Hotel Piran

The hotel staff let down what would otherwise be a nice, albeit over-priced hotel. One particular staff member (Domagoj) was so rude that it was difficult to enjoy the other aspects of the hotel. When we raised a complaint that the hotel had sold all their sun beds to external guests and not left enough for guests, his response was a sarcastic “what do you want me to do”. Then upon checking out he charged us for parking, even when we showed him our booking said it was free. He became incredibly argumentative, even going so far as to snatch the ticket, storm out the room and shout that we can’t leave until we pay. Once he returned from this tantrum, he agreed to let us talk to a manager about the issue (who was just as unhelpful, but at least not as outrightly aggressive).

In the Piran area facing the sea with an interesting wine bar and a rooftop cocktail bar

Friendly and helpful staff

I received a very nice welcome at the front desk. Very friendly and accommodating staff. Small beachfront hotel since 1913, literally a few meters from the Adriatic Sea. Fairly well-kept considering it is over 110 years old, when bedroom and bathroom designs were much smaller than today’s versions (be prepared for that). Old but adequately furnished. I had a room on the second floor with a water view. A small balcony with an old-style wrought iron handrail painted white gave a pretty contrast against the blue of the sky and sea. However, I couldn’t use the balcony as many of the other balconies were filled with people smoking. Because of the smoke, I had to keep my doors closed instead of enjoying the freshness of the sea breeze. Unfortunately located in one of the most visited cities in Istria, parking, biking, and moving around in general is busy and/or difficult. However, nothing is very far in Piran, it is a very compact town with many narrow streets. You can walk this whole place in a day. Between the restaurant on a first floor terrace below, a seaside walkway and tiny jetty, it’s a popular space for people exercising, swimming or meeting between the hotel and the sea, making it quite noisy. Spent two nights here. Except for the coffee (machine made), breakfast was one of the best in the three weeks I traveled this area. From smoothies to gluten-free to vegan to anything you can possibly think of. Great that we can sit by the sea while eating on a terrace enclosed with glass walls open to the sea when the weather is nice. Since there’s only one small elevator, it can get a bit slow or hectic going up/down to your room. I chose the stairs each time to avoid waiting. Good place to watch sunrise/sunset over the sea, sailboat regatta, people, etc.

It is the most beautiful setting in Piran, I will definitely be back in May or September for a longer stay

Great classical-type of hotel with excellent location by the the sea and the promenade with its string of wonderful restaurants and beatiful old houses.