Mrljane Holidays from £315

As other reviewers note the surrounding area isn’t particularly inviting but it didn’t feel unsafe. We walked to and from the hotel including at night. Zadar is still pretty unspoilt and quiet compared to Dubrovnik or Split but more flights year on year bring more tourists with new hotels opening to accommodate them, in areas outside the old town, this being one. It is an easy taxi ride from the airport and 15 mins walking distance from the old town. It was clean and comfortable but our room was very small and quite noisy - could hear toilets and showers in surrounding rooms during the night. Staff were good.

We didn't choose this hotel. Our other accommodation cancelled the day before and Hotels.com found this option for us. I wouldn't have chosen a family hotel but we were desperate. Housekeeping was erratic - one day they emptied the bin, another day they made the bed, one day they cleaned the bathroom. Saggy mattresss & a gap between the bed and the wall so the pillow disappeared. Breakfast buffet excellent & lovely breakfast staff. When we went to use the indoor pool, there was nobody on reception. After a few minutes, I went to the main hotel reception & asked them to call the wellness staff. It was clear from her tone on the phone that she was being rude about people complaining. When I returned to the pool, the wellness staff member was rude. The lockers in the changing rooms don't have keys. We were told "kids stole them." There is no private changing room: I was told if I wanted privacy to go in the shower cubicle. The pool is OK but was always packed so we couldn't swim. We paid our tourist tax the night before leaving due to an early start. On departure we returned the swipe card & were asked if we had ordered a lunchbox to go - we hadn't because we hadn't been made aware we could. We would definitely have taken one because of missing breakfast. The rooms at the back are called "park view" but there is no park. There is a carpark which is noisy with frequent delivery trucks leaving the engine running. Also, there is a constant rumble of hotel air-con 24-hours a day.

Joel Hotel was presented exactly as advertised. The room we had was very modern with a great sea view and a spacious balcony. The pool area was clean with a great pool bar service. All staff were very friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend to others.

Clean room and host was very helpful. Location is great!

Newly opened last year- teething problems seem to have been thoroughly addressed and this is now a smooth 5 star experience from check in to leaving. Lovely rooms, great spa and indoor/ outdoor pool.