Lanterna 2, Porec, Croatia | (937) 315-4602
Close to the beach and set on lovely tree-filled grounds
Simple apartments have kitchens, living rooms, and balconies
Kitchens are equipped with four-burner stoves, microwaves, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges
Restaurant provides outdoor seating with lovely sea views
Free parking on-site
Free Wi-FI available at reception
Dated property with basic, dated decor
Apartments have old appliances, plus some lack TVs, microwaves, and/or electric kettles
No AC or fans in aparments; can be hot
No Wi-Fi in apartments, only available at reception
Larger youth groups are common and can be loud
A budget property offering 547 apartments, the seasonal Apartments Lanterna attracts travelers seeking an inexpensive Croatian beach holiday, especially families and groups from neighboring countries. Apartments are basic and dated, with kitchens, living rooms, and balconies. They lack air-conditioning or fans, which can be problematic, plus Wi-Fi is only available at reception. There's not much in terms of features beyond a restaurant that has a nice outdoor area with pretty sea views, plus the property grounds themselves are lovely. There are a couple of beaches -- mostly rocky/pebble ones with sunbathing terraces -- that can be reached in 10 to 15 minutes on foot. For travelers who require a pool, the Naturist Solaris Residence Hotel is a good alternative, but rates are higher.
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Scene
Budget, dated all-apartment property on pretty grounds
This two-pearl apartment property is a modest place, but it fits the bill for unfussy tourists on a budget. The property is part of the Valamar brand and there are several neighboring sister properties that comprise a village of sorts. The lobby, announced by old-school signage and a lighthouse image sprouting from its low roof, is a simple space full of light thanks to a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. There's not much here beyond a long blue and white reception desk. A couple of blue upholstered wooden chairs offer some seating, and leafy potted plants add color to the space.
The restaurant has the same sort of basic, slightly stuck-in-the-past, but inoffensive look. Wooden tables topped with white linens are tightly packed together, while spherical paper lanterns glow above them, hanging from the peaked wooden ceiling. Walls are lined with large windows, illuminating the space with natural light and green plants sprout here and there. There is plenty of outdoor seating as well, and this is the real highlight as there are beautiful sea views from the spacious patio terrace. The surrounding grounds are lovely; full of oak trees that provide respite from the sun.
Guests are mainly from Croatia and neighboring countries, as well as Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia. Most are families seeking a cheap vacation. Overall, it's a good choice for those seeking an inexpensive getaway, but expectations should be adequately managed -- it's a two-pearl property and doesn't deliver any more than that. Note that the property attracts groups, particularly youth groups, who can be loud and cause noise issues at night.
Location
Near the beach on the Lanterna Peninsula
The hotel is situated near the sea on the Lanterna Peninsula in northern Croatia. It's a beach resort area and vacation destination, with several other properties and campgrounds nearby. There are a couple of dining options within a 10- to 15-minute walk, including cafes, bars, and restaurants. Many more options are near a sandy beach that's a 15-minute walk away. Most of the beaches in the area are pebble beaches, but they have sunbathing terraces where visitors can rent loungers and umbrellas. The nearest larger supermarket, Tommy Hypermarket, is a six-minute drive away.
Porec, a popular summer resort, has a lovely old town with a 6th-century basilica and is about a 20-minute drive south. The Baredine Cave is a 15-minute drive away, while those who want to venture further can head to Rovinj or Pula, both about an hour away by car. The Pula Airport is about an hour's drive away, and the Trieste Airport in Italy is a two-hour drive from here.
Rooms
Dated apartments with kitchens, living rooms, and balconies -- some multiple bedrooms
The property offers apartments that sleep three, four, and six people. These are simple spaces with basic, dated decor: it's not particularly attractive, but it's adequate and clean. Floors are tiled and furnishings are a simple wooden style. Colorful striped curtains in all windows add a kitschy pop of color to the soft neutral hues. Living rooms are furnished with couches and have small older TVs. Kitchens are equipped with four-burner stoves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers/electric kettles, microwaves, and cooking/dishware. Note that there is no Wi-Fi, but it's available for free at reception. Another missed amenity is air-conditioning and fans, which can be problematic in the heat. Bedrooms are simply furnished with beds (two twin beds joined together to form a double bed), nightstands, wardrobes, and tiny desks. All apartments also have balconies, which are partially enclosed and furnished with tables and chairs. Simple, small bathrooms are covered in tile and have shower/tub combos. Toiletries are not provided. Guests have remarked that some apartments are missing certain amenities like TVs and microwaves.
Features
Restaurant and Wi-Fi in the lobby, but not much else
There's not much here in terms of facilities. The hotel has a restaurant that opens onto a large outdoor space with lovely views of the sea. It features show cooking and an a la carte menu, though most guests choose to utilize their kitchens anyway. Food includes wood fire oven pizzas and Mediterranean fare, and it's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (take-away is also available). Half-board rates are available. Parking is free on the hotel's lot and free Wi-Fi is available at reception but not in apartments, a big downer for many. Laundry services are available for an extra charge.
