7 Best Hotels in Central Dalmatia, Croatia

With comfortable accommodations, fine food, and individualized excursions, this adults-only beachfront hotel stands out on the Makarska Riviera as a wonderful place for a summer holiday. The owners of this boutique property have invested a piece of themselves in every detail, such as the selection of Scandinavian-style furniture made from Croatian timber and the candlelit dinners in their beachside restaurant accompanied by live music. The hotel may close (or reopen) over the winter depending on the number of reservations it has, so check ahead if you're traveling at that time. 

Set in a row of sun-bleached stone houses in the charming neighborhood of Veli Varoš, these beautifully renovated apartments and rooms have been lovingly reimagined to create a clean, bright, modern accommodation that preserves historic elements, like the steep tiled roofs and tiny shuttered windows. Divota (the Dalmatian word for "splendor") is close to Split’s harbor and UNESCO-listed center, so there are loads of restaurants and shops nearby. The airy apartments and rooms include units that can accommodate groups as large as six and also the lone traveler. Spa and yoga sessions are available, and breakfast at a local café is included in the price.

This intimate Old Town standout located directly within Diocletian's Palace features interiors that have been carefully renovated to expose Roman stone and brickwork, along with more modern minimalist design details. A bar and restaurant can be found on the ground floor and seven rooms are upstairs, complete with subtle lighting and plasma TVs. A Villa Dobrić annex features an additional two suites, two rooms, and a bar with a terrace out front. Be sure to ask to stay in the main building.

Built into a sheer cliff face overlooking the Cetina River, Villa Dvor has comfortable rooms offering sea, mountain, or river views. Out front, the Knez Restaurant terrace (where breakfast is served) looks onto the river canyon, and there's also a small outdoor whirlpool. The eco-friendly owner has ingeniously devised a way of using the river to power the hotel's heating and air-conditioning systems, and the building also uses solar panels.

Only a couple steps away from Diocletian's Palace in a historical building, this is quite possibly the best lodging in the city with its rooftop terrace, library, bar, and a great view of the main Split square. It's in the pedestrian-only area of Split but has reserved parking; you can be picked up by hotel staff and brought to the hotel door. All rooms have satellite TV and Wi-Fi. The staff members are cordial and well-versed in assisting travelers, the rooms are spacious, and the rich breakfast seals the deal: the Judita scores high on all accounts.

Located on the palm-lined Hvar Town waterfront, opposite the ferry landing station, the hotel was renovated in 2022 with a sleek Mediterranean look that favors white, blue, and earth tones. Some rooms boast a beautiful sea view and now have soundproof windows, so the extra cost is well worth it. A restaurant and bar with long open hours serve regional dishes and artisanal cocktails on the seafront promenade. Guests can use the pool at sister hotel Adriana, a five-minute walk away. 

Just a five-minute walk from the harbor, this small hotel with strikingly designed rooms is set in a white stone building with large blue-shuttered windows and airy curtains. The mix of antiques and white furniture gives guest rooms a modern feel with a splash of vintage vibe.