Split hotels - Our Expert's

Top 8

Split has more than 20 hotels and the one that suits you best will depend on how you want to spend your time in the city. If you’re coming here specifically to explore Split’s fascinating Roman and Venetian-era architecture, then you should really base yourself in the splendid pedestrian-only old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or in Varoš, a hillside quarter of stone fishermen’s cottages, between the old town and pine-scented Marjan. There are less than half-a-dozen hotels in these areas, so you should book in advance.

Alternatively, you might be coming to Split purely to relax and enjoy its sunny Mediterranean climate, warm sea and excellent watersports facilities, in which case I suggest staying at a modern hotel outside the centre, on the coast, where you’ll get the added luxury of a spa and outdoor pool.

Things to consider before booking

• Prices drop in May and June, and in September and October, when the city is less crowded, but the sea is still warm enough to swim in.
• Split makes a lovely winter break too, if you stay in the old town, and prices drop substantially.
• Prices rocket in July and August, when the city stages the fantastic Split Summer Festival and becomes very, very busy.
• Breakfast is almost always included in the room rate.
• Tourist tax (7Kn, approx 1 euro, per person per day) is generally (but not always) included in the room rate.
• Stays of less than three days generally have a small surcharge.

I lived in Split for six years and it remains my favourite city on the planet. Over the last decade, I’ve written about it for various guidebooks, newspapers and magazines, and I’m continually keeping track of renovation projects and new hotel openings that could enrich a visitor’s experience. I return to Split frequently, to see friends and cure feelings of nostalgia for life within the Roman walls of Diocletian’s Palace. Out of the eight Split hotels listed here, I’ve tried to include a good cross-section to appeal to various types of visitors - couples, young families, families with teenage kids and mature travellers – and a range of price brackets.