維拉吾拉塔精品飯店(Boutique Hotel Vela Vrata)

This was a wonderful experience in the mountains of Istria, close to the border with Slovenia. A truly charming hotel atop a winding and narrow road in the Stari Grad from the modern part of town below. The surrounding scenery presented a range of stunning views of the hills and valley below. Amazingly, we were able to park outside the hotel without charge and I remain confused by the one parking meter 10 yards away which appeared not to be necessary for anyone parked in front of the hotel ! On the first evening, we dined in the restaurant on the ground floor. Service and food both excellent and entertainment provided by a group of male Austrian Cyclists (12 in number) relaxing after a testing day on the hilly terrain around, whom we got talking to. As they were offered a post-dinner schnapps, we felt it only proper we should be considered honorary members of the group and were similarly rewarded by the waiting team, which we very much appreciated. This led me into a conversation with head waiter, Dean, who turned out to be a fan of English Premier League and, amazingly, a particular fan of Arsenal. We thank him in particular for his attentive service and good humour. Thanks also to the endlessly helpful lady at reception who provided us with some details of a local walk which took us down the very steep hillside and along the valley of the River Mirna towards Buzetski Canyon on Saturday ensuring we had a most healthy appetite for dinner that evening. We dined just as well as the first evening at a lovely restaurant just round the corner and up the hill from the hotel, Vero Tartufo, I think, famous for truffles. Breakfast was served on the top floor in a large room with a most abundant presentation of food and very helpful staff. I particularly enjoyed the pre-made cereal/fruit and yoghurt jars and wide range of breads and croissants. The old town is very charming and easily walked around in 15 minutes with plenty of history recorded on various plaques. Minor point : why dinner in restaurant couldn't be charged to room ? Is it a different ownership ? By the way, there was also excellent outdoor seating with beautiful views.

Fantastic location, in a small hill town. Fantastic food and service. The WiFi was spotty in our room, but fantastic in public areas. We had dinner along the perimeter wall and watched the sun go down and the moon rise. Magical!

Ottimo hotel nella piccola buzet camere spaziose ben servite e ottima la pulizia, la zona spa e bellissima e ottima l'idea che la prenoti è tutta la zona è totalmente escusiva per te e x chi con te, molto bella anche la piscina coperta e riscaldata, super la colazione, il personale molto gentile e molto qualificato, ottimo il prezzo. Peccato per il parcheggio un po' troppo piccolo.

We arrived after a long walk to be told our suitcases were in the ground floor restaurant and there was no lift None of the staff initially offered to help until the nice waiter came along. But he only did one bag and the rest we had to carry up ourselves for 3 floors. We subsequently discovered that there was a lift but only for use by hotel staff and not for luggage. Not at all sure how a disabled or limited mobility person would cope. Poor meal in restaurant ( see review). Frequently no one on reception and the second night sleep was disturbed by a birthday party in the street below, which moved into the hotel and then poor sound proofing between rooms and shouting at 4 in the morning. There was clearly no night Porter on to keep an eye on things. We had to get our own suitcases down on leaving though the receptionist suddenly thought about helping. Bathroom was supposed to be state of the art but was tiny and no obvious plug. Rooms were small and poky. Swimming pool looked tired, most of the jacuzzi jets did not work and the extra jets in the shower by the pool also did not work.

We spent a great wellness weekend at Vela Vrata. The hotel and the surroundings are perfect for a relaxing holiday. The wellness center and the swimming pool area are very well mantained. The hotel restauran is the only one in the area (besides Zigante) that offers typical Istrian food but with a modern touch. The hotel and restaurant staff vas very nice and kind and always looking on how to please the guests. We will surely be back!

Mooi zwembad, lekkere jacuzzi en sauna. Het ontbijt is top verzorgd en het terras nodigt uit voor een borrel. Proef de truffel in de pasta met diner of frittata bij het ontbijt. Er is ook massage. Ons advies is om een grotere kamer te nemen met bubbelbad. Hele mooie omgeving. Vanuit Buzet ben je binnen 45 min. bij grotten, stranden en leuke berg stadjes en toeristische kustplaatsjes.