Where To Stay In Split Croatia 2025: Best Areas, Hotels, Boutiques & More!

Last updated on May 16th, 2025 at 12:40 am

Are you planning a trip to Croatia and wondering where to stay in Split? I’ve got you covered!

Known as the gateway to the Dalmatian islands, Split is Croatia’s second-largest city and one of my favourite places to visit along the stunning Adriatic coast. If you’re staying in Split for a few days and are looking for the best area and accommodation, you’re in the right place!

Split’s main attraction is Diocletian’s Palace – and it’s a Croatian must-see, but there are also other things to keep you there a day or two longer! Discover the palm-tree-lined Riviera, cobbled old town and a host of nearby bucket-list destinations from world heritage towns, to islands and lush waterfalls – all amazing additions to your Croatian itinerary!

In this post, I’ll share my pick of the best places to stay from the nicest boutiques to luxury hotels and incredible apartments – all centred in the most attractive and convenient locations to enhance your visit and make booking a trip easy!!

I’ve made countless trips to Split, so I know a thing or two about the areas and hotels and what might make or break your trip!!

Keep reading to find out where to stay in Split Croatia for your first visit!

3 Best Hotels In Split Croatia

Short on time? Here’s my top three favourite hotels in Split Croatia with fantastic amenities and old town locations that I highly recommend!

• Hotel Ambasador Split – luxurious quality hotel on the Riviera with stunning old town and sea views – and rooftop pool!
• Heritage Hotel 19 – charming heritage hotel and terrace situated at the foothills of Marjan Hill
• Golden Gate Luxury Rooms – stylish rooms, amazing location along the Palace Walls!

A Complete Guide On Where To Stay In Split Croatia for first-time visitors!

Understanding Split’s Layout and Main Areas

Split is Croatia’s second city and it covers a large area including many suburbs and beaches, however, for convenience and for those travelling without a car, you’ll want to stay in Split’s main areas – Diocletian’s Palace being the central spot!

Old Town and the adjoining Riva is the main hub of Split, it’s where everything is concentrated, including the best things to see and do in Split, which makes the area perfect for first-time visitors – and it’s ALL walkable!

I love staying on the Riva for the atmosphere and sea view, the line of palm trees heading toward Majan Hill is particularly stunning! But you might be bowled over by the charm of the old town!

THE BEST AREAS TO STAY IN SPLIT CROATIA

Where to stay in Split? Before we look at the best hotels in Split, you need to know which are the nicest areas to stay in Split!

For first-time visitors, the best places to stay in Split include the Old Town, the Riviera and Veli Varos or the foothills of Marjan Hill, they are next to each other, but offer a different vibe! However, these spots are perfect if you want an easy walk to all of Split’s main attractions!

Below, I have also included some luxury hotels along the beachfront such as Znjan Beach and Podstrana, for these accommodation options, you’ll need a car or Uber to head into the old town – around 10-15 minutes away.

Old Town: Best Place To Stay In Split

Split’s central old town is the heart and soul of the city, where you’ll find most of the historical points of interest, including Diocletian’s Palace and Saint Domnius Cathedral, as well as a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets filled with charming restaurants and bags of atmosphere!

A stay here is lively and exciting – imagine sleeping within the walls of a palace and in arms reach of all the best sights!

It has a lot of character, traditional stone buildings and definitely more luxury suites than hotels and the Riva sits neatly in front of the old town wall, so you have the best of both areas to explore!

Split Riva: Most Luxurious Area To Stay In Split

Split’s popular Riva and lively harbour area is a sight to behold! A grand area with Venetian appeal, and a back-drop of the Diocletians Palace walls.

The beautiful Riva overlooking the sparkling sea is full of luxurious terraces and palm trees – you can sit for hours and watch the world go by. It’s my favourite place in Split!

In my opinion some of the most attractive buildings, spacious apartments and luxury hotels with fabulous sea views all reside here – see my top choice below for where to stay in Split!

Meje – Marjan Hill – Upmarket Area To Stay In Split

Marjan Hill and the Meje district needs a mention, it’s THE most upmarket area in Split that follows on from the Riva, but is surrounded by nature, green spaces and a harbour full of boats.

This area in Split offers luxurious homes, some villas to rent, my favourite luxury hotel Hotel Ambassador and upscale dining options! It’s a tranquil sort-after area that’s worth looking into if you want a quieter spot, but within walking distance of the old town.

Veli Varos – Charming Local Area To Stay In Split

Veli Varos is an low-key authentic village nicely positioned at the foot of Marjan Hill. It’s ideal for those seeking a smaller place to stay with more of a local feel to it while being just a stone’s throw away from the busy Riva and bustle.

The buildings here are crumbly and characterful with traditional stone wall houses and green shutters, plus smaller boutique hotels – the hardest part is finding them amongst the maze of streets and squares!

A GUIDE TO THE VERY BEST HOTELS IN SPLIT CROATIA

Now that you have a good idea about the best places to stay in Split, it’s time to decide where to stay in Split – a luxury hotel, boutique, beautiful apartment?

Here’s my top choices broken down by area!

WHERE TO STAY IN SPLIT OLD TOWN

The best luxury and boutique hotels and apartments in charming Split Old Town

Golden Gate Luxury Rooms

At Golden Gate Luxury Rooms you have the best of both worlds – a beautifully modernised apartment with Diocletian views! The UNESCO World Heritage Site location is very unique, and the rooms are newly renovated, which is a huge plus!

Guests love the modern comforts such as Nespresso, AC and lounge area and of course the overall stylish decor! Everything at the Golden Gate Luxury Rooms looks brand-spanking new!

Scala Suites

Scala Suites is a fantastic choice for where to stay in Split, a recently renovated and modernised suite with stylish decor and incredible taste in the heart of the old town. It comes with a kitchenette, sofa and bar stools, and the bathroom is lovely too!

Everything is very walkable from this apartment, there’s restaurant and bars right on your doorstep, just be aware that in the height of summer, you can expect the area to be lively.

Porto Nativo Split

Porto Nativo has Mediterranean-style rooms with authentic ceiling beams and high-quality locally handcrafted furniture. Guests love the dreamy neutral and earthy tones, walk-in showers and great location on the corner of a charming street!

Centro Di Centri Rooms

Centro di Centri Rooms is a lovely, tranquil historic boutique hotel in the heart of the Palace and the old town’s historical streets. Each room is tastefully decorated and there’s plenty of stone wall features. This is where to stay in Split Croatia if you want to be in the thick of everything!

If you book Centro di Centri – be sure to secure an upgraded room with more space, and one of the rooms comes with a balcony – I strongly recommend it!

Golden Palace Apartment

Golden Palace is a beautiful apartment and well situated within the palace walls! It’s has all the amenities for two persons for a few days stay with modern comforts and 5 star touches!

Guests love the stylish decor and ancient exposed walls as well an an amazing host and wonderful old town location!

Luxury Rooms L’Avenue

Luxury Rooms L’Avenue is situated within the old town and housed within a very attractive building along an upmarket marble-paved street within touching distance to the Riva – in fact, some rooms have sea-views!

At this elegant property you can expect classic heritage décor and modern finishings such as beautiful bathrooms and Nespresso machines! This is the spot if you prefer an upmarket and peaceful area.

Judita Palace Heritage Hotel

Judita Palace Heritage Hotel is a historic hotel in the middle of the old town surrounded by all the best restaurants and attractive terraces, including one of its own!

You can expect to find elegant rooms and lots of heritage details, with exposed stone walls, parquet flooring and marble bathrooms, Judita Palace is a top choice if you’re looking for a historic hotel with charm and history.

Best Places To Stay In Split Old Town Quick Summary!!

1. Best luxury suites – Golden Gate Luxury Rooms
2. Best apartment within the Palace – Golden Palace Apartment
3. Best boutique heritage hotel within Diocleticans Palace – Judita Palace Heritage Hotel

WHERE TO STAY IN SPLIT RIVA

The best luxury and boutique hotels and apartments in beautiful Split Riva!

Hotel Ambasador

Hotel Ambasador is the best luxurious option for where to stay in Split! It’s a stunning hotel with gorgeous fresh and modern rooms, stylish cream furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows.

This hotel is flawless! I had the pleasure of staying here in 2022 and found the service and breakfast exceptional, but my favourite area was the infinity rooftop pool with incredible Riva and old town views!

I highly recommend a stay at Hotel Ambassador if you’re wanting luxury, comfort and an incredible pool and view of the old town and sea!!

Adriatik Lux Riva Apartment

Adriatik Luxe is a gorgeous apartment, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a quality stay with fantastic views and privacy! This spacious apartment on the Riviera front has two bedrooms and a wonderful panoramic sea view balcony – ideal for friends and family trips.

It has all the high-spec furnishings, amenities and modern facilities of a boutique hotel and is ideally situated along the middle of the Riva amongst the palm-trees!

Split Finest Suite 1

Split Finest Suite is my favourite apartment along the Riva, I’ve stopped here on three occasions and can’t fault it! The location, overlooking the Riva and blue sea beyond is perfect. It’s stylish and well designed, keeping character with modern furnishings.

This apartment has everything you need for a perfect couples stay in Split, including a Nespresso machine and an amazing balcony with stunning views! If it’s available, book it!

WHERE TO STAY IN VELI VAROS

The best luxury and boutique hotels and apartments in Veli Varos – the oldest neighbourhood in Split!

Sperone Hotel

Sperone Hotel is a new 4-star heritage boutique hotel in Veli Varos. A hidden gem hotel, with lots of character. You’ll find plenty of original features, stone walls and décor in-keeping with the building – the cream and white rooms are beautiful! The stand-out feature of this hotel is the spa, pool and little bar area!

Heritage Hotel 19

Heritage Hotel 19 is a luxury boutique, situated within a typical Dalmatian cobbled street with high-end facilities and beamed ceilings. Some rooms have balconies and all are nicely furnished with traditional touches.

I wouldn’t hesitate to ask for the double-balcony dusky pink room with the antique wardrobes! At Heritage Hotel 19 you can also enjoy a lovely a la carte breakfast on the garden’s patio.

Ibella Boutique Rooms

Ibella Boutique Rooms, is situated in the middle of Vali Varos amongst the stone wall houses and green shutters! In the centre is an aesthetically pleasing plunge pool area with loungers and Mediterranean-boho vibes, which will be lovely in summer! Guests love the boho-chic rooms with neutral decor!

LUXURY PLACES TO STAY IN SPLIT ON THE BEACH

Luxury apartments and hotels in Split Croatia on the beach!

Le Meridien Lav Split

Located just a short distance from the Old Town, Le Meridien Lav Split is the best 5 star resort in Split with top luxurious amenities including private marina with 60 yachts, paddle board, tennis courts and 6 other restaurants to choose from and a fantastic spa. Ideally, you’ll want to stay here for a few days of relaxation in this stunning coastal spot!

The rooms at Le Meridien are incredible, you can expect sea views, floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies and high-end coastal furnishings. One of my favourite things about Le Meridien is the stylish beach club area, I have frequented this spot many times as a guest!

Radisson Blu Resort & Spa

Radisson Blu Resort is another resort hotel option with an amazing spa right on the private beach area with lots of sun lounging space and a pool – guests love the location and sea views!

The Radisson Blu is one of the larger hotels in the Split area with many facilities including saunas, gym, popular beach club, complimentary breakfast and room types including a generous luxury penthouse suite with panoramic sea-views, hot-tub and terrace!

Gallery Luxury Suites

Gallery Luxury Suites is an adult-only property with stunning panoramic sea views and infinity pool with luxurious sun loungers. You are spoilt for choice with rooms and apartments very spacious and individually decorated in a Mediterranean style!

I recommend Gallery Luxury Suites if you’re looking to stay in a peaceful spot to relax away from the bustle of the city but be just ten minutes away by car!

THE BEST VILLAS IN SPLIT CROATIA

Stay in a luxury private villa for families and groups!

Villa Pauletta

Villa Pauletta is housed within a 17th-century building with charming interior design and appeal and space for up to 4 guests. Included is a spa pool, balcony, lovely terrace, and all the modern facilities you could ask for! You will also receive a complimentary breakfast hamper each morning, free bikes and outdoor cinema nights!

Epetium Beach Villa

Epetium Beach Villa is a 4 bedroomed villa situated in the village of Strobrec a ten minute drive to the heart of Split’s old town. This attractive and spacious 3-floor beachfront villa comes with a private decking area for alfresco dining over the water and a separate pool area.

Villa KaTess

Villa KaTess with heated pool with 2 bedrooms and a sofa bed ideal for families! It has a pool, sun terrace and garden with a children’s play area. Villa KaTess is idyllically located in the affluent area of Meje Marjan Hill and has all the mod cons for a great stay!

Note: If you are planning a trip to Split Croatia for summer (July, August), I highly recommend booking your accommodation as early as possible! The most popular places to stay in Split can be booked up months in advance!

SUMMARY OF THE TOP-RATED ACCOMMODATION IN SPLIT CROATIA!

Here’s a quick summary for where to stay in Split Croatia, the below accommodation options are my absolute top picks – where I’ve stayed or visited!

• Hotel Ambasador Split – best hotel in Split Riva for stylish luxury and views
• Judita Palace Heritage Hotel – best hotel in Split for history and old town location
• Heritage Hotel 19 – best heritage boutique hotel in Split Old Town
• Split Finest Suite – best apartment in Split Riva with a sea view
• Golden Gate Luxury Rooms – best modern suites in Split within Diocletian’s Palace
• Le Meridien Lav Split – best stylish beach resort in Split for 5-star luxury

Note: Typically the accommodation in Split consists of smaller boutique hotels, apartments and luxury rooms! Resort style and 5-star hotels in Split are rare, as are modern interiors. Split’s old town has fully adopted the heritage style!

COMPLETE YOUR SPLIT CROATIA TRIP!

If you’re wondering what to do in Split, there are tonnes of amazing things to see and do that will elevate your trip, from natural wonders to historic gems!

You can easily include one or two incredible experiences to your Split itinerary, whether you’re visiting for 3 nights in Split or longer! Discover Diocletian’s Palace, the vibrant Riva, Marjan Hill viewpoint and make space for a magical sunset sailing trip, a must-do island hopping excursion and a visit to the stunning heritage town Trogir!

Don’t miss my complete guide to the 24 VERY BEST things to do in Split Croatia – for first-time visitors!

WHERE TO STAY IN SPLIT CROATIA FAQ

Is Split Croatia worth visiting?

As one of the best destinations in Croatia, Split is absolutely worth visiting – and stopping for a few days! You’ll find a stunning old town, a vibrant terrace filled Riviera, gorgeous buildings and not only that, there are endless day trips to make the most of your stay!

What is the best area to stay in Split Croatia?

The best area to stay in Split is the city center Old Town for convenience to reach all the major attractions such as the Diocletian’s Palace, Riviera and Marjan Hill.

What are the best hotels in Split Croatia?

The best hotels in Split are Le Meridien Lav Split a luxury hotel with top notch amenities situated on a private beach, Hotel Ambasador a 5-star sleek hotel at the end of the Riva and Judita Palace Heritage Hotel inside the Palace walls.

Judita Palace is widely considered to be the best hotel in Split due to its historic charm, service, attentiveness and excellent location with easy access to all the major sights.

What are the best 5 star hotels in Split Croatia?

The best 5 star hotels in Split Croatia are Hotel Ambasador and Le Meridien Lav Split, each has so much appeal, facilities and prime waterfront locations! 5-Star hotels are not as common in Croatia, as it tends to focus on boutique accommodation within the old town!

Hotel Park Split is another option if you prefer a Croatian 5-star hotel option with a pool and beach!

What are the best luxury resorts in Split Croatia?

Le Meridien Lav Split is by far the best luxury resort in Split Croatia, it boasts a wonderful beach setting, a private marina filled with yachts and restaurants, luxurious rooms with sea-facing balconies and the best stylish beach club to relax in the area!

Radisson Blu Resort is another good resort option, especially for families and those looking for a nice pool, beach and sun lounger.

Where to stay for the best nightlife in Split Croatia?

The best place to stay in Split for nightlife is around Split Old Town and especially the Riva – the daytime is relaxed, people pass the hours drinking coffee, but in the evening it livens up with live music, jazz bars and DJ’s!

Where is the worst area in Split?

I don’t recommend Bacvice Beach at all! It’s not attractive, very much a concrete beach and loud! It isn’t a good place to visit or stay, there are better beaches in Split!

Is Split a walkable city?

Yes! Split is very walkable! However, you’ll need to catch an Uber to the best beaches in Split!

How many days to stay in Split Croatia?

I recommend staying at least 3 nights in Split, this gives you enough time to explore Split’s highlights, have a relaxing beach day and visit a nearby attraction that’s best visited from Split such as Trogir or Krka Waterfalls and the Blue Lagoon!

What I would do is combine Split with staying on an Island such as Hvar, Brac or Korcula, this would make a great 7-10 day trip!

WHERE TO STAY IN SPLIT CROATIA: FINAL THOUGHTS

I hope this guide on where to stay in Split has left you feeling a little more prepared for your trip! As you can see there’s a few great options and locations to consider including within the Old Town – the heart of the action!

While you really can’t go wrong with any of the areas mentioned in this post, it’s important to consider your priorities before choosing where to stay in Split. Are you looking for fantastic facilities, or just a lovely room? Do you want to be near the beach, have a pool, or just be away from all crowds?

No matter which you choose, you will have a blast in Split, one of my favourite places in Croatia!

Now that you know where to stay in Split, here’s my guide to the very best things to do in Split!

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Plan your Split, Croatia itinerary!

Here’s my go-to list of resources for transport, accommodation, and tours for travel in Split Croatia!

• Booking.com for the best boutique rates
• Get Your Guide for unique day excursions
• Viator for incredible day tours
• Discover Cars reliable and best rates on rental cars

Read Next:

• 24 Incredible Things To Do In Split Croatia
• 7 Very Best Hotels In Split Croatia On The Beach
• 6 Luxury Day Trips From Split, You’ll LOVE!
• 8 Best Private Boat Tours Split Offers For Island Hopping Bliss!
• The Best Beaches Of Split Croatia: A Complete Guide
• Trogir: A Wonderful Day Trip From Split

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