The best hotels in Split: nine places to stay, from palace to beach

Roman walls in your room

Hotel Vestibul Palace sits inside the palace, beside the Vestibule, the domed entrance hall where the emperor received guests. Rooms are built between ancient walls, and in several you can see Roman stone right in the wall.

This is our romantic pick, placing you in the heart of the imperial palace with good rooms and personal service. It is a good fit for couples who want to explore the palace early and late, away from the crowds. Rooms are few and not large, and there is no pool. In the evening you can sit on the Peristyle and listen to the a cappella singers in the Vestibule.

Views of the cathedral

Hotel Peristil sits right by the Peristyle, with views of the cathedral and bell tower from some rooms. It is small and family-run, with simple, bright rooms.

It gets our vote as the value pick, putting you in the middle of the palace for less than the most exclusive hotels. It works best for couples and friends who spend their days out. Rooms facing the square are the best, and also the noisiest on summer evenings, when music and people carry on late.

A roof terrace above the palace

Cornaro Hotel stands just north of the palace, among streets of shops and restaurants, with modern rooms and a roof terrace bar looking over the rooftops and the bell tower.

It makes an easy first choice, combining the palace on the doorstep, modern comfort and one of the best terraces in town. It is made for couples and friends. The street outside is lively, so ask for a courtyard room. From the terrace, sunset over Marjan is worth catching.

Stone and calm in the old town

Marmont Heritage Hotel occupies an old stone house in the old town west of the palace, with few rooms, exposed stone walls and a small roof terrace. The style is calm and contemporary.

It is ideal for couples who want a small boutique hotel in the old town, with restaurants and the fish market around the corner. Rooms are stylish but some are compact. There is no pool, and the beach is a short walk or bus ride away. The morning fish market is one of the liveliest scenes in the city.

Modern luxury by the sea

Hotel Ambasador stands by the sea west of the Riva, with modern rooms, a spa and a rooftop terrace with a pool and views over the harbour and islands. The interior is bright and clean-lined.

It takes our design pick and a strong base for anyone who wants luxury and modern comfort with the old town five minutes away. It is right for couples and business travellers. There is no beach outside, but the rooftop pool makes up for it, and the Marjan trails begin just behind the hotel.

A classic by Bačvice

Hotel Park Split stands close to Bačvice beach, ten minutes' walk from the palace, with a large terrace under the palms and classic rooms.

It is a strong pick for travellers who want both the beach and the old town within walking distance, and who like a hotel with a long history in the city. It works well for couples and older travellers. The terrace is lovely for breakfast. Bačvice fills up in summer, so go early, and in the evening it turns into a place for bars and music.

Beach and pool at Žnjan

Radisson Blu Resort & Spa sits by the sea at Žnjan, east of the centre, with a pool, spa and beach right outside. Many rooms have sea views towards Brač.

It earns our family pick, as the pool and beach make life with children easy. It also suits couples who want a modern hotel with good standards, and the spa is welcome on a cloudy day. The palace is about 20 minutes' walk along the sea, or a few minutes by taxi.

A long beach at Podstrana

Le Méridien Grand Hotel Lav stands in Podstrana, about eight kilometres south of Split, with a long beach, marina, several pools and a large spa.

It appeals to travellers who want a resort holiday with beach and pool, visiting the city now and then. It works for families and couples. Reach the old town by bus, taxi or the hotel shuttle. The promenade along the beach makes a fine evening stroll.

Beach and style in Trogir

Brown Beach House stands by the sea in Trogir, in a converted factory building, with a beach, pool and bright, modern interior. Trogir's old town is a short stroll away.

It is well suited to couples who want to combine beach, design and a beautiful medieval town, close to the airport. It is a good choice for a first or last night. Split is half an hour by bus or boat, and in the evening Trogir's lanes are calmer than Split's, with restaurants along the quay.