Are you planning a trip to Split? Built around the Palace of Diocletian, the city combines historic alleyways, a lively waterfront, and seaside neighborhoods. We’ve explored its different areas to find the best hotels and help you choose where to stay in Split. Here’s what you’ll find in this article:
- our top picks among the accommodations we tested,
- a guide to neighborhoods to help you choose where to live,
- Our selection of hotels by category, with reviews and booking links.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Best Hotel in Split: Our Top Pick
We had the chance to check out and visit many hotels in Split. Here’s our favorite—all thanks to the view when you wake up!
Located on the waterfront, just a few minutes’ walk from Diocletian’s Palace, the Hotel Ambasador Split occupies one of the most sought-after locations in the city. We enjoyed its rooftop pool, which offers unobstructed views of the sea and the harbor. We recommend this hotel to travelers looking for a contemporary setting without straying far from the historic center.
See photos, prices and availability.
Where to Stay in Split: Best Neighborhoods + Map
Why stay in Split?
Split has established itself as the main gateway to the Dalmatian islands, while remaining a destination in its own right. Its Diocletian’s Palace, city beaches, and bustling market make it a city where you can enjoy both strolling and relaxing. We found that the city is perfect for a 2- to 3-day stopover as well as for a full vacation. See all the attractions in Split.
Map of Split and its neighborhoods
Split offers a wide variety of high-quality hotels. The hard part will be choosing one.
Here’s a map to help you find the neighborhoods we’re highlighting below:
1. Staying in the historic center: Diocletian’s Palace
The Palace of Diocletian is not a static archaeological site, but a vibrant neighborhood where several thousand residents still live today within the Roman walls. Cobbled alleys, shops, restaurants, and bars bustle day and night around the Peristyle and St. Domnius Cathedral. We enjoyed being able to walk to the Riva, the main promenade, as well as the ferry terminal.
Benefits:
- A historic district listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, just a stone’s throw away
- Restaurants, bars, and stores open late
- Direct access to the Riva and the ferry terminal for the islands
Disadvantages:
- Cobbled alleys that aren’t very suitable for suitcases with wheels
- Nighttime entertainment can be noisy at times in the summer
- Parking to be arranged outside the walls
Our favorite hotel: Hotel Villa Split – Diocletian’s Palace
2. Staying in the rest of downtown, beyond the palace
Outside the palace walls, downtown Split stretches along the waterfront and westward, surrounding more residential neighborhoods. We’ve noticed that this area is within walking distance of the Diocletian’s Palace, usually less than 15 minutes away. We recommend this area to travelers looking for a balance between tranquility and proximity to the historic center.
Benefits:
- A good balance between tranquility and proximity to downtown
- More parking options
- Newer hotels, often featuring a pool or a spa
Disadvantages:
- It’s a 10- to 15-minute walk to Diocletian’s Palace
- Less lively in the evening
- Heavier traffic on major roads
Our favorite hotel: Hotel Ambasador Split
3. Staying on the South Coast: From Bačvice to Žnjan
Southeast of downtown, Bacvice Beach marks the start of a waterfront that stretches all the way to Znjan, about 3 km away. Bacvice remains the most central and most popular beach, known for its shallow waters. Further along, Znjan features newer, more family-oriented hotel complexes. We found this area convenient for combining beach time with sightseeing;
Benefits:
- Direct access to Split’s city beaches
- Many new hotels with swimming pools
- A family-friendly area, especially around Žnjan
Disadvantages:
- A 20- to 30-minute walk to the historic center
- Bačvice Beach is very crowded during the high season
- Less architectural charm than in the city center
Our favorite hotel: Hotel Park Split
Other useful tips to keep in mind
Parking in the historic center is limited: check with your hotel about nearby parking lots before you arrive. And if you plan to explore the surrounding area (Trogir, Krka National Park), renting a car is still the most flexible option.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Croatia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that’s compact enough (some passages are narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Our curation: best hotels
To help you find the accommodation that best suits your needs, we’ve sorted our recommendations by category. Below you’ll find our detailed picks, as well as other inspiring addresses.
Best Luxury Hotels in Split
Split has several 5-star hotels, located between the waterfront and the Old Town.
The one we reviewed: Hotel Ambasador Split
The Hotel Ambasador Split is located in a contemporary tower on the waterfront, just a few minutes’ walk from Diocletian’s Palace. Its rooftop pool, which is heated seasonally, offers a panoramic view of the sea and the port of Split. We were captivated by the view from the upper floors, especially at sunset.
What sets this hotel apart is the balance between high-end comfort and quick access to the downtown attractions. We were also impressed by the quality of its wellness area, which is a pleasant place to relax after a day of sightseeing.
More photos in our article.
- Neighborhood: the rest of downtown, waterfront
- Price range: 5 stars
- Restaurant: ask at the establishment
- Family rooms: please ask at the establishment
- Rooftop pool with a view of the sea and the harbor
- Amenities: wellness area, air-conditioned rooms
- Diocletian’s Palace is just a few minutes’ walk away
- Private parking lot
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
The second one we tested: Hotel Park Split
Located just behind Bačvice Beach, the Hotel Park Split is housed in a historic, 5-star-rated building. Its Mediterranean garden and outdoor terrace create a seamless transition between the city and the coast. We enjoyed the well-oriented outdoor pool, as well as the relative tranquility of the garden despite its proximity to the beach.
We recommend this place to travelers who want to enjoy both beach access and high-quality service without staying in the heart of the old town.
See more photos in our article.
- Neighborhood: South Coast, right behind Bačvice Beach
- Price range: 5-star, historic hotel
- Restaurant: ask at the establishment
- Family rooms: please ask at the establishment
- Outdoor pool and Mediterranean garden
- Amenities: spa, outdoor terrace
- Bačvice Beach is just a few minutes’ walk away
- Private parking lot
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
Our selection of other excellent luxury options
- Marmont Heritage Hotel
Located in the old town, just a short walk from the Riva. Rooftop terrace with a hot tub and views of the historic center. 4-star.
Check photos and availability - Posh Residence Luxury Suites
Located on the beachfront along the southern coast. Suites and apartments featuring a heated infinity pool and a spa area. 5-star.
Check photos and availability - Vestibul Palace & Villa Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Located in the heart of the Diocletian’s Palace, surrounded by original Roman walls. A remarkable hotel known for its historic atmosphere. 4 stars.
Check photos and availability - Atrium Hotel
Located in the rest of the city center, further from the waterfront. Full-service wellness center with an indoor pool and spa. 5-star.
Check photos and availability
Best Boutique Hotels in Split
Split’s Old Town is full of small, charming establishments, often housed in historic buildings.
The first one we tested: Piazza Heritage Hotel
Housed in a palace built in 1906, the Hotel Piazza Heritage overlooks Pjaca, the main square in the historic center. Its 16 rooms, decorated in pastel tones and featuring tasteful furnishings, remain surprisingly quiet at night despite the hotel’s central location. We enjoyed the à la carte restaurant on the ground floor, which nicely rounds out the stay.
We recommend this 4-star hotel to travelers looking for a central location without sacrificing comfort. Saint-Domnius Cathedral is about a 10-minute walk away.
More photos in our article.
- Neighborhood: historic center, on Pjaca (main square)
- Price range: 4 stars
- Restaurant: Yes, à la carte dining on the ground floor
- Family rooms: Please check with the hotel (16 rooms total)
- No swimming pool on site
- Features: historic building, Art Nouveau-style furnishings
- St. Domnius Cathedral, about a 10-minute walk away; Bačvice Beach, about a 20-minute walk away
- Parking by reservation
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
The second one we tested: Hotel Villa Split – Diocletian’s Palace
The Hotel Villa Split is housed in a10th-century Romanesque building that is integrated into the very walls of Diocletian’s Palace. The decor combines original stonework, wooden beams, and contemporary furniture, creating a simple, understated look that harmonizes with the setting. We found the location to be outstanding: the Riva and its restaurants are just a few minutes’ walk away, as is Marjan Park for a break in the greenery.
We also noticed how quiet the rooms were, despite the hotel’s central location—a feature not found in all hotels in the palace.
- Neighborhood: historic center, inside Diocletian’s Palace
- Price range: historic boutique hotel
- Restaurant: ask at the establishment
- Family rooms: please ask at the establishment
- To the best of our knowledge, there is no pool on site.
- Amenities: original10th-century walls and features, air-conditioned rooms
- Riva and Marjan Park are within walking distance
- Parking by reservation
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
The third one we tested: Briig Boutique Hotel
On the south coast, near Bačvice, the Briig Boutique Hotel stands out for its distinctly contemporary architecture. Its rooftop pool and spa area make it a pleasant place to stay after a day at the beach or sightseeing. Some room categories offer ocean views, a feature we particularly appreciated during our stay.
More photos in our article.
- Neighborhood: South Coast, near Bačvice
- Price range: boutique hotel
- Restaurant: ask at the establishment
- Family rooms: please ask at the establishment
- Rooftop pool
- Amenities: spa, rooms with ocean views (in certain room categories)
- Bačvice Beach, right nearby
- Parking: private
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
Our curation of other excellent charm options
- Boutique Hotel Venturo, a Member of Design Hotels
Located on the waterfront along the southern coast, just steps from Bačvice. Features a spa, a rooftop pool, and contemporary-style guest rooms.
Check photos and availability - Heritage Hotel Antique Split
Located inside Diocletian’s Palace, just a short walk from the Riva. Original stone walls and elegant decor.
Check photos and availability - Murum Heritage Hotel
In the heart of the palace. Some rooms and suites overlook the rooftops and monuments of the old city.
Check photos and availability - Heritage Hotel, 19
. Near the Riva and Veli Varoš. Garden, terrace, and some rooms with balconies.
Check photos and availability - Mirari Boutique Hotel
Near the western waterfront, in the rest of downtown. Outdoor rooftop pool, sauna, and rooms with ocean views.
Check photos and availability
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Split
Traveling with your family to Split often requires more space than just a hotel room. Here are the places we recommend:
- Liberty Living Apartments Žnjan Beach
On the south coast, in Žnjan. Spacious 2- or 3-bedroom apartments, two heated pools, and hot tubs. 5-star.
Check photos and availability - Residence by Vestibul Palace
Located in the rest of downtown, just a few minutes’ walk from the palace. Spacious apartments with fully equipped kitchens.
Check photos and availability - Luxury Apartments Villa Klara
On the south coast. Multiple beds or sleeper sofas, outdoor pool, garden, and some with ocean views. 5 stars.
Check photos and availability - Villa M
On the south coast, near Žnjan. Family apartments with 2 or 3 bedrooms, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a sauna.
Check photos and availability
Best Aparthotels in Split
For a more independent stay, with a full kitchen or kitchenette, there are several notable residences in Split.
- Stella’s Beachfront Aparthotel
On the south coast, right on the beach. Air-conditioned accommodations with a kitchenette and free parking.
Check photos and availability - Apartments Cordis
Near Žnjan, on the south coast. Kitchens or kitchenettes depending on the unit, outdoor pool, and garden.
Check photos and availability - Apartments Korta
Located in the Veli Varoš area, a short walk from the palace. Patios or terraces depending on the unit, and a pleasant garden.
Check photos and availability - Divota Apartment Hotel
Located in several buildings throughout Veli Varoš. Studios and apartments equipped for self-catering stays, just a few minutes from the palace.
Check photos and availability
Best Budget Hotels in Split
Split remains an affordable destination: there are several 2- and 3-star hotels there that offer good value for the money.
- Hôtel Consul
Located in a quiet neighborhood in the rest of downtown, within walking distance of the historic district. Restaurant and parking available.
See prices, pictures and availability - Batuda Hotel
North of Split. Free parking and an on-site restaurant, but the location is less convenient for exploring on foot.
See prices, pictures and availability - Hotel Villa Diana
A small, family-run hotel located between Bačvice and Diocletian’s Palace. Conveniently located within walking distance of the city center, the beach, and the harbor.
See prices, pictures and availability - Peristil Hotel
Right next to the Silver Gate of the palace. Some rooms feature original Roman walls or overlook the Peristyle.
See prices, pictures and availability - More Hotel
A small hotel near the Žnjan waterfront on the south coast. Some rooms have a terrace.
See prices, pictures and availability
Other Types of Accommodations in Split
You can also find
- B&Bs
- apartments for rent
- guest houses
- and youth hostels
- See the top-rated accommodations in Split.
SHE MADE THE TRIP Clara
