If you know me you know how I live to travel. For me traveling is the only thing you pay for which makes you richer and we know right now, with the world suffering as it is – that just isn’t possible as it was before.

So you can imagine my surprise when a friend of mine was able to come to Istria for a few days mid pandemic. Somehow everything aligned and they were able to visit me.

Being a very gracious host I obviously wanted to show them all the best part of my region and Rovinj was number one.

I have visited the city so many times but never stayed and so when I got the opportunity to stay in The Melegran, one of the cities newest and chicest boutique hotels it was too good to miss.

And really the change of mindset the trip has given me, even if just a short road ride away from where I spend my summers.

So let me tell you about this gem of a hotel.

It opened 2 years ago and is a modern, stylish and cool place. It’s tucked up in the heart of the old town, less than few minutes walk from the church and all the cool sea-side bars for evening drinks.

The reception is also a neat cocktail bar and from here you get the first feeling of the hotel.

Velvet stools and Art Deco vibes with a cool colour palate and the friendliest staff you could hope for. 

Our room was in a second building (just one of the quirks of this place) but less than few meters walk down a beautiful cobbler street from reception.

It was a suite, downstairs two bedrooms with their own luxurious yet modern bathrooms, gold fixtures and marble walls.

The rooms had perfect comfy beds and fun touches like retro Hollywood film posters or tropical bird ornaments and hooks.

The upper floor housed a boho chic lounge, kitchen area complete with SMEG x Dolce and Gabbana appliances – which we loved!

And then a terrace of dreams….

 

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With views over to St Katarina Island and over the roof tops to the famous St Euphemia bell tower.

It is truly amazing. 

The details and careful thinking of the owners shine through, from the scent of the hotel which welcomes you in reception and in the stairway of the annex, to the neon signs and eclectic but beautiful cups and plates.

It feels both homely and luxurious. And was a perfectly proportioned and positioned home away from home for 2 days exploring the city and the islands. They have even just opened a cool little lounge for guests to use at any point, with a small library, tv, bathroom and tea and coffee facilities so you can pop in and chill before you head out again.

The Melegran is a tonic, a real escape from the norm and it stands out from the more traditional hotels you can find.

 

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So if when the world goes back to whatever normal might be and you are thinking of exploring Istria or even right now and you are a bit more local and want to have that holiday feeling whilst staying in your homeland check them out you will not be disappointed! 

Thank you for the nice stay, Melegran Hotel.

Visit https://melegran.com for more.