Apartments Arena Pula

Rooms and decor

Picture having your own little home in the middle of Pula old town — that's the first impression at Apartments Arena Pula. These aren't standard hotel rooms but self-catering apartment units that give you proper living space: a sitting area, a sleeping area and a small kitchen of your own. The decor is simple and easy on the eye, Mediterranean-home style in warm tones, clean and uncluttered. You get air-con for Pula's bright, hot summers and free WiFi throughout the unit. The detail many guests love is that some units have a small balcony opening onto the orange-tile rooftops of the old town, with Pula bay in the distance — good for morning coffee or an evening glass of wine in the sea air.

Food and amenities

The big amenity here is the kitchen. Because each unit is self-catering, you can cook your own meals or just warm up breakfast, which keeps food costs down and works well for longer stays. Some units come with a washing machine too. What you won't find is hotel-style extras — there's no daily housekeeping or room service, so come expecting a private apartment rather than a full-service hotel. For supplies, Pula Market — the old iron market hall — is the place to grab fresh produce and fish to bring back to the kitchen.

Location and getting there

The location is the whole point, and it's genuinely hard to beat. Step out the door and the Arena — a Roman amphitheatre nearly 2,000 years old, one of the most complete on earth — is right in front of you; lit up at night, that wall of ancient stone in the middle of the old town is something. The Adriatic is only about 100 metres away for a swim or a sunset walk along the shore. In town you barely need a car: the Arena, the Roman Forum, the Roman gates and the shopping streets are all within walking distance. Pula Airport (PUY) is a short drive out, and if you want to day-trip to other Istrian towns like Rovinj or Poreč, buses run from the central bus station, which is itself walkable.

Things to know before booking

Straight talk to help you decide. First, this is a self-service stay, not a full hotel — no 24-hour lobby or reception, and check-in means arranging to collect the key. If you arrive late or your flight is delayed, tell the owner or manager your timing clearly so you're not left waiting. Second, parking in the old town is scarce and limited; the streets are narrow stone alleys that cars struggle with, so if you're driving, ask about parking ahead or plan on a nearby public lot. Third, because you're in a lively tourist center, some street-facing units near restaurants can catch evening noise, especially in high season — light sleepers should ask for a higher floor or a quieter side. And since it's an apartment, don't expect hotel services like daily cleaning.

Our take

From reading through the real guest reviews, Apartments Arena Pula sells one thing very well: a central old-town spot next to the Roman Arena, close to the sea, with the value of your own private space and a kitchen at a friendly price. If your trip looks like waking up to a Roman amphitheatre, walking down to the water in minutes, and cooking your own dinner afterward, this hits the mark and stretches the budget. If you want full-service polish — 24-hour reception, room service, plush facilities — it isn't that. Overall we give it 8.7/10, best for couples and small families who value location, privacy and value over hotel-style service.