Split - a museum city: discover the best boutique hotels in one of the most beautiful cities in Croatia

Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, surrounded by rolling mountains, the beautiful Dalmatian city of Split is a living museum. It is a bustling and prominent city with a long and rich history and one of the most charming Adriatic ports. With the wooded Marjan in the west, numerous beaches, and a tree-lined promenade along the harbor, Split offers many locations where you can enjoy the mild climate.

In addition, Split is described as a historic city that is perfect for those who like to complement their city breaks with small, magical day trips. Therefore, with idyllic islands scattered at sea, medieval towns, castles, and national parks in the immediate vicinity, Split is an ideal destination. This destination has recently become increasingly popular among domestic and foreign guests. That is why we are witnessing an ever-increasing gastronomic offer in the city.

However, Split is not just a destination for gourmets. Its accommodation offer satisfies even the most demanding guests, especially those seeking exclusivity and privacy. Boutique hotels, increasingly popular in the city, are the perfect choice for an authentic experience with luxurious service. These hotels, often located in historic palaces or stone houses, exude charm and style. Their design combines tradition and modernity, and every detail of the interior has been carefully selected to provide guests with a feeling of comfort and luxury. Most boutique hotels are located in the very heart of the city, near Diocletian's Palace or along the coast overlooking the crystal blue sea.

Briig Boutique Hotel

The Briig Boutique Hotel is located in the center of Split, just a ten-minute walk from Diocletian's Palace and right next to the popular Bačvice beach. The investors of this hotel, which opened in 2019, had a clear philosophy—we don't want just another hotel in a row. It is a unique, year-round, four-star hotel, a part of Impresia hotel selection, that stands out with its design and functionality.

Guests get their first impression of the impressive design of this hotel when they look at the white building with its asymmetrical lines. Monumental, curved black stairs, an actual work of art, dominate the lobby. Original furniture and lighting by renowned world designers, stone from northern Italy, posters by Boris Bućan, graphics by Juli Knifer, and installations by Aleksandar Srnec are just some of the prominent details that have already earned the bring the title of an actual museum with rooms.

The hotel has 59 comfortable rooms, one deluxe room with a terrace and two suites located on the top floor. The suites are beautiful due to the view of the city and the sea from the balconies, which also have jacuzzis. The lobby also features a Cigar Room and an elegant Barcaffe Bar that leads to a spacious open terrace. On the hotel's roof is a swimming pool and a spa center that offers a sauna, various types of massages and a fitness room. The hotel also has three modern multifunctional congress halls and a round meeting room and the underground garage.

The hotel's restaurant, Median, serves contemporary interpretations of traditional dishes, always made with fresh ingredients daily. The entrance to the restaurant hall gives off an impression of top quality, as attention is paid to every detail while simultaneously leaving an impression of simplicity and sophistication. Briig boutique hotel offers everything – from an authentic experience, unique vacation concept, to custom architecture and art-influenced design, along with a highly-personalized service.

Vestibul Palace Hotel

Vestibul Palace Hotel , also a part of Impresia hotel selection, is located in the heart of Diocletian's Palace, one of the best-preserved Roman palaces in the world, which is now under UNESCO protection, and it combines Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture. A vestibule is an entrance, a door, a passage. In the historic Diocletian’s Palace the vestibule is a passage to a story. The hotel's interior successfully combines modern luxury with historical elements and rooms are decorated in accordance with the historical surroundings but with modern amenities and comforts.

Some of the hotel's walls contain original Roman stones, allowing guests to experience the atmosphere of times gone by. The hotel's restaurant is located in a space formerly an old Roman cistern, and this historical space now offers guests top-notch delicacies. The hotel's gastronomic offer combines Dalmatian cuisine with modern culinary techniques, creating a unique experience.

The hotel offers its guests exclusive access and a private entrance to the Peristil, the central square of Diocletian's Palace. This gives guests a unique opportunity to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the historic square, which is otherwise extremely busy during the day. Many archaeological artifacts, including the remains of ancient Roman buildings, ceramics, and other objects, were found during the hotel's renovation. These discoveries have helped shed light on the palace's history and its functions over the centuries.

The hotel is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, which means that it is recognized for its quality of service and luxury. This recognition further underlines the fact that guests experience true luxury within one of the most important cultural monuments in the world.

Piazza Heritage Hotel

Piazza Heritage Hotel is located in the heart of Split, on the main city square Pjaca, just 50 meters from Diocletian's Palace. The hotel is housed in a palace built in 1906 in the Viennese Art Nouveau style. One of the most interesting details is the original decorative elements of the facade and interior that were carefully restored during the renovation. These elements reflect the spirit of luxury from the early 20th century.

The hotel site was once an ancient agora and later a medieval square where public gatherings and trade took place. During the renovation of the hotel building, traces of older construction layers from different historical periods were found, including parts of the old Roman walls. These details have been carefully preserved and incorporated into the hotel's design, making it a luxurious accommodation and an open-air museum. During the renovation of the building, a team of architects came across old city documents that revealed stories about trade and daily life in the Pjaca. Some of these stories are now incorporated into the hotel's guides and materials, allowing guests to discover the historical context of their place.

The hotel offers 16 rooms decorated in the Art Nouveau style, including different types such as luxury double rooms with city view, deluxe double rooms with balcony and city view, and deluxe studios. On the ground floor of the hotel there is a restaurant K.užina, whose mission is simple - creating outside the box. This restaurant combines tradition and innovation with the signature cuisine of Dalmatian grandmothers and grandfathers who left a deep mark and love for dishes. They have translated the Dalmatian landscape with all its blessing, colorfulness and God-given delicacies into carefully created menu.

Ibella Boutique House

The 4-star Ibella Boutique Hotel is located in the charming Varoš district of Split in a beautiful stone house that exudes character and warmth, combining tradition with modern comfort. In addition to modernly decorated rooms for a pleasant stay in the city, Ibella stands out with a beautiful courtyard with a swimming pool and terrace for complete enjoyment. The proximity to the main attractions makes Ibella Boutique Hotel an excellent choice for those who want to explore Split's rich cultural heritage and the beauty of our coast.

The exterior is decorated with rustic stone walls, evoking a timeless charm. The hotel's location makes it far enough from the hustle and bustle of the city yet close enough to Split's cultural and historical attractions that you can easily reach on foot. In addition to the alluring exterior that adorns the traditional look of a stone Dalmatian house, Ibella Boutique House is equally impressive when it comes to the interior. The spacious rooms are decorated with stone details and wooden elements that give warmth and comfort.

The hotel boasts five thoughtfully designed rooms, each reflecting the region's rich architectural heritage. Stone and wooden details create an ambiance that is both elegant and cozy. The rooms are decorated with carefully selected furniture that complements the historic aesthetic while providing modern amenities for a comfortable stay.

The real gem of Ibella Boutique Hotel is its spacious terrace, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding Old Town and is an oasis for relaxation and socializing. The terrace has deck chairs and comfortable seating – the ideal place to enjoy morning coffee, the sun's warmth, or a leisurely evening under the stars.

Heritage Hotel FERMAI

This small hotel is part of Accor's MGallery, an independent collection of hotels that are representative of their destination. It is situated in a century-old building that is truly a pearl of Art Nouveau. Completed amid World War I, it is a masterpiece by architect Petar Senjanović, who brought a touch of recognizable Viennese Art Nouveau to Split.

The building was originally intended for the needs of the cooperative union. Since 1974, it has been the seat of the University of Split. Archaeological artifacts found during construction testify to the existence of organized urban life in Split even before the Diocletian's Palace was built. The discovery of a bath or fountain gives us a sense that a spa or market was located at this very spot.

Each of the 31 superbly appointed rooms and four suites accurately represents a bygone era that our architectural and design team has revived by bringing in a touch of modernity and paying careful attention to every detail and need of contemporary travelers. The plenitude of natural light that comes in through large windows, views of the charming old town, and comfortable beds are just a few things that will enchant your senses while staying with us. Units with a balcony or terrace further enhance the Mediterranean atmosphere.

The creative culinary team uses local produce to present you with an authentic gastronomic experience. Following world culinary trends, they meet various nutritional needs of their guests and offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals.

Enrich your stay in Split

From exploring natural beauty to culinary workshops and adventure excursions - there are many activities you can try while spending your holidays in Split.

Here are our tips for how to spend the day:

Start your day with an early morning gastronomic experience, spice it up with a unique cultural uplift, and end it with some wine! If you are an adventurer, choose from the activities in the area - from quad tours, to rafting down the Cetina River. To add a little romance to your Split vacation experience, our top recommendations are a luxury boat tour and an afternoon in Blue Lagoon.