Best Hotels in Split, Croatia: Luxury, Boutique, Old Town & Beach Picks (2026)

Split has no shortage of places to stay, but the best hotels in Split are not all trying to do the same thing. Some Split accommodation is tucked inside the Diocletian’s Palace, where you get ancient stone streets, restaurants, and bars at your door. Others sit closer to the waterfront, where you trade a bit of Old Town atmosphere for sea views, pools, beach access, and easier logistics.

I’ve been coming back to Croatia for most of my life, and Split is one of the cities I never get tired of. I love it most just before summer, when the days are long, the sea already feels tempting, and the Old Town still has that lived-in Dalmatian energy before the peak-season crowds roll in.

But after enough visits, one thing becomes obvious fast: choosing the best hotel in Split is less about picking the highest star rating and more about matching the hotel to the trip you actually want.

This guide focuses on the top hotels in Split, Croatia, including luxury hotels, boutique hotels, Old Town stays, beach hotels, Split hotels with pools, and resort-style options.

How to Choose the Best Hotel in Split

The best hotels in Split are spread across a few very different areas, so it helps to decide what kind of stay you want before booking.

• Split Old Town: best for sightseeing, restaurants, and historic atmosphere. Choose this area if you want to walk everywhere and don’t mind limited vehicle access.
• Veli Varos / Meje: best for sea views, and central access without being deep inside the Palace lanes. This is where I’d look for a polished high-end stay close to the Old Town.
• Bačvice: best for beach access, ferries, bus/train connections, and short stays. Choose this area if you want to mix Old Town sightseeing with beach time and easy transport.
• Trstenik / Žnjan: best for resort-style hotels, pools, spa facilities, families, and longer summer stays. Choose this area if hotel amenities matter more than being right in the center.

If this is your first visit and you mainly want to explore Split Old Town with easy access to restaurants and bars, choose a central hotel like Cornaro Hotel, Hotel Vestibul Palace, Judita Palace, or Heritage Hotel Antique Split.

If you want a more polished luxury stay with sea views, a pool, and easier breathing room than the Palace lanes, but still central, Hotel Ambasador is the strongest all-rounder.

For hotels in central Split Croatia, the best choices are around Diocletian’s Palace and the Riva, as well ass a short walk out to Bačvice, Veli Varos and Meje.

Still choosing the right area? Read my full guide to where to stay in Split first.

If you want to mix city sightseeing with beach time, look around Bačvice, where hotels like Hotel Park, Villa Harmony, Briig Boutique Hotel, and Boutique Hotel Venturo put you close to the beach, ferry port, bus station, and Old Town.

For a more resort-style stay with bigger facilities, pools, spa areas, and easier beach access, look farther east at Radisson Blu Resort & Spa or Amphora Hotel in the Trstenik / Žnjan area. These are better for families, longer stays, and if you care more about beach time and facilities than being steps from the Peristyle.

Quick Split Hotel Decision Guide

If you want…	Hotel	Why book it
Best overall luxury hotel	Hotel Ambasador	Sea views, pool, polished rooms, central but not cramped
Best Old Town hotel	Cornaro Hotel	Best mix of central location and proper hotel facilities, rooftop bar & spa pool
Best romantic boutique stay	Judita Palace Heritage Hotel	Small, atmospheric, elegant, and right in the old center
Best Old Town boutique hotel	Heritage Hotel Antique Split	Stone interiors, heritage charm, excellent sightseeing location
Best small luxury beach hotel near the Old Town	Hotel Villa Harmony	Sea views, pool, beach access, boutique feel
Best boutique beach hotel	Briig Boutique Hotel	Bold design, beach location, pool, modern rooms
Best new design hotel	Boutique Hotel Venturo	Fresh, stylish, modern hotel close to beach and Old Town
Best resort-style hotel	Radisson Blu Resort & Spa	Pools, spa, sea views, private beach, more space

Luxury 5-star hotels in Split

There is an array of 5 star hotels in Split Croatia, but Split is not the kind of city where every luxury hotel gives you the same experience. Some of the best luxury hotels in Split are inside the historic center, which is perfect for sightseeing but less ideal if you want a pool, parking, or resort-style facilities.

Others sit along the waterfront or farther east near the beaches, where you’ll usually get more space and better hotel amenities, but less Old Town atmosphere.

For a first trip, I’d choose Hotel Ambasador, Cornaro Hotel, Hotel Park, or Hotel Vestibul Palace, depending on whether you care most about sea views, Old Town access, beach access, or historic charm. All are within walking distance from the Peristyle.

If you want more of a resort-style stay, look at Radisson Blu Resort & Spa instead. It’s further out and you might need to taxi into the Old Town.

Hotel Ambasador | 5*

Best for: polished luxury, sea views, couples, first-time visitors who want comfort
Location: Veli Varos / Meje (on the Riva, just outside Old Town)
Facilities: outdoor swimming pool with views, spa and wellness center, rooftop bar, fitness center, restaurant, private parking

BOOK NOW

Hotel Ambasador is one of the strongest luxury hotels in Split if you want a proper high-end stay without giving up central access. It sits on the West Coast promenade, close to the Riva, marina, Marjan Hill, and the Old Town, so you get breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, Split’s skyline, and the imposing Mosor Mountains.

This is a great choice if you want a polished hotel experience with modern rooms, a rooftop outdoor pool with views, wellness facilities, and easy walking access to central Split. It is especially good for couples and first-time visitors who want comfort and a more grown-up base than the busy Old Town.

I’d book Hotel Ambasador if you want one of the best overall luxury hotels in Split and do not need to sleep inside the historic core.  It is one of the top hotels in Split for sea views, comfort, and easy central access.

Cornaro Hotel | 5*

Best for: Old Town access, rooftop views, first-time visitors
Location: Split Old Town
Facilities: rooftop bar, rooftop hot tub, spa and wellness center, sauna, fitness center, restaurant, private parking

BOOK NOW

Cornaro Hotel is one of the best hotels in Split Old Town if you want location and proper hotel facilities in the same stay. It is right on the edge of the historic center, just a short walk from Diocletian’s Palace, which makes it incredibly easy for sightseeing, restaurants, bars, and wandering back after dinner.

The rooftop is the selling point. The sixth-floor Rooftop Bar with views over the city center and islands, aalso boosts a fabulous hot tub. I also absolutely loved the breakfast where they served a diverse fresh food buffet.

Book Cornaro Hotel if you want one of the best 5 star hotels in Split Croatia for a city break. It is less romantic than a tiny palace hotel, but much more practical.

Hotel Park Split | 5*

Best for: classic luxury, Bačvice Beach, historic hotel feel
Location: Bacvice Beach
Facilities: outdoor pool, pool bar, restaurant, bar, spa, fitness center, private parking, beachfront location

BOOK NOW

Hotel Park is the old-school grande dame of Split. It opened in 1921, back when it was known as Hotel Imperial, and has long been one of the city’s landmark hotels. This is not the trendy new kid. It’s the classic one.

The setting is hard to beat if you want beach access without giving up the city. You’re right by Bačvice Beach, close to the ferry port and bus station, and still within walking distance of Diocletian’s Palace and the Riva. That makes it one of the best beach hotels in Split Croatia for travelers who want both sea and city.

I’d book Hotel Park if I wanted a classic luxury stay near the beach, with more history and polish than the average modern coastal hotel.

Radisson Blu Resort and Spa | 5*

Best for: modern beach stay, pools, spa, resort-style stays
Location: Trstenik / Znjan
Facilities: outdoor and indoor pool, spa, sauna, steam room, wellness center, 3 restaurants, bar, conference rooms

BOOK NOW

Radisson Blu Resort & Spa is one of the best hotels in Split with a pool if you want more space and facilities than you’ll get in the Old Town. This is a proper resort-style hotel with pools, spa facilities, sea views, restaurants, and dedicated access.

It makes much more sense for beach holidays and travelers who want hotel time to be part of the trip. If your Split fantasy is wandering out of your hotel straight into Diocletian’s Palace, this is not it.

But if you want a pool, beach access, spa time, and room to spread out, it’s one of the strongest options. The beach is just a stone’s throw away but Split Old Town is a bit further and you’ll need to catch a bus or taxi. 

I’d book Radisson Blu if I wanted one of the best split hotels with pool for a beach-and-spa stay, not a pure Old Town city break.

Best hotels in Split Old Town

If you want the most atmospheric hotels in Split Old Town, focus on Diocletian’s Palace and the streets immediately around it. We’ve already covered Cornaro Hotel which is the only 5* option in the historic center. Below I list few more best hotels for first-time visitors who want restaurants, bars, shops, the Riva, and the main sights at their door.

But Old Town hotels in Split come with trade-offs. You usually get atmosphere instead of space, history instead of pools, and walkability instead of easy vehicle access. But still, Split Old Town is my favorite place to stay and when you see these hotels, you will understand why.

I’d book one of these hotels in Split Old Town picks for a short city break, a romantic stay, or a first visit where location matters more than luggage logistics.

Heritage Hotel Antique Split | 4*

Best for: Palace atmosphere, intimate stay, Old Town sightseeing
Location: inside Diocletian’s Palace, beside the Peristyle
Facilities: breakfast, airport shuttle, concierge-style service, private parkign, Old Town location

BOOK NOW

Heritage Hotel Antique is one of those small hotels in Split Old Town where the location is the whole point: old stone, narrow lanes, cathedral views, and the city’s main sights basically outside the door.

It works best for travelers who want atmosphere and walkability over facilities. You’re not booking this for a pool or parking. You’re booking it because you want to wake up in the oldest, most atmospheric part of Split, overlooking the Peristil.

The rooms are beautifully decorated with a perfect balance of rustic and elegant and you’ll wake up to a fantastic breakfast of fresh homemade pastries served by the fabulous staff (shoutout to Daniella!).

Book Heritage Hotel Antique Split if you want one of the best heritage hotels Split has for a short, atmospheric city stay. Make sure you upgrade to a room on the upper floors for the best views of the old town.

Hotel Vestibul Palace & Villa | 4*

Best for: heritage luxury, romantic stays, Diocletian’s Palace, couples, history lovers
Location: Old Town (Diocletian’s Palace)
Facilities: restaurant, bar, wine cellar, room service, private parking, airport shuttle

BOOK NOW

It is a fabulous modern hotel with a rustic touch set within the original Roman, Gothic, and Renaissance stone walls of the Diocletian’s Palace. The hotel has 7 rooms in the main building and another 4 in Villa Dobrić, which is a separate building a short walk from the reception.

This is one of the top hotels in Split Croatia with an exceptional location and a unique ambiance within a historic building.

Central Square Heritage Hotel | 4*

Best for: central location, Old Town convenience, mid-range heritage style, sightseeing
Location: Old Town (People’s Square)
Facilities: spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, soundproofing, in-room safe, tea and coffee facilities

BOOK NOW

Central Square Heritage Hotel offers exclusive vintage accommodation in Nakic Palace. This lavish art nouveau palace dates back to 1902 and overlooks People’s Square so make sure you request a room with views.

The hotel offers spacious and lavish rooms but does not have a restaurant on-site. But in all honesty, there is no need for it as you have a wealth of restaurants to choose from on the square below.

Judita Palace Heritage Hotel | 4*

Best for: romantic boutique stay, People’s Square, heritage character
Location: Old Town (Pjaca / Republic Square)
Facilities: breakfast, airport shuttle, concierge-style service, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service

Judita Palace is exactly the kind of hotel that makes Split’s Old Town special. It sits on Pjaca, one of the prettiest squares in the city, in a 16th-century palace named after Judita, the famous Renaissance work by Marko Marulić, Split’s own literary heavyweight.

Inside, it leans into the heritage instead of sanding everything down into generic luxury. Expect stone, old-world details, elegant rooms, and the feeling that you are staying in the middle of Split’s history rather than next to it.

I’d book Judita Palace if I wanted one of the most romantic boutique hotels in Split and cared more about atmosphere than pools, parking, or big-hotel facilities.

Best boutique hotels in Split

The best boutique hotels in Split are where the city’s hotel scene gets more interesting. Some are set in old stone buildings and restored villas, while others bring a fresher design angle to Bačvice and the beach side of town.

If you’re looking for genuinely good hotels in Split Croatia, I’d focus less on star rating and more on location, pool access, beach access, and how you plan to use the city and these Split boutique hotels punch well above theoir weight!

This is the section I’d look at if you want something more personal than a big resort but more memorable than a basic central hotel.

Boutique Hotel Venturo | 4*

Best for: newest design hotel, adults-only stay, Bačvice beach access
Location: Bačvice
Facilities: outdoor pool, spa, Finnish sauna, jacuzzi, relaxation room, fitness, restaurant, bar

BOOK NOW

Boutique Hotel Venturo is the newest hotel and it absolutely deserves a spot on this Split hotel shortlist. It opened in March 2026 as a 24-room adults-only design hotel near Bačvice beach, which instantly makes it one of the most interesting new hotels in Split Croatia.

The design is very coastal but not cliché: soft blue tones, sandy neutrals, warm gold details, and a polished Mediterranean look that feels made for Split. You also get the modern hotel facilities, and easy access to Bačvice Beach, the ferry port, and the Old Town.

I’d book Boutique Hotel Venturo if I wanted a fresh, design-led and kids free stay near the beach and city center.

Briig Boutique Hotel | 4*

Best for: bold design, Bačvice Beach, modern boutique stay
Location: Bacvice Beach
Facilities: rooftop pool, pool bar, spa, sauna, fitness, restaurant, bar, meeting rooms

BOOK NOW

Briig Boutique Hotel is one of the best boutique hotels Split has if you want something modern instead of another stone-wall heritage stay. The building itself is the statement: sharp, geometric, and much more design-forward than the typical Dalmatian beach hotel.

The location is a major win. You’re by Bačvice Beach, close to the ferry port, bus station, and only 10-15 minute walk from Old Town, so it works well if you want beach time without feeling cut off from the city.

I absolutely loved this hotel. The interior design is modern and artistic, the rooms are spacious and bright, and you can enjoy panoramic views while dipping in the rooftop pool.

I’d book Briig Boutique Hotel if I wanted one of the best beach hotels in Split with stronger design, a central-ish location, and a more contemporary feel.

Hotel Villa Harmony | 4*

Best for: small luxury beach hotel, sea views, pool
Location: Bačvice
Facilities: outdoor pool, pool bar, mini spa, sauna, restaurant, bar, parking, airport transfers

Hotel Villa Harmony is one of the best hotels in Split on the beach if you want something smaller, polished, and more intimate than a big resort. It sits right by Bačvice Beach, with sea and island views, a pool, spa facilities, and a location that works well for both beach time and ferry access.

This is a great pick if you want to be close to the beach but still walkable to the Old Town, Riva, ferry port, and bus station. It feels more refined than a standard beach hotel, but less formal than the old-school luxury options.

I’d book Hotel Villa Harmony if I wanted one of the best beach hotels Split Croatia has near the historic center, especially for a couple’s trip.

Hotel Agava Split

Best for: Veli Varoš charm, quieter central stays, boutique atmosphere, pool, couples
Location: Veli Varos / Meje
Facilities: outdoor pool, garden courtyard, breakfast, airport shuttle, parking nearby

Hotel Agava is one of the more interesting boutique hotels in Split if you want character, a quieter central location, and a pool without moving out to the beach areas. It sits in Veli Varoš, one of Split’s old stone neighborhoods just west of the Old Town, close enough to walk to the Riva and Diocletian’s Palace, but far enough to feel calmer than the busiest Palace lanes.

Agava is housed in a restored historic villa with a garden courtyard and outdoor pool, which is not something you find often in central Split. Most hotels in Split with a pool are larger hotels or resort-style properties farther from the Old Town, so Agava fills a nice gap: old-neighborhood charm with a place to cool off after sightseeing.

I’d book Hotel Agava if I wanted a quieter, more characterful stay near the center, especially in summer when having a pool suddenly feels less like a luxury and more like survival strategy.

Time Boutique Hotel | 4*

Best for: spa facilities, indoor pool, easier parking, practical location
Location: Bacvice / Lucac
Facilities: indoor pool, fabulous spa and wellnes center, hot tub, fitness center, restaurant, bar, private parking

BOOK NOW

While Time Boutique Hotel is set a bit further away from both the beach and the old town compared to the other boutique hotels on this list, it excels with its spa and relaxing atmosphere. 

Pamper yourself with a rejuvenating massage or loosen up in the sauna before taking a dip in the pool. This is by far one of the best Split hotels in the winter months as all their bathing facilities are indoors and offer a serene haven for relaxation.

Best hotels in Split on the beach

The best beach hotels in Split depend on whether you want to be near the Old Town or you want more space and nicer beaches.

Bačvice is the best area for beach access without giving up easy Old Town access. I’ve already covered my favorite hotels in the area in the boutique section above so have a look at Boutique Hotel Venturo, Briig Boutique Hotel and Hotel Villa Harmony.

Trstenik and Žnjan are better if you want pools, sea views, spa facilities, and a more relaxed summer-holiday setup while being ok with grabbing a cab into town. The already mentioned Radisson Blu Resort and Spa is the perfect lux resort if this is the kind of holiday you’re after.

If you’re searching for hotels in Split on the beach, I’d be careful with expectations. Split is NOT a classic all-inclusive beach resort destination. It is a city by the sea and tha is part of the magic. If all inclusive resorts are what you’re after, Makarska Riviera might be the go for you.

Marvie Hotel & Health | 4*

Best for: wellness stays, beach access, longer stays
Location: Frijule
Facilities: rooftop infinity & indoor pools, spa, wellness center, fitness center, restaurant, bar, underground garage

BOOK NOW

Located just a short walk from the beach, the main theme of this hotel is health and wellbeing. It’s a good fit if you want pools, spa time, parking, and beach access while still being close enough to get into the center by taxi or a longer walk.

It lacks nothing to make you feel comfortable whether you lounge in the infinity pool overlooking the coast or relax with a massage in the wellness center. For extra luxury, upgrade to a senior suite with sea views.

The hotel is about a 20-minute walk from Split Old Town, but if you don’t feel like walking, you can take the bus nearby.

Amphora Hotel | 4*

Best for: modern beach stay, pools, families,
Location: Znjan
Facilities: infinity pool, spa, wellness center, indoor pool, bar

BOOK NOW

Amphora Hotel is one of the best hotels in Split on the beach if you want a modern, facilities-heavy stay rather than Old Town charm. It sits by Žnjan Beach, which means more space, easier beach access, and a completely different feel from the Palace area, but you will need to taxi into town.

This is a good pick for families, longer summer trips, and travelers who want pools, sea views, and a more relaxed base. It is not where I’d stay for a quick first visit focused on sightseeing, but it makes sense if beach time and hotel facilities matter more than being central.

They also have a sensational spa where you can unwind whether enjoying a facial or soaking in the pools. For the ultimate luxury, book a suite with a jacuzzi and sea views.

I’d book Amphora Hotel if I wanted one of the more modern beach hotels in Split with pools, space, and a proper summer-holiday feel.

Hotel Posh | 5*

Best for: Luxury apartments with hotel facilities
Location: Frijule
Facilities: fully equipped kitchens, heated infinity pool, spa, sauna, wellness center, free parking, sea views

BOOK NOW

If you want to feel posh, this Split aparthotel certainly lives up to its name. The entire establishment is a piece of modern art with extreme attention to detail, from tastefully selected decor to impeccable hospitality.

The rooms are luxurious and sophisticated making this the best hotel in Split Croatia when it comes to modern elegance. And not to mention the rooftop pool!

How many days in Split?

Three days in Split is the perfect amount of time to visit the city. It will allow you to see all Split highlights and to explore the surroundings.

When it comes to what to do in Split you’ll be spoilt for choice and you can easily spend a whole week here. However, if this is your first (or only) time in Croatia and you have more than three days at your disposal, I would actually recommend you use this time to hop over to Hvar for a few days and follow this Hvar itinerary.

If you chose to base yourself in Split for the whole duration of your stay then the 5 and 7-day Split itineraries will work great for you as they account for day trips from Split to the surrounding islands and attractions nearby.

Getting to Split, Croatia

You can reach Split by boat, bus, train or plane. Split is very well connected with all major cities in Croatia and the main port for the ferries to the surrounding islands.

If you decide to drive to Split keep in mind that the old town is pedestrian only and there is a serious parking shortage in town. It’s a good idea to check your parking options before booking your accommodation.

Split is serviced by Resnik Airport which is a 30-45min drive from Split old town. There is a public bus (37 or 38) that will get you close to the old city center but if you have luggage or want to catch a ferry then this shuttle bus is a better solution for you.

Where to eat in Split

I’ve had the opportunity to try out plenty of restaurants during my trips to Split and as with much of Croatia, I’ve never been disappointed in the food. That being said, these are the restaurants that really stood out to me and I highly recommend.

Konoba Korta for local dishes and friendly service. They’re open for breakfast lunch and dinner and have some of the friendliest staff in Split. I always feel welcome here, the food is delicious and the kitchen is happy to accommodate for any dietary requests.

Zrno Soli for seafood. Located in the Marina it serves traditional Mediterranean dishes with a modern twist. It is regarded as one of the most prestigious restaurants in Split and is the perfect place to dine if you’re celebrating a special occasion.

Kat’s Kitchen Deli for brunch or breakfast. Their avo on toast is delicious and don’t even get me started on their sweets! Everything I’ve tried at Kat’s Kitchen Deli was to die for and their food presentation is second to none.

Best time to visit Split, Croatia

Like most of Croatia, Split gets really busy and extremely hot in summer which is considered to be high season. Personally, I prefer Split in late spring or early autumn when the temperatures are milder and the crowds smaller.

If you have to visit in summer make sure to start your Split old town visit in the early morning before the crowds hit the town and the scorching sun heats up the city.

As a rule of thumb, I would advise you to avoid Croatia in the peak of summer. It just gets too hot, too crowded, and too expensive. I believe you’ll have a much better experience visiting Split in late spring or early Autumn.

Split Hotels FAQ

What are the best hotels in Split with a pool?

The best hotels in Split with a pool are Hotel Ambasador, Hotel Park, Hotel Villa Harmony, Briig Boutique Hotel, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Amphora Hotel, and Hotel Agava Split. If a pool matters, don’t limit yourself to Split Old Town. The best pool hotels are usually near the waterfront, Bačvice, Meje, Trstenik, or Žnjan.

Are there all-inclusive hotels in Split?

Split is not really an all-inclusive hotel destination. It works better as a city, beach, ferry, and day-trip base. If you’re searching for all inclusive hotels in Split, look instead at resort-style hotels like Radisson Blu Resort & Spa or Amphora Hotel, but expect a hotel-and-breakfast or half-board setup rather than a classic all-inclusive resort.

What are the best hotels near Split Airport?

For most travelers, I would not stay near Split Airport unless you have a very early flight. Split Airport is outside the city, between Split and Trogir, so you are usually better off staying in Split, Trogir, or Kaštela and booking a transfer. If you want the easiest Split city hotel before a flight, choose somewhere with good road access rather than deep inside Old Town.

What are the best beach hotels in Split?

The best beach hotels in Split are Hotel Villa Harmony, Briig Boutique Hotel, Boutique Hotel Venturo, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, and Amphora Hotel. Choose Bačvice if you want beach access near Old Town and the ferry port. Choose Trstenik or Žnjan if you want more space, pools, and a resort-style stay.

What are the best hotels in Split Old Town?

The best hotels in Split Old Town are Cornaro Hotel, Hotel Vestibul Palace & Villa, Heritage Hotel Antique Split, Judita Palace Heritage Hotel, and Central Square Heritage Hotel. Stay here if you want restaurants, bars, Roman ruins, the Riva, and sightseeing at your door.

What are the best 5-star hotels in Split Croatia?

The best 5 star hotels in Split Croatia in this guide are Hotel Ambasador, Cornaro Hotel, Hotel Park Split, and Radisson Blu Resort & Spa. Hotel Posh is also a fabulous option but more of a luxury aparthotel / residence than a traditional full-service hotel.

Planning a trip to Croatia?

Croatia is a stunning country with countless gorgeous islands, charming roman towns, beautiful nature and delicious food. To help you plan your trip I’ve prepared a series of Croatia travel guides. And for an easy plug & play solution make sure to check out my Croatia itinerary (coming soon).