Split, Croatia is a popular summer holiday destination, but with lots of options to choose from, deciding on the best hotels in Split, Croatia can feel like a daunting task.
While living in Split for over a year, I stayed in a couple of these hotels in Split during my early days, since renting my own place I was able to visit several more of these hotels (and even see the construction of them!).
One thing that the city does really well is luxury boutique hotels in Split, Croatia. Thanks to the charming old town, winding alleyways, historic neighbourhoods and charming sea views, you often find boutique hotels in Split tucked away in expected and delightful places.
So, here’s my guide to finding your perfect boutique hotel in Split and deciding where to stay in Split, Croatia.
Hotel views of Split Old Town
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When is the best time of year to visit Split, Croatia
Undoubtedly the summer months are the most popular time to visit the city. You’ll find the crowds really hit during July and August.
But if you’re happy to avoid the crowds and push your trip back a little, I highly suggest a visit during September or early October. The weather is still gorgeous, and the Adriatic is still warm enough to swim but the crowds are fewer and the prices are much more favourable at hotels and restaurants in Split!
Read more about visiting Croatia in winter.
Riva, Split Old Town
Types of accommodation in Split Croatia
Diocletian Palace, Old Town Split
You’ll find a variety of accommodation in Split itself, but when it comes to hotels in the Split city centre, you’ll find the accommodation offer is limited to small hotels and many self-catered apartments.
This is due to the size of Split Old Town, the historic streets and buildings are tiny and also UNESCO protected, meaning it’s very difficult to set up a large-scale hotel within the confines of the city walls.
If you’re looking for the best Split luxury hotels, you’ll have to move away from the Old Town a bit and you’ll find the best luxury hotels in Split are closer to the water so they have beach access for visitors.
There are a couple of small boutique hotels in Old Town Split so I’ll make sure to share them with you below if you’re really keen to stay within the Old City Walls - although be prepared to pay a premium!
Where is best to stay in Split?
Where to stay in Split near beaches?
For proximity to the beach, check out Bacvice and Znjan. Bacvice is the only sand beach in the city and there are a few bars and cafes there too. Znjan is much bigger, and has beach clubs and beach bars. I personally prefer the beach and views at Znjan but make sure you take water shoes as the beach is rocky!
Where to stay in Split for nightlife?
For nightlife in Split, you’ll probably want to be as close to the city centre and Old Town as possible because that’s where the clubs and bars are.
If the Old Town itself is too pricey, check out Varos, this charming neighbourhood is next to the old town and has loads of self-catering and small hotel options.
Where to stay in Split for families?
I’d suggest the hotel options around Znjan or Bacvice, both areas are safe and with great amenities and lifeguards at the beach during the season. Bacvice is within walking distance of the old town though whereas Znjan is still walkable but about 30-40 minutes walk which is less appealing in the heat of summer! Both have some of the best hotels Split has to offer.
Where to stay in Split for outdoor lovers?
I’m biased but I live in Meje/Varos on the Marjan Hill which is the lovely green peninsula you see to the right when you stand on Split Riva. This is an upmarket neighbourhood where you’ll find villas and secluded apartments, plus you’re near to Kasjuni Beach (my favourite in Split) and Obojena Beach. You’re about a 20-25 minutes walk from the old town along the water and you also have all the trails around the peninsula and to the lookout on Marjan Hill - my favourite walking area for an easy hike in the city.
Where is the best area to stay in Split, Croatia?
I personally think the Varos neighbourhood is the best place to stay in Split based on location and proximity to Old Town and the main attractions in Split, plus value for money. I definitely recommend it if you prefer self-catered apartments too.
If you’d prefer a beach trip and are perhaps travelling with family, Bacvice would be my second choice. Plus there are a lot fewer steps to the Old Town compared to Varos - important if you have a pram, buggy or young children!
Which are the best Split boutique hotels with pools?
Gallery Luxury Suites hotel with infinity pool, Split
If you’re looking for hotels in Split with pools, there are several in this list with pools, including outdoor swimming pools, rooftop pools in Split and even a luxury hotel in Split with an infinity pool!
Here are my favourite Split hotels with pools:
The best boutique hotels in Split
Hotel Ambasador Split
Rooftop pool and terrace at Ambasador Hotel, Split
Hotel Ambasador opened its doors at the end of the 2022 summer season, so 2023 was its first season in Split and I was lucky enough to have a tour and learn about this stunning hotel.
Firstly, the Ambasador Hotel is located right on the waterfront, adjacent to the Old Town, the Riva Promenade and the Marina, so when it comes to location, this luxury hotel in Split doesn’t get any better!
The hotel is brand new and owned by the owner of Birkenstock shoes (cool fact!) so no expense has been spared to create a hotel that is effortlessly luxurious and feels welcoming and high end without being pretentious at all! For me, this makes it one of the best luxury hotels in Split Croatia.
The rooms offer stunning views and some come with a balcony too. The small touches in the rooms are what I loved most. Each room has a tablet that can control the room, the TV, check hotel events, order room service and more. The large modern bathrooms have waterfall showers. There are full bedside tables and plug sockets including USB and USB-C sockets too.
There’s a Mediterranean restaurant, state-of-the-art spa, treatment rooms, a gym, a beautiful cocktail bar cafe and sun terrace, and my favourite part - the rooftop pool which looks almost like an infinity pool looking out across the bay.
cafe bar at Ambasador Hotel, Split
Ambasador Hotel room
Briig Boutique Hotel
Briig Boutique Hotel Split
When it comes to the best boutique hotels in Split and places to stay in Split close to the beach, you can’t get much better than Briig Boutique Hotel.
Located right next to Bacvice Beach, the only sand beach in Split, this is the perfect option for a relaxing holiday by the beach and the hotel also has a rooftop pool, hot tub and spa centre.
The rooms are decorated in a modern, minimal Scandinavian style, stays include breakfast and you’re just 10 minutes from the centre of Old Town Split.
You won’t miss this unique, white geometric building on the beachfront and you’re just steps from the bars and restaurants such as Tortuga as well as pizzerias, noodle bar, barbecue and more along the waterfront.
Bacvice Beach, Split
Gallery Luxury Suites & Rooms
Gallery Luxury Hotel, Split
One of my favourite places I’ve personally stayed and one of the best small, luxury hotels in Split Croatia.
Gallery Luxury Suites is an adults-only hotel in Split and it’s a little further away from the action, perfect for a quieter, more luxurious escape from the hustle and bustle of the summer season! (a great option as one of the best honeymoon hotels in Split, in my opinion!)
Each room is unique and decorated in a coastal, boho style which I loved! But the big selling point here is the hotel’s infinity pool which is heated! Perched on the cliffs over the sea, the terrace and pool area here is simply stunning and you won’t want to leave!
The hotel also offers breakfast each morning, there’s coffee available downstairs and rooms have a small fridge, coffee machine and toaster. Some rooms also come with a small kitchenette.
The hotel also offers daily boat rental, free parking (great if you’ve got a car like we did!) and facilities like laundry, ironing, gym, spa and of course wifi everywhere!
The Old Town is about 10 minutes via taxi, Uber is a great cheap option!
You’re 300m from the famous Znjan Beach where you’ll find beach bars and beach clubs, incredible views and a variety of supermarkets and stores to meet your needs.
Gallery Suites Split hotel with infinity pool
Gallery Suites room
Heritage Hotel Santa Lucia
Heritage Hotel Rooftop
I recently found myself at the Heritage Hotel Santa Lucia on the stunning roof terrace with a couple we met who were staying at the hotel and I had NO IDEA this was here despite having lived in the city for over a year.
Heritage Hotel Santa Lucia is one of the best hotels in Split Old Town, situated in the famous Narodni Trg square in the heart of the walled city. Split old town hotels are quite rare due to the limited space and most buildings were once residential, so they are holiday apartments that are difficult to convert to hotels.
But Heritage Hotel has a great amount of space, a fantastic restaurant downstairs and a stunning roof terrace with views across the orange terracotta roofs and ancient walls of the city. Sit out here at sunset and hear the Bell Tower toll the hour with views of the city, the Marjan peninsula and the harbour.
Rooms are spacious and modern, many with amazing views of the stunning ancient architecture.
Breakfast is included daily and they also offer bike rental.
If you’re looking for where to stay in Split Old Town, this is it!
Jupiter Luxury Hotel
Jupiter Luxury Hotel Split is another great option if you’re keen to find Split old town hotels with that great location as a priority!
Located in the heart of the old town, this is one of the best boutique hotels Split has to offer thanks to its location in the UNESCO protected Diocletian Palace, the roof terrace with old town views, a hot tub and bar, free sauna facilities, unique rooms and newly restored building with a la carte dining too.
If you’re looking for boutique hotels in Split centre, this is a great option which is well reviewed!
Amphora Hotel
If you’re planning a trip to Split and your priority is relaxation by the beach and pool, Amphora Hotel is the one for you!
I remember being on Znjan Beach and watching the French football team arrive here for a match with Croatia, so this is the hotel the famous visitors to the city stay in!
Znjan Beach, Split
With three pools including an outdoor swimming pool, a large terrace with sun loungers and a bar, incredible views and the beach on your doorstep, this is the ideal location for a relaxing holiday in Split.
Rooms are modern and come with full facilities. Some suites also come with a private terrace and hot tub!
Breakfast is included, there’s a large bar, fitness and spa facilities, an indoor pool and reviews all speak very highly of the staff.
Time Boutique Hotel Split
It’s interesting because Time Boutique Hotel is the hotel I get asked about the most when people are looking for boutique hotels in Split.
Although it’s only a 15 minute walk to the old town, I personally don’t rate the location of this hotel as it’s in the more residential area of the city and close to one of the busy main roads in and out of the city.
However the hotel itself is modern and beautiful with an onsite restaurant, stunning pool, spa facilities, terrace and modern rooms and decor.
Many rooms also have balconies and views of the city.
Cornaro Hotel
I recently discovered Cornaro Hotel when I was looking for hotels with rooftop bars and terraces in Split.
Just 2 minutes from the Old Town, this hotel is in a fantastic location and boasts great views from many of the rooms and the roof terrace.
On the roof, you’ll find dining and cabanas, a bar and a hot tub.
Rooms are modern and all bathrooms come with walk-in showers and breakfast is included in your booking.
The hotel also offers bookings for activities and Split excursions as well as wine tasting at the on site bar.
Summary: the best Split boutique hotels
There’s such a range of boutique hotels in Croatia and trying to pick the best hotel Split has to offer is almost impossible as it depends on what you look for in a hotel, how much time you will be spending in the hotel and what kind of holiday you’re planning to Croatia.
I think the best hotel in Split (in my opinion) is Hotel Ambasador, Briig Boutique Hotel. or Amphora Hotel.
Hopefully this guide has given you plenty of ideas and options for the best boutique hotels in Split, whether you’re looking for old town Split hotels or luxury accommodation in Split Croatia to relax and escape for a week or two!
