Katoro 18, Umag, Croatia | (937) 315-4602
Family-focused
all-inclusive resort hotel on the Istrian coast
All rooms open to
furnished balconies
Buffet
restaurant plus weekly a la carte menu
Freeform outdoor
pool with separate kids' pool
Terrace with loungers overlooking the sea
Range of leisure
activities and kids' club
Free parking and Wi-Fi
Rooms and parts of the resort are dated
Tube-style TVs
in rooms
Rooms can be
prone to noise
The Sol Aurora is a 306-room, all-inclusive, mid-range resort hotel located on Croatia's Istrian coast, a couple of miles from the coastal city of Umag. Rooms are functional, with basic amenities and furnished balconies, but in need of a refresh. The quality food is a highlight, though the number of free drinks is limited. While there's little in the way of wow factor here, and parts of the resort are dated, Sol Aurora is a solid, family-focused hotel with kid-friendly amenities. Travelers without children in tow might want to check out the adult-only and more upscale Melia Coral.
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Scene
Unpretentious, all-inclusive resort with family-focus and sandy beach
Much like the hotel itself, arrival at the Sol Aurora is a straightforward affair -- a small circular fountain fronts a simple, modern portico that marks the entrance to the low-rise main building. The reception area is bright and spacious, with a light-toned color scheme, minimal contemporary furniture, and chain hotel aesthetics. Rooms are arranged around several terra-cotta-roofed buildings, which are surrounded by numerous pine trees set in pleasant gardens that slope gently down to a concrete-and-rock beach. The vibe is family-focused, with a relaxed and unpretentious emphasis on fun. Expect plenty of kids splashing around in the pool or engaged in one of the many -- occasionally boisterous -- activities on-site.
Location
Set on Croatia's Istrian coast, 10 minutes from the city of Umag
The hotel is located on northern Croatia's Istrian coast in the popular vacation resort area of Katoro. The coastline is characterized by rocky -- and the occasional pebbly -- beaches overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic. The property is set in well-tended grounds surrounded by numerous pine trees, with a paved footpath that leads to the sea. A tourist train also runs along the seafront into the small coastal city of Umag, which has plenty of bars and restaurants, plus a smattering of medieval buildings and museums. The nearest international airport is Pula, which is about an hour's drive from the hotel. There's ample free parking in front of the hotel.
Rooms
Functional, but dated rooms have basic amenities and furnished balconies.
The Sol Aurora has 306 rooms spread over four floors. Rooms are dated, decorated in a simple style of green carpeted floors, floral fabrics, and light wood furniture. All rooms have sliding doors that open to furnished balconies -- most overlook the pine-filled gardens, though some have partial sea views. Amenities are sparse, with tube-style TVs, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi; suites have lounge areas with couches and flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms are well-maintained, with shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and basic toiletries provided. Guests have complained about poor soundproofing in rooms.
Features
Good quality food and plenty of leisure facilities
As an all-inclusive property, the main restaurant serves a buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which are included in the room rates. Locally produced alcoholic drinks, sodas, and snacks are also included. Additionally, an a la carte dinner at the Terazza al Mar restaurant is served once a week. Food is varied and good, though the free drinks can lack variety (imported drinks are available for a fee).
A main feature is the freeform swimming pool, with a separate splash pool for kids, which is surrounded by white plastic loungers and umbrellas. The terrace with loungers overlooking the sea is another popular spot for guests. There's also a wide range of sports and leisure activities, such as archery and tennis, plus a kids' club for 5- to 12-year-olds.
