Grand Hotel Brioni Pula was once the host to stars around the world, who would flock to the quaint seafront city and dance the night away at this opulent hotel – Abba and Boney M. were just some of the famous faces linked to this iconic building – which was refurbished in 2022.
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Now, Grand Hotel Brioni is inviting holiday makers from around the world for a luxurious escape – with modern facilities in place while still maintaining the glamour from its hay days.
Pula itself is a slightly lesser-known holiday destination that you will want to visit soon before it becomes the new place to be. Situated close to the Italian border, this Croatian hot-spot has so much beauty to offer, including its iconic Pula Arena. There’s plenty going on there too, from film festivals to annual wine parks.
Grand Hotel Brioni's pool area
Personal touches that will make you feel like a VIP
Going to a hotel isn’t just about having a bed to sleep in, but an experience, and the Grand Hotel Brioni knows just that. The hotel has over 200 luxurious rooms spread over three floors, along with 12 suites with a sea view. Some of the stand-out features at the hotel include an extensive pillow menu, an evening turn down service and goodnight gift, and a zero-waste modern mini-bar, Butler’s Corner. Here, you can go and shop for your essentials – from room snacks to liquor and even holiday gifts.
The rooms make it hard to want to leave
Breakfast like a king, dine like a king
At Grand Hotel Brioni, every meal is a dining experience. All guests staying at the resort are entitled to a complimentary breakfast, served up in the Brioni Forum Restaurant. There’s just about every kind of cuisine available to kick start your day, from pastries and cereal to freshly baked bread, cheese and salad, and a dedicated vegan section. A cooked breakfast with all the trimmings is also available for those wanting a taste of home, along with just about every fresh fruit juice is also on offer, while for those wanting a spring in their step, fizz is also on the menu.
The food at the hotel's restaurants is fresh and delicious - photo credit Karen Harvey
The hotel has a total of three restaurants and two bars on site. The above-mentioned Brioni Forum Restaurant serves a buffet-style dinner in the evening, offering everything from salads and pasta dishes to traditional cuisine and mouthwatering deserts. For meat lovers, there is a dedicated fine-dining restaurant, Sophia, named after the iconic actress Sophia Loren. Food is served as an art form and there’s the option of trying the chef’s table menu of over six courses, and a five-course set menu with wine pairings. While it’s meat-heavy, vegetarian options are available upon request. The third restaurant, Brioni Lungo Mare, is an ideal early dinner or late lunch spot, with a wide range of fresh fish dishes and salads on the menu.
Brioni Gardini Bar has a nice selection of street food and light bites on the menu, from fish and chips to pizza frittas. There is also a choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, ice creams and frozen cocktails. Lastly, Brioni Lobby Bar is the place to visit in the evening before heading out into the town to enjoy a cocktail or two. The bar has a wide range of classic cocktails along with more unusual varieties such as a Roasted Espresso Martini and the Zacapa Mojito – featuring After Eight chocolate and agave syrup.
The spa area at the hotel
Relax at the hotel’s luxurious spa
The wellness centre will certainly help you feel that extra bit relaxed during your stay at the hotel. It has everything from a 12-metre long indoor pool filled with fresh water and a jacuzzi – both with views of the ocean. There are also three saunas and seven treatment rooms – with 11 different massages to choose from, including Precious Stone and Indian massages. Outside you will find a 60m long infinity pool surrounded by sunbeds, which is filled with sea water and positioned on the shore’s edge, making it ideal for longer swimming sessions and idyllic photo opportunities thanks to the view. For those keen to keep their exercise regime up during their holiday, the hotel also boasts a gym equipped with luxury equipment in a spacious and calming environment.
The sea is within easy reach of the hotel - photo credit Karen Harvey
Take a morning swim in the ocean
Just 200 yards from the hotel is a pebbled beach, making it possible to indulge in a morning swimming pre-breakfast, just like the locals. There are additional sun loungers located by the beach area, which is also surrounded by a pine tree forest, adding to the beautiful scenic views.
The many things to do in Pula and the surrounding areas
Istria in Croatia is known for its olive oil and you will likely go back home questioning the very quality of your shop purchased bottles after tasting it here. While there, it’s worthwhile visiting family-owned Chiavalon Extra Virgin Olive Oil – who made a positive situation from family tragedy after planting olive oil trees in memory of their loved ones. Now, it’s selling award-winning olive oil, which you can taste on site, accompanied by cheese, meat and bread. Just a short drive away is Medea Winery – with many different wines to sample. The staff are on-hand to answer questions and give recommendations, and in general it’s a jolly day out. Nearby Fažana is also a worthy day out, where you can get the ferry to Brijuni National Park – an archipelago and popular attraction with tourists and locals alike.
If travelling from Gatwick North, Holiday Extras are worth checking out through their Flextras range. Until the end of October, you can book one night’s accommodation in a luxury room at Sofitel from £239.94, to make your holiday kick off that little bit sooner – all while saving time and stress. To book, visit HolidayExtras.com or call 0800 316 5678. Price searched on 17th August 2022 for arrival on 27th October 2022.
For more information and to book a room at Grand Hotel Brioni Pula – A Radisson Collection Hotel, visit grandhotelbrioni.com.
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