Where to Stay in Croatia: Complete Hvar, Split, and Zagreb Accommodations Guide
Heading on a trip exploring the best of Croatia and not sure where to stay in Hvar, Split, and Zagreb? When we travel, we like to be close to the main sights to make sightseeing easier, but not right in the middle of the hordes of tourists. These stays are all in great central locations, so you’re close to the action, yet tucked on quiet side streets for a peaceful escape after a day of sightseeing. Rather than covering every possible area to stay, this guide focuses on the best neighborhoods for sightseeing to narrow your search. Read on for our personal picks for where to stay in Hvar, Split, and Zagreb!
Also visiting Dubrovnik? Be sure to explore our guide on the best places to stay in Dubrovnik to beat the crowds!
Where to Stay in Hvar
Staying in or close to Hvar Old Town is the best way to experience the island’s charm and beauty, with its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and lively atmosphere. These picks are close to all the main attractions – cafes, shops, restaurants, and the stunning harbor – yet tucked away on quiet side streets for a peaceful retreat away from the nightlife. We stayed just outside the Old Town and it was the perfect balance of being close to the harbor and main attractions while providing a quieter environment for a restful night’s sleep.
Villa Nora ($$$)
To stay right in the middle of the old town of Hvar, look for a room at Villa Nora. The rooms are rustic but it’s a relatively good value for being in the center of town. And the hospitality of the hosts can’t be beat! I love a place with hosts that welcome you like family and give you all the insider tips.
Heritage Hotel Dea Hvar ($$)
The Heritage Hotel Dea Hvar sits in the heart of Hvar’s old town, just steps from the waterfront, making it easy to explore everything on foot. While the hotel is perched up a short set of stairs, the climb is well worth it for the stunning views of the city or sweeping sea views. This family-run hotel really shines in hospitality, down to the home-cooked breakfasts. Bonus: the hotel has air conditioning, a must-have during the summer!
Hvar Top View Apartment ($)
Staying slightly outside Hvar Old Town can be more affordable and also give you more choice. The Hvar Top View Apartment is about a 10-15 minute walk outside of the old town, and has beautiful sea views from the balcony.
Podstine Hotel ($$)
The Podstine Hotel is about a 15–20 minute scenic walk along the coast from Hvar’s Old Town. What it lacks in a central location, it more than makes up for with its amenities – a private beach, indoor and outdoor pools, and a spa. And if you’d rather skip the walk, the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle straight to the Old Town.
Those stays already booked? Check out more highly rated stays in Hvar near the old town.
Where to Stay in Split
The very cool thing about the Old Town of Split is that a large part of it was once part of Diocletian’s Palace. The center of the Old Town has basically developed within the old palace walls. Staying inside the Old Town is atmospheric, but can be loud at night because of the clubs. Staying a little outside the center of the Old Town is a good compromise. That is the area we stayed and it was only a couple minutes walk away from the Old Town, but it was quieter at night and still very convenient for exploring.
Judita Palace Heritage Hotel ($$$)
The Judita Palace Heritage Hotel sits right on the main square in Split’s Old Town, perfect for those who want to be in the middle of it all. Despite its central location, the rooms are impressively soundproof, offering a quiet retreat. This family-run boutique hotel is filled with thoughtful details, including a complimentary breakfast. Plus, every room has air conditioning – a lifesaver during the summer heat!
Central Heritage Hotel ($$)
The Central Heritage Hotel is just a 5 minute walk away from the Old Town. The hotel is renovated with all the modern amenities, but I love that it still has the exposed brick detailing to reminds you that you’re staying near a former palace. There’s a nice shady terrace for relaxing in the evenings, and a complimentary buffet breakfast in the mornings. And the air conditioning is heavenly in the summer!
Elixir Luxury Rooms ($)
The Elixir Luxury Rooms feature a few elegant suites set along a stylish entrance hallway. The rooms may be cozy, but they’re beautifully decorated, and the modern bathrooms feel fresh and upscale. The location just steps from Split’s Old Town is perfect, tucked away enough to stay peaceful at night. When we stayed nearby, we found it perfectly convenient for sightseeing while still offering a restful night’s sleep.
The Box ($)
If an apartment with a kitchen would be more convenient, check if The Box is available. This one bedroom apartment is cozy but cleverly designed to maximize the space and recently renovated. The location is great for exploring the Old Town, just a couple minutes walk from the center.
Central Park Residence ($)
To get a taste of palace life, stay at the Central Park Residence. The Central Park Residence is located in the corner of the former palace compound in the Old Town. The exposed brick detailing adds to the charm. You can almost imagine that you are a guest at the former palace. The rest of the apartment is renovated and modern though, and includes a kitchenette.
If those stays are all booked up, check out these other highly rated stays in the Split old town.
Where to Stay in Zagreb
Staying near Ban Jelacic Square is the best choice when visiting Zagreb. It’s super convenient for exploring – you’re just steps away from tons of cafes, restaurants, and shops, and all the main sights are within easy walking distance. Although the square itself is bustling with activity, you can find great apartments just a block away that give you the best of both worlds – the convenience of being near the action, but with a quieter place to relax at the end of the day.
Met Boutique Hotel ($$$)
The Met Boutique Hotel is another hotel just a 1 minute walk from Ban Jelacic Square. The decor is definitely more modern, but the neighborhood is surrounded by historic charm. It’s the perfect choice for those who want all the conveniences of a contemporary hotel while staying steps away from the charm and energy of the Old Town.
Hotel Dubrovnik ($$)
The Hotel Dubrovnik is a boutique hotel overlooking Ban Jelacic Square, blending Zagreb’s old-world charm with modern style. Its original wing features a historic facade facing the square, while the new wing has a modern design featuring a wall of glass panels. Regardless of which wing you are in, the rooms are impressively soundproof, so you can enjoy the unbeatable central location without the noise.
Hotel Jagerhorn ($$)
The Hotel Jagerhorn is the epitome of elegance and is one of the oldest hotels in Zagreb. It is located in the Upper Town just a 3 minute walk to Ban Jelacic Square. The rooms surround a peaceful little courtyard, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.
Main Square Dream Apartment ($)
To stay right in the heart of the action, book the Main Square Dream Apartment. This 2 bedroom apartment is perfect for a group. It’s big draw is the location; it is steps away from Ban Jelacic Square. You can watch the hustle and bustle of the square below from the balcony. Note that since it is on the main square, it is best for those that enjoy the lively atmosphere. The bathroom is modern and nicely renovated, like the rest of the apartment.
Apartment Nikola 4* ($)
The Apartment Nikola 4* is about a block away from Ban Jelacic Square, so it has the same convenient location with the benefit of being a little quieter. The apartment is located in a historic building so you get that historic charm, but has been renovated to be clean and modern inside.
Those apartments already booked up? Check out more highly rated stays near Jelacic Square.
