Hilton opened a modern resort hotel which is not often found in Europe at the end of June 2021 on the Adriatic coast in Croatia. With 194 rooms, the hotel is still relatively small in international comparison, but it keeps up competitively with its larger competitors and offers an attractive all-around vacation package for relaxing in the heart of Europe. We were able to visit the hotel a few weeks after its opening and experience it for ourselves.

LOCATION

The Hilton resort hotel is nestled in the heart of the Adriatic coast, positioned between the vibrant cities of Opatija and Rijeka. Guests can easily reach both destinations within a matter of minutes by taxi. The hotel is just a 35-minute drive from the international airport of Rijeka, which operates on a seasonal basis with limited flights from leading airlines. However, those who are flexible with their travel dates can reach the resort with ease. Additionally, the hotel's northern location in Croatia offers convenient access by car, with cities such as Munich, Vienna and Budapest being a 5 to 6-hour drive away and nearby destinations like Trieste, Ljubljana, and Zagreb reachable within 1 to 2 hours.

ARRIVAL

After a short drive from Slovenia, our spirits were lifted as we arrived at the Hilton resort hotel located between Opatija and Rijeka on the Adriatic coast. Our road trip allowed us to explore the beautiful cities of Ljubljana and Zagreb, and we arrived at the hotel well-rested and ready for our vacation. As we pulled up to the main entrance, we were greeted by the hotel’s friendly staff who eagerly took care of our luggage, freeing us up to focus on checking in. The hotel has an underground parking garage on the lower floors, giving us the peace of mind to easily access our car during our stay. With the ability to drive in and out several times, we had the flexibility to come and go as we pleased.

LOBBY

As soon as you step inside the Hilton Rijeka Costabella, you are greeted by a spacious and elegantly designed lobby. To the left of the entrance, you'll find the hotel bar which opens to a lovely terrace, perfect for sipping on a refreshing drink and taking in the beautiful surroundings. On the right, you'll see the reception counter, where the friendly and welcoming staff will be ready to assist you. In the center of the lobby, a grand spiral staircase catches the eye, leading down to the lower level of the hotel. The modern and comfortable seating arrangements allow you to sit back and relax after a long journey or wait in style for your next adventure.

CHECK-IN

At check-in we were kindly greeted by their front desk personnel. Despite a very last-minute booking and a high booking situation a few weeks after the opening, we were pleasantly surprised with a generous upgrade due to our status with the Hilton chain. Instead of the standard room we booked, we were offered a Costabella Suite. Due to our early arrival at noon, the suite was not ready yet, but we were already given access to the lounge and decided to wait on the lounge terrace for check-in. Our luggage was kept safe, and we were to get a call in the next 1 to 2 hours once our room was ready. After enjoying a bottle of sparkling wine in the summer sun and letting time pass, we still hadn't heard anything. Meanwhile, we were already close to the regular check-in time. Our hope that the promised call had simply been forgotten, was unfortunately not confirmed when asked and our suite was still not ready. In the meantime, friends of ours arrived and, amusingly enough, immediately received their room, the same category we were waiting for. The room assigned to us was actually not ready that day until about an hour after the regular check-in time. A silly mistake due to an incorrect assignment and delayed housekeeping, clearly a lack of experience and routine, which we could understand in hindsight as the entire team had only been working together for a few days. Because of the delay, we were invited to a cocktail on the terrace of the hotel bar and so could still endure the time well.

For more details, check out our video about the Hilton Rijeka Costabella Resort & Spa on YouTube.

ROOM

Since all rooms in the hotel have sea view and almost all have a balcony or terrace, we were not worried about which room we would eventually get. The fact that we now received the Costabella Suite, the largest suite in the house (all larger rooms are villas in front of the main building), was a nice surprise and the extra space (60 sqm/646 sqft) made our stay even more relaxing. The Costabella Suite is on the north side of the house and has effectively a 180 degree window, starting with a view of the parking lot and ending with an unlimited sea view on the other side of the hotel. The front door is on the parking lot side, and after entering the room, you immediately notice the floor-to-ceiling windows on the exterior. On the left side is the guest restroom. After a few steps, you are in the living room of the suite and can enjoy the full 180 degree view from the sofa. This is only covered by the gigantic TV, which stands on a sideboard in the middle of the window front. In addition to a small wardrobe, there is also a closet with a coffee maker and minibar in the room, as well as a coffee table in front of the sofa. At the end of the room, there is direct access to the balcony, so you don't have to cross the bedroom for that.

A door in the middle of the room leads to the bedroom. On the way there you will find a large closet and the door to the ensuite bathroom. The latter is very modernly equipped with a large ground-level shower, a toilet and two sinks in front of a gigantic mirror. A large radiator on the wall acts as a towel rail to ensure that the towels are always nice and warm.

The bedroom itself contains another closet and a small desk. The remaining space is filled by a large bed. The floor to ceiling window allows the perfect sea view from the bed. The electronic curtain, which can be controlled from the bed, conveniently regulates the desired brightness and view. The whole experience is completed with a TV set on the wall, which can be pulled out to allow comfortable watching from the bed. The balcony can also be accessed from the bedroom.

WIFI SPEED

Unfortunately, we did not measure the speed, but we were able to use the Wi-Fi for work and leisure activities without any problems. Video calls and streaming were no issue.

ROOM TEMPERATURE

The air conditioning in the suite has an outlet in both rooms and could be configured individually for both rooms. The rooms could be cooled considerably if desired, despite the hot summer sun.

HOUSEKEEPING

Unfortunately, we also had some initial difficulties with the housekeeping. When we moved into our room very late, we could clearly see that the room was cleaned in a big hurry. One trash can was not emptied and in two drawers we still found paper waste from the previous occupant. However, the sanitary facilities were spotlessly clean, so we could overlook this mishap.

We also had a problem the following day, because while we were having breakfast, our room was being cleaned, even though the do-not-disturb light was activated. An unpleasant feeling when you are not yet expecting strangers to enter your room.

We spoke to the hotel management about both incidents and were given credible assurances that the staff would get the feedback, and this would not be an issue in the future. Since the hotel had really only been open for a few weeks, we are sure that the team is now better trained and such mistakes no longer occur.

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BREAKFAST

The breakfast at this Hilton hotel is a standout experience, offering a spread that rivals the best of Europe's Hilton hotels.

As soon as you step into the spacious breakfast room, you are met with an impressive spread of delicious food options, including both classic breakfast items and local Croatian specialties. If you're lucky enough to secure an outdoor table, you'll be treated to a stunning view of the Adriatic coast while you dine.

However, be aware that during peak seasons, securing an outdoor table can be a bit of a challenge, as the hotel tends to get quite busy. But no need to worry, there are plenty of indoor tables available, and if you have lounge access, you can escape the crowds and enjoy your breakfast in a more relaxed setting.

One of the highlights of the breakfast buffet is the live cooking station, where you can watch as chefs whip up freshly made egg dishes and other hot options. The children's buffet area, with its specially designed dishes and low tables, is sure to delight the little ones. The quality of the food is always top-notch, and even during the busiest times, the buffet is kept well-stocked and fresh.

In addition to the delectable food, there's also a wide selection of non-alcoholic beverages, as well as sparkling wine, to accompany your breakfast. Whether you're an early bird or prefer a later start to your day, this breakfast spread has something for everyone.

LOUNGE

The Executive Lounge at the Hilton Rijeka Costabella Resort & Spa is a luxurious and exclusive space located on the floor of the main restaurant. Access to this premium area is available to guests staying in Executive category rooms, as well as those with Diamond status. The lounge boasts a spacious indoor area with about 15 tables and a comfortable seating area complete with a TV, providing a relaxing atmosphere for guests to unwind. For those who prefer to enjoy the beautiful weather, the lounge also features a smaller, intimate outdoor patio with seating for up to six tables.

Throughout the day, guests can indulge in a range of complimentary soft drinks and hot beverages, along with a selection of fresh fruit and healthy granola bars. During happy hour, which takes place between 6 pm and 8 pm, guests are treated to a light cold buffet and an array of alcoholic beverages including wine, beer, and various spirits, all available for self-service. Whether you're looking to catch up on work, socialize with friends, or simply relax and recharge, the Executive Lounge at the Hilton Rijeka Costabella Resort & Spa is the perfect place to do so.

FOOD & BEVERAGES

The hotel offers a variety of food and beverage options for guests to enjoy during their stay. Each outlet offers a unique dining experience and cuisine, ensuring that there is something to suit every taste. Let's take a closer look at each one:

Aura Lounge Bar

As the main hotel bar, located in the lobby, the Aura Lounge Bar offers light food options and refreshing drinks, along with access to a beautiful terrace that provides stunning views of the surrounding area.

Jedro Beach Restaurant

This outdoor restaurant serves a delicious Mediterranean menu and provides guests with a relaxed and intimate dining experience right near the pool and the beautiful ocean.

Nebo Restaurant & Lounge by Deni

With its Michelin star award, Nebo Restaurant & Lounge by Deni offers a locally inspired menu with an elevated dining experience. The restaurant is located on the rooftop floor, offering sensational views of the sea, as well as a smart casual dress code. Guests can also enjoy wonderful cocktails and al fresco dining on the restaurant’s outdoor patio.

Sunce Pool Lounge

This pool bar is the perfect place to grab a drink and a light snack while enjoying the sun and the beautiful poolside scenery.

The Kitchen by Miljenko

The main restaurant, The Kitchen by Miljenko, is open for breakfast and dinner, providing guests with a range of options, including both a buffet and a la carte selections in the evening.

Villoresi Sports Cafe

This seaside cafe, located on the lowest floor and closest to the seawater, offers guests a relaxed and casual dining experience, serving a variety of drinks and light bites to enjoy while taking in the stunning views of the sea.

In conclusion, the Hilton Rijeka Costabella Resort & Spa provides a diverse range of food and beverage options for guests to enjoy, ensuring that there is something for everyone to savor during their stay.

ROOM SERVICE

In addition to the hotel's many dining options, guests have the convenient option of 24-hour room service. During our stay, we ordered burgers and fries for a delicious meal enjoyed on our balcony and found the prices to be reasonable for the quality of food and service. We also made a separate request for a bucket of ice and cutlery, which was promptly delivered complimentary.

GYM

The in-house gym at the Hilton Rijeka Costabella Resort & Spa is a top-notch fitness facility, boasting a spacious and modern design that is open 24 hours for guests' convenience. With an array of state-of-the-art equipment and ample space for your workout, you'll be able to stay on top of your fitness routine during your stay. Additionally, experienced fitness trainers are available during the day to offer guidance and support, helping you make the most of your workout. And, as a cherry on top, the gym features breathtaking views of the sea, providing a stunning backdrop to your exercise.

POOL

The outdoor and indoor pools at the hotel are truly a highlight for guests. The indoor pool is spacious, allowing for a great swim experience and the ability to swim laps.

Meanwhile, the outdoor pool boasts an infinity design and stunning views of the sea, making it the perfect spot for taking pictures and soaking up the sun. The pool area is equipped with a variety of sun loungers and sun beds, which can be reserved by making a minimum purchase at the pool bar.

SPA

Whether you're looking to unwind after a long day of exploring or just want to treat yourself, the spa has everything you need to feel refreshed and revitalized. With a variety of treatments available, including massages and facials, there's something for everyone. For guests who prefer a more immersive spa experience, there is an extensive sauna area, tranquil rest areas, and additional pools that are perfect for unwinding and connecting with yourself. So, take some time to pamper yourself and enjoy a spa day at this hotel.

OVERALL SERVICE

The staff were very friendly and attentive, and worked hard to make guests' stays enjoyable. There were a few initial hiccups, but these were addressed promptly, and the staff were all well-trained overall. The employees we encountered were motivated and eager to help, and we were happy with the level of service we received. We’re excited to come back in the future.

STAY DETAILS

We stayed at the property for three nights in mid-August 2021, booked on very short notice with points, a standard room for 60,000 points per night.

STATUS RECOGNITION

Our status was very much appreciated. As mentioned before, we received a great upgrade. We received breakfast and lounge access free of charge. We were greeted with a small welcome gift in our suite and were offered a complimentary late check-out.

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SUMMARY

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Adriatic coast with Hilton's state-of-the-art modern resort hotel. Experience luxury and relaxation in Europe like never before with its 194 rooms, all offering mesmerizing sea views. Indulge in the hotel's high-quality food and beverages, and be welcomed by a dedicated and enthusiastic team. The hotel is conveniently located between Opatija and Rijeka and is just a short drive from Rijeka airport. Whether you're planning a summer getaway or a weekend escape, this hotel is the ultimate destination for your next vacation.

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