This hotel is in a beautiful location. The sea view rooms and the pool area look out through some trees out onto the sea, and it really is idyllic.
We were half board and the restaurant and food were fine both for breakfast and dinner. It was plentiful and they had a themed evening one or two nights. There is a poolside bar which sells sandwiches etc for lunch.
Rooms are clean and comfortable.
There is a very cheap tourist train that takes you into Umag which is nice to look round, but very quiet and there isn't that much to see. There are some very nice restaurants overlooking the sea, the opposite side of the town to where the train drops you off.
There are lots of activities, both put on by the entertainments team, and for you to do on your own - giant chess, ping pong etc.
The pool was kept very clean but was often very busy. There was usually a problem with there not being enough sunbeds around the pool. This wasn't a major issue for us though, as the hotel is adjacent to the sea where there is a long concrete sunbathing areas with sunbeds for use. The sea is fine to swim in.

The only real negative about the hotel - I thought the hotel entertainment was terrible, Mr&Mrs competitions and similar all week. The worst part was that it was held outside and this meant that if you were in a room overlooking the pool you had no choice but to listen to it (as it could be clearly heard in your room) until it finished at around midnight.

We went to the hotel during the Croatia Tennis Open week in July. There are lots of outdoor discos and entertainment during this time, which are very loud and go on all night, and the noise really carries. This kept us awake every night that we were there during the tennis tournament. I assume this wouldn't be a problem except during that specific time period though!

Overall, the hotel was lovely, very clean, positioned beautifully, a brilliant location for exploring Istria. I would recommend it.

My partner and I have just returned from holiday in Croatia so I thought a quick review might be in order. We booked through Thomsons on-line and very efficient they were apart from the tickets not arriving (no fault of their's, apparently), we picked them up at the airport. The Sol Auroura itself was quite a good hotel perhaps marred by the amount of cigarette smoke in the reception/lounge bar area. As it was the end of the season most of the attractions were closing down which didn't trouble us a lot but most of the excusions were still available which we took advantage of. At one time we had no hot water, but this was resolved when the hotel had a gas delivery! I think that the only grumble that we had was the food, which was invarably on the chilly side and realy not enough variation. Mostly leftovers from dinner found their way onto the breakfast servery,brussel sprouts and cold peas would you believe! and chips. All in all not a bad stay by any means but I think improvements can be made. I think our judgement was perhaps marred by an excellent stay at the Istra Laguna at Porec two years ago, and we were expecting the same.

We have just returned from a lovely weeks holiday at The Sol Aurora, Umag. Here is our experience of the hotel.

On arrival, we were greeted by friendly reception staff who supplied us with all the information we required. The hotel was nicely decorated and spotlessly clean. Our room, likewise, with an efficient maid service being provided daily.

The location of the hotel is in peaceful surroundings with plenty of sunbeds to choose from (around the pool or immediately infront of the hotel on the bathing areas). We loved feeding the squirrels every day in the trees closeby and the 'noddy train' to the town of Umag ran from the hotel on a regular basis. Buses to Porec could also be caught from the town of Umag.

Buffet style food was plentiful and if one didn't try to eat everything on view each night, it would be difficult to get bored with the variety of food on offer (as mentioned by a previous reviewer).

Most of the entertainment in the hotel was quite 'amateurish' but there was much enthusiasm put into it by the entertainment staff so it's hard to be unkind. A 2piece band were, however, very good.

We found most of the staff very friendly and helpful (particularly Roberto, one of the bar staff). We will admit, a couple of bar staff didn't smile often but our attempts to say good morning (dobro jutro), please (molim) and thankyou (hvala) did eventually raise smiles from them. As few staff spoke fluent english, they clearly appreciated our efforts, no matter how small, and this encouraged more communication and fun between us.

For anyone wanting a relaxing holiday in pleasant surroundings, this hotel is ideal. Our only suggestion to the hotel would be to provide a courtesy room for guests to freshen up in before their flight home. Paying a fee to extend the hire of your room is an option although we chose to freshen up in the toilets. Check out is 10am.

I agree with the previous review dont believe all you read. all you need on holiday is a clean room and friendly staff, this place has it! yes the food is repetitive but if you dont stuff your face every night with everything that is out you will be able to have something different!

There were no large groups here in fact we commented how extremely quiet the hotel was after 11pm. there are not many english that is why there english is basic but surely this is a good thing, and maybe those of you moaning they couldnt speak it should try learning their language!!

It is worth mentioning that a room with a pool/sea view is certainly worth paying for. we upgraded on arrival and this way it cost more.

There is a guy who walks around the pool selling an excursion (Kristina Excursions) to rovinji - NOW THIS IS A MUST SEE PLACE. we are currently looking to holiday there next year. Again you are likely to be the only english on board but they tell you everything in your language and you get to see the beautiful coastline of croatia.

You do need to get the train as it is a walk into Umag after 1hr 20 min we had still not arrived but the train is only £1.25 but just be careful as it does get busy coming back and you are best to try and get on at the last stop.

Overall a thoroughly enjoyable holiday, but maybe not the best of rooms but like the other review says - Why are you in them???

Relax, be happy and just enjoy!! A holiday is what you make it!!!