We at Sunvil, consider this hotel to be a real “find”. It is officially a three star hotel but so many aspects are four star. There is an endless feeling of space, a feeling of a hotel set in a beautiful private park which happens to be on a tiny island five minutes from Rovinj. There are excellent views across to Rovinj. Island Hotel Katarina is utterly charming and rather special.
We cannot emphasise strongly enough that this hotel appeals to families with children in July and August but feels like a totally different property in May, June, September and October (the hotel usually closes around 15 October, varies each year). In those periods, it will be more relaxing, less busy and sea temperatures will be warm in June, September, October (June approx. 21C, September approx. 24C, October approx. 20C).
Rooms are spacious, the pool and beach areas are excellent and there is a rather stylish feel about this property (which was once the private home of a Polish Count) on its very own island
Looking at the hotel from Rovinj, from any view, the building still appears almost like part of a castle amid tall pine trees. The location is quite stunning, just 5 minutes by hotel operated boat (free of charge to hotel guests) to the centre of Rovinj and there is a regular schedule. Last boat either way is usually midnight or 00:30. First boat of the morning is usually 05:30.
There are two buildings: one where the reception and restaurants are and the other to the left on arrival by boat with an ornamental pond and fountain in front of it. The first building has double (or twin) rooms and the other building has family rooms and suites. All accommodation has either a balcony or terrace.
The island is like a private park with beautiful Mediterranean gardens and a slightly wider feel through the pine woods that fringe the beaches, both pebble and rocky. There are pebble beaches near the hotel and a stone beach deck at the Batina beach restaurant, open 11-7 which offers hire of two sunbeds and a parasol (daily charge).
Sunbeds and parasols are free of charge on the pebble beach close to the hotel and beach towels can be hired (daily charge of approximately £2.50. This may increase for 2024 and weekly beach towel hire can be more economical).
The outside pool area is impressive with two adult pools and a small children's pool. Sunbeds are free of charge at the pool terrace and there is a pool bar.
Main buffet restaurant is in rustic style, slightly reminiscent of a Spanish parador and has a nice outdoor terrace. Buffet breakfast and dinner and a la carte menu is also available. Badina restaurant is a la carte and operates from 11-7.
Pedalos, canoes and SUP’s can be hired subject to availability (charge applies). There is a tennis court with equipment hire (charge applies) plus table tennis and mini golf.
Children's club from June to September although most children are in residence in July and August. Clubs usually operate from 11:30 – 15:30 and are for ages 4-12.
In the main season, there is live music three – four evenings per week.
Accommodation
- There are 113 spacious bedrooms including double rooms, family rooms and suites. One building is home to the double rooms and another building, just a few steps away has family rooms and suites
- Views from all rooms vary and are partial sea view or across the gardens-parkland.
Amenities/Features
- Unlimited boat travel to and from Rovinj
- Lounge seating areas and pretty outside terraces
- Lobby bar and terrace
- Main buffet restaurant, rustic décor inside and spacious seating plus outside seating for breakfast and dinner. A la carte menu available .
- Batina a la carte beach restaurant and bar with sunbathing deck and sunbeds, parasols (charge applies)
- Pebble beach with free sunbeds and parasols
- Stylish outdoor swimming pools, two for adults, one for children and terrace surround
- High quality live entertainment some evenings June-September
- Animation programme for adults and children June to September
- Childrens club June to September, ages 4-12 , daily 11:30 - 15.30
- Hire of SUP’s and pedalos
- Free Wifi throughout hotel (reception may vary due to island location)
- Lift
Please note that the restaurants, bars and local facilities on Katarina island are cash-free (cards only). The Island Katarina Hotel accepts cash at the hotel reception only.