for large vehicles. When we arrived the reception staff were friendly and informative. The lift seemed as tho someone was turning a wheel as it screeched between floors, you could go straight to the restaurant and indoor pool/ outside from the lift. Our room was clean with shower in bathroom. Fresh towels and toiletries when needed. There was nowhere inside shower to keep toiletries so everything went on the floor. The bed was very comfortable but the pillows were the worst I’ve ever encountered so lumpy. We took kettle etc .Staff on the door of restaurant greeted everyone with a smile but the staff inside the restaurant just kept there heads down got on with clearing tables. Going in it was like going into a school cafeteria, very loud no atmosphere. Most nights we managed to get a window table with sea view . Good choice of food with help yourself local beer /red or white wine/soft drinks. The lay out of the restaurant meant the kitchen door way was blocked with people lining up for food. Some of the staff were annoyed they couldn’t get trollies in or food out. Breakfast was a little calmer with plenty of choice of hot/cold fresh food. No entertainment except guy one night playing accordion around the restaurant. There are sun beds outside with mattress free also umbrellas that are paid for. Small childrens pool had no rail to hold onto with slippery steps.l lost my footing and fell onto my back. Concrete bathing area with steps or metal ladder into the sea which on a few days was very choppy. Lots of small cafes,shops, restaurants near the hotel. Lovely walk way along the front all one level, goes on for few miles. Also you can walk to nearby beaches. The indoor pool was lovely so warm but far smaller then in photos. The seaside town of Opatija with its grand villas, parks and scenery is a beautiful place with friendly locals. We stayed here as we wanted to visit Plitvic National Park which was a few hours drive