On the west coast of
Croatia‘s Istrian Peninsula, The Melegran hotel offers
colourful, boutique-style respite with a good dose of local
experiences on its doorstep.

Discreetly tucked down a narrow lane, The Melegran is a
delightful 12-room boutique hotel in the old town of Rovinj, a
hilltop fishing port on the west coast of Croatia’s picturesque
Istrian Peninsula.

Occupying an historic four-storey stone building, the hotel is
the ideal base from which to experience the charms of this
understated region, from wine and
olive-oil tasting to
truffle hunting, or simply swimming and sunbathing in one of
the pretty coves of nearby Katarina Island.

Rooms

There are 12 characterful rooms, each a different shape and size
– some with their own kitchens – all with cheerful, modern
interiors and amenities including Netflix, Marshall bluetooth
speakers, Nespresso machines and Cowshed bathroom products. Fun
Olivetti typewriters sit on desks that overlook the old town’s
cobblestone streets lined with wonky shuttered buildings and drying
laundry. Air-conditioning, minibars, hairdryers, safes and Wi-Fi
are included and, for those heading out for a swim, there’s a
towel-filled beach bag at hand. Plump for The Combo, in which two
luxe rooms are connected by a private kitchenette on the hotel’s
light and airy top floor.

What’s for breakfast?

The Melegran’s breakfast offering is soon-to-come, but for now,
the hotel provides the option for guests to dine at the nearby
Hotel Adriatic, which serves an
à la carte menu of the usual suspects including omelettes and
pastries. For those booked in The Combo or The Studio, make use of
the kitchens to whip up your own brunch.

How about lunch and dinner?

Some of Croatia’s best seafood restaurants are right on your
doorstep. After a day spent swimming and sunning yourself on the
rocky beaches, head to the eateries that tumble from the coastline
and tuck into fresh seafood dishes with a glass of wine. For night
out, meander to Rovinj’s newly developed marina and promenade,
where there is an array of dining options backdropped by the
sparkling Adriatic.

Is there a bar?

The hotel’s hole-in-the-wall reception pulls double duty as a
streetside bar, which serves beautifully concocted G&Ts, making
it a great preprandial stop.

Amenities

The Melegran might be small, but you won’t fall short when it
comes to convenience, comfort and experiences. Outside of the
activities that highlight Istria’s main draws – such as olive oil,
wine and truffles – the hotel has a stash of bicycles, offered on a
complimentary basis with direct bookings, while other experiences
include jazz evenings and island hopping on speed boats.

Things you should know

While The Melegran’s location in Rovinj‘s
old town provides the best seclusion and culture, if you are going
to make your way into the interior to experience truffle hunting or
olive oil and wine tasting, then make sure to plan it on the same
day, as most of these experiences are in the same direction, about
an hour’s drive from The Melegran. The old town does not allow cars
past a certain point, but the hotel has its very own buggy that can
come collect you (and your luggage) when you arrive.

Within a short walk, you can find…

A web of steep, cobblestone streets and small squares,
punctuated by a tall church spire at its highest point, with views
of the sparkling Adriatic Sea and beyond.