I'd been to Porec before but only for a few days and loved it so wanted to return. My partner and I chose the Valamar Crystal based on value and reviews we'd read. The reviews were accurate as when you arrive you are faced with a concrete mostrosity of a building, however do not be put off! The hotel had clearly been refurbished and inside it was so lovely with a big reception area and cocktail bar and at the back a large decked area overlooking the pool where we drank cocktails in the evening. The rooms were very clean, and tastefully decorated in a modern style. The hotel was quite quiet with little night life or entertainment but this was due to when we went as the summer season had not yet begun but based on what I saw when I was there, karaoke etc I'm sure it would improve! We went half board and the food was great with a very extensive buffet that varied every day, however go to dinner earlier rather than later as when it was very busy it was sometimes hard to find a table and the table cloths were often dirty and the tables took a while to be cleared. The staff were polite and helpful. Wine and beer were free and unlimited at dinner which we were amazed by however you can't take it out of the dining room! Drinks in the cocktail bar were quite expensive.

The hotel is set in a wooded area 5 minutes walk down to the sea and a 15 minute walk from historic Porec which is well worth the trip and a little train runs too and from the town frequently, but i'd reccomend the walk. Food and drink was very cheap and we ate out several times. There are no beaches in Porec, mainly concrete man-made areas but the pool and decking around it was so nice with lots of sunbeds that we didn't mind at all!

I would definitely return to this hotel and reccomend it to families and couples including young people if the 18-30's scene isn't for you!

Very pleased with our choice, booked transfers on Ryanair website from airport to hotel (approx 45 mins), transfer rep suggested if we tipped, driver would leave us to hotel and not bus station as stated. Driver left us right at door, we arrived approx 9.30pm, reception informed us because we were half board and late arrival, to leave luggage in room and go to dining room where we found plated meat, cheese & eggs with bread, fruit and orange juice, very welcome. Plenty of choice at breakfast and dinner, with free beer and wine on tap at dinner. Very clean, staff all lovely, location very pretty, about 30 min walk into Porec town. Only downside much older crowd, evening entertainment bit repetitive and very quiet, but this was probably due to time of year (middle/late September). Lot of water sports nearby and big into cycling, bike hire everywhere. Took day trip to Venice on catamaran, bit apprehensive as had read some horror stories on reviews, wasn't that bad, did have motion sickness for a few days, but would get that from flying anyway. Lovely country and people, would visit Croatia again, perhaps different area, would choose Valamar hotels again, great service and reasonable price

We have just enjoyed an excellent stay at the Varamar Crystal. The recent refurb has resulted in a very stylish, clean, comfortable hotel with all the amenites you can can ask for. The standards were high, equivalent to an english 4* at least. (Not so attractive from the outside though!)

We don't have children but there was plenty to keep all the chldren there occupied which resulted in peace and quiet! Lots of activities, sports, watersports, spa etc within a few mins walk. Plus lots of daytime and evening activities for children and adults onsite.

Its a lovely stroll into Porec through the woodland walk. Porec is very clean with a nice harbour and traditional shopping area with chic shops. The resort itself reminds me of a combination of 'centre parks' on the sea with an italian influence in terms of architecture and food but with eastern european culture. Very unique.

We also visited Lim Fyord and Rovinj which were very nice too. Will definately return to Croatia in the future.

This Hotel was excellent value for money,our first visit to Croatia and we loved it.The Hotel has been recently refurbished , very nice rooms with air-conditioning and comfortable beds.Whole complex was kept very clean.We stayed half-board,the dining room is huge and we always found a table easily,large choice of dishes,all self-service,ate too much at every meal! added bonus of free drinks,including wine and beer.Every evening there was entertainment and a variety of activities during the day as well.The adjoining Hotel Diamont has a nice gym and indoor pool which you could use for a small charge.There was also an excellent dentist,(had a filling done and she reconstructed my toooth ,I was well impressed!) .A short walk took you into Porec which is very pretty.We did a couple of boat trips just walk along the harbour and see which one you fancy,we went to Rovinj on one trip.We are already planning to re -visit Croatia.