We spent three days here, and there are good points and bad points about the place. To start with the good points.
The spa services and the facility were very nice. The staff provided a great, professional experience at very reasonable prices.
The pool and pool deck were nice, great sunning area.
Hotel was close to the Umag passenger train that makes transportation a breeze up and down the coastline.
The breakfast was well presented and included everything you could want.

Bad points:
Our room was just plain shop-worn, please note the photographic evidence provided. Mismatched furniture, stained carpets, very poor airconditioning system, etc. The a/c in the building is an older chill-water system, and we were at the end of a long hall.... they sent techs three times, but, it never cooled the room. One of the reasons we selected this place was due to the availability of aircon. We have traveled extensively and this was not a four-star resort room, maybe equal to a below-average Super 8 in the US.

While some of the staff were very nice, some were indifferent, some downright surly. Many of them didn't seem to think it was a problem to break in front of guests in the buffet line, one on the pool deck (Mario) became belligerent when he didn't understand I needed to pay with card not cash. Many just need to be taught to smile at the guests.... even if it is a fake one....

The dinner meal was not that great. When I think "four star resort", I would at least like the food to be equal to buffet service on a basic cruise line, and it was not. In fact, I didn't think the food was as good as what you get for $10 per person at a Golden Corral buffet in the US.

We love Croatia and Umag is a nice destination that we might return to, however, I would recommend that you try somewhere else, we will.

Very nice hotel, servis ist OK, peopel were nice, food good

We visited the hotel in the end of winter. It was very cold in the room,I tried to turn it up but it just turned back on 20C. Food was terrible,during our visit there was about 200 hundred football and handball players so they grabbed everything ok. Showcooking restaurant,no no. Cook made a pizza and took it behind for staff and we had to eat two terrible peaces,no thanx. Wellness have too much light. Only good thing is big indoor pool. Fitness terrible,everything damadged.

Village Sol Garden Istra consists of 3 buildings that are surrounding swimming pools and the hotel Sol Garden Istra. We were placed in a building called Pinea (room was facing the swimming pool).
Reception is at the hotel, where you await your turn to check in (cca. 15-20 min).
You are then given the directions to your designated building (free parking included). At the building you are greeted by large piles of dirty laundry. You have to manuver yourself and your luggage around the piles to enter the room.
The room is modestly equipped, but reasonably spacious (the same goes for the bathroom).

The main drawback is the service and the attitude of the staff:
- in three days no towels were replaced and the bed was never made.
- staff in the restaurant was really unpleasant; almost offensive at times.
- the restaurant is crowded and looks like a big mess hall.

Food was good and there were plenty of dishes to choose from.

The resort is nice, but do not expect too much from it. Perhaps the experience is better if you stay at the hotel Sol Garden Istra (rooms are better equipped).

Nearby beaches are clean and rocky (only a small part is sandy).