The 20 Best Hotels on the Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

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The Dalmatian Coast is best known for its climate: Mediterranean on the coastline, but quickly changing to alpine just inland in mountains which roll right down to the sea in a particularly picturesque way. There are a number of lovely towns and cities lining the coast, many containing the best hotels on the Dalmatian Coast, and all of which seem to have their best side facing out to sea.

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Northern Dalmatia stretches from the Kvarner Riviera to Split, including Zadar and Trogir. Split is the largest city in the region, so makes an easy base. The Old Town, built around a vast Roman palace, is exceptionally beautiful. Zadar is the other large town in the region, again with an impressive Old Town littered with Roman ruins, medieval churches and excellent museums. But Northern Dalmatia is probably better known for the scenery, with some breathtakingly lovely National Parks and some of the least built up islands along the Dalmatian Coast.

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The southerly part of the Dalmatian Coast is where you'll see palm trees and olive groves along the ribbon of Adriatic blue, but the grey cliffs and peaks are still right behind the coast. This is also where you'll find Dubrovnik. A favourite of famous aesthete Elizabeth Taylor, Dubrovnik's sheltered, emerald harbour, 13th century walled town and its Stradun, said to be one of the world's most beautiful main streets, are endlessly enchanting. It sounds over the top, but you'll see...

Whether you fancy the north or the sounth, if you're going to visit during the busy summer months, the 20 best hotels on the Dalmatian Coast will get booked up well in advance. So either get organised and plan ahead, or come in the quieter months when this beautiful region is far less crowded!

For a romantic stay

• Hotel Adriatic Orebic is a wonderful adults-only hideaway on the Peljesac Peninsula. It offers just six spacious, luxurious rooms in a beautifully restored heritage building overlooking the sea. The waterfront restaurant is ideal for candlelit dinners (accompanied by wines from the owner's vineyard) and there's even a little private beach.
• The Villa Dubrovnik is certainly luxurious enough for Elizabeth Taylor. With private beach, private ocean view balconies, excellent Mediterranean restaurant and the possibility of having a hot tub on your balcony means it's probably luxurious enough for anyone!
• The Grand Villa Argentina is a stunning villa turned 127 room hotel positioned right on Dubrovnik’s waterfront. It’s has a private beach as well as a full service spa and three excellent restaurants, two pools and lush gardens.
• The Judita Palace is a gorgeous, romantic property near Diocletian's Mausoleum in Split's main square. Beautiful rooms have exposed stone walls and classic decor and some boast wonderful Old Town views.

For a boutique hotel

• Once a castle holiday home, now a 13 room boutique hotel, the Boutique Hotel Kazbek is on the bay of Lapad and has stunning rooms and suites benefitting from the castle’s original features. There’s also a fantastic restaurant and pool.
• The Almayer Art and Heritage Hotel is an historic property turned boutique hotel in the centre of Zadar. This chic spot has just nine rooms which are up to the minute modern, and you've easy access to both sea and sights!

The Best Waterfront Hotels on the Dalmatian Coast

• For a top notch stay on Trogir's waterfront, we recommend the Brown Beach House. Its 25 rooms and suites are light and bright, plus you'll find a huge pool and excellent Mediterranean restaurant.
• For a Dubrovnik property that's right on the sea, we'd recommend the Hotel Kompas. Slightly out of town, it's an ultra modern property with chic rooms, state of the art spa, plus choice of bars and restaurants.

For Families

• Traditional and elegant, the Hotel Bastion is just a few minutes from Zadar's old town and built into the city's ramparts. And with some of its traditionally elegant rooms sleeping up to four, this is also a great option for families.
• Just outside Zadar is the family friendly Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera, a superb contemporary property with gorgeous ocean views, a state of the art spa and activities for all ages.
• The Stradun Apartments are a collection of boutique style apartments in Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Light and airy, with contemporary decor, each apartment sleeps up to four, and offers all the mod. cons. plus the measure of staying in a 17th century townhouse.
• Split’s Divota Apartment Hotel is a stylish collection of rooms, apartments and a three bedroom house, it is perfectly situated for exploring the city.

For an Escape!

• Just outside Trogir, the adults only Hotel Ola is a romantic treat with rejuvenating spa and epic sea views. Plus there's a good restaurant and activities aplenty.
• To the south of Dubrovnik, Cavtat is a good choice if you want to escape the crowds and have easy airport access. Villa Pattiera is a traditional property offering simple but spacious accommodation within walking distance of the beach.

Chic Hotels on the Dalmatian Coast

• Glass fronted, state of the art Hotel Bellevue has fresh and neutral interiors with spectacular views and an excellent spa.
• The Excelsior Hotel is situated a stone's throw from Dubrovnik's Old Town. It's a modern property with exceptional views both over the Adriatic and Dubrovnik's Old Town. Plus there's an excellent spa and seafront restaurant.
• The Hotel Vestibul Palace is situated in the heart of Split’s Diocletian Palace. Luxury combined with contemporary interiors located bang in the centre of the Old Town.
• Heritage Hotel 19 offers seven beautifully renovated rooms with plenty of original features, yet a fresh contemporary feel, right in the heart of Split.
• The Byron is a stunning property situated right beside Dubrovnik Cathedral. Its four rooms offer chic minimal decor that effortlessly blend period and contemporary features. All also provide little kitchenettes for those who'd prefer to stay in!

For a B&B

• St Joseph's is a gorgeous property set within the walls of Dubrovnik's Old Town. Luxurious rooms ooze elegance and sophistication - perfect for a romantic break.
• The Villa Allure of Dubrovnik is a stunning little guesthouse hotel with nine contemporary rooms with elegant decor and wonderful sea views from sprawling terraces. There is a pool and you’re only a short walk from the beach.
• Grgur Ninski Rooms is a smart B&B situated inside Split's Diocletian Palace. Rooms are a lovely mix of period and contemporary features and breakfast is served at a cafe down the road.

For great value

• Split’s Hotel Marmont is close to both the seafront and the heart of the Old Town. It boasts contemporary chic rooms encased in a beautiful 15th century shell, plus outside terrace and busy cocktail bar.
• The Amoret Apartments are a collection of traditional apartments located just five minutes walk from Buza Beach with wonderful views over Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Each apartment has a kitchenette, wi-fi and extra beds. From around £65 per night.
• Who says cheap accommodation has to be grotty? At Split’s Design Hostel Goli + Bosi you'll find a range of incredibly inexpensive yet stylish rooms. Plus a fantastic pizzeria! Prices start from just €20 per person if you're in one of the dorms.

If you haven't found your perfect property on our Guru's list of the Best Hotels on the Dalmatian Coast you could:

• Or consider our Gurus recommendations for the best places to stay in Dubrovnik? or on Hvar? or Split? or Zadar?
• Or you might want to consider the Best Hotels on the Dalmatian Islands?
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

The 20 Best Hotels on the Dalmatian Coast

 

Written by Sarah Empson

posted Tuesday, 23rd August 2022