Historic Hotels in Croatia: Where Every Stay Has a Story

Croatia’s hotel scene offers a wide choice from family-run hotels to the world-famous international brands including Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Sheraton, Movenpick.

And there are hotels with history, places with their “special moment” when a family home, a palace or even a brand new idea became a hotel loved by visitors from all over the world - it isn’t always about glamour and glitz.

Take a look:

Hotel More, 5 star in Dubrovnik

When this luxury property opened in 2007, it wasn’t the fabulous waterfront location that turned heads, it was a bar. The very special Cave Bar is unique in Croatia. During construction of the hotel, quite by chance, a natural, limestone sea cave was discovered and it was decided to preserve it.  Experts believe the cave to be approximately 8,000 years old and the hotel effectively was built around it. On three levels with glistening stalactites, stalagmites and with seawater partially visible beneath a glass floor, Cave Bar is a favourite with hotels guests, visitors and locals. Illuminated with twinkling candlelight effect, it’s a magical spot right on the Adriatic.  Entrance via the hotel or the lungomare seaside promenade.

Judita Palace Heritage Hotel, 4 star in Split

As the name suggests, this was once a palace, a truly stunning one. It dates back to the 16th century when it was the home of a noble family from Split. At that time, only, well-placed families were allowed to have their homes on the town square called Pjaca as this was where the most important people conducted business.  Originally two buildings which were later connected, the building has undergone many changes over the centuries including the addition of courtyards and balconies, all preserving original details. In the early 20th century, the building even housed a small bread factory and a fire station! Today, the main building and the separate villa are a blend of Gothic and Renaissance elements where every one of the 19 rooms is different. Guests who stay talk of feeling the rhythm of the old core of Split as the hotel is surrounded by centuries-old walls and bell towers, just 50 metres away from Diocletian’s Palace.

Palace Elisabeth Hvar, 5 star in Hvar Town, island of Hvar

A historic property which is built directly over the ruins of a 13th century Duke’s Palace and which has become a landmark for Hvar Town. Located on the main town square and facing the town and inner harbour, both Venetian and Austrian architectural detail are immediately obvious.

With just 44 rooms and suites, the wide halls and terraces provide a feeling of space and there is a stylish swimming pool. Venetian chandeliers in public rooms complete the historic picture in public areas. In 1899 the palace was rebuilt under the name Spa Hotel Empress Elisabeth after Austrian Empress Sisi. Huge portraits of her abound throughout and it sad that the property was a favourite of hers.

With a nod to the present day, a huge Rejuvenation Spa is a strong attraction. A Member of Leading Hotels of the World.

Villa Pattiera, 4 star in Cavtat

Located right at the start of the Cavtat seafront promenade, this buttermilk colour mansion with distinctive green shutters is unmissable. A beautiful, neo-classical stone mansion, it was originally built in the 19th century and was the birthplace and home of famous Croatian opera singer Tino Pattiera (1890-1966) who performed across Europe and in New York. The villa was bought by a local family who lovingly restored the property opening it as a small hotel in 2006. There are just 12 rooms with a luxurious feel, featuring wood and stone and often antiques, a few have terrace or balcony.  Conforming to strict preservation orders, the property retains its original grand, stone staircase.

Brown Beach House Hotel & Spa, 4 star in Trogir

As history goes, it doesn’t get much more unusual than this as Brown Beach is located in a restored 20th-century, former tobacco shipping station. The building was left empty for many years until this luxury hotel opened in 2016 after a multi-million restoration.  The original façade of the old building has been preserved as has the space aspect, lots of space where palms give it a kind of Raffles, Singapore feel yet in a more boutique style. Located right on the Adriatic with a beach club that is popular for special occasions, it is just a few minutes walk to the UNESCO listed medieval, walled town of Trogir which is a gem. The designer main swimming pool has an unusual and very striking turquoise and black tiled floor beneath the shimmering water. The Spa and wellness centre has a separate outdoor pool. This is a hotel that definitely thinks it is 5 star.  

Bluesun Hotel Elaphusa, 4 star in Bol, island of Brac

Known locally just as “Elaphusa”, the hotel was built in the 1970’s when concrete was the main material used.  Its place in history is because this was the first hotel allowed to be built in the pristine pine forest in the Zlatni Rat part of Bol, location too of the famous V shaped beach, just five minutes stroll from the hotel.  The design was important: no towering buildings were permitted as was the trend in other Mediterranean countries, Elaphusa had to be a low building set within the pines. Today, the sensory plants including lavender and rosemary fill the surrounding gardens with natural scent. Tucked further into the pines behind the hotel there is a huge tennis centre with 20 clay courts and home to international tournaments. In 2022 there was a major interior renovation when stone tiled floors were introduced to guest rooms and large, real fig trees were added to the new, minimalist-design reception area. The Thalasso Spa and Wellness is one of the largest in the region.

The hotel’s intimate, a la carte fish restaurant right on the beach feels like a film set and is highly sought after, early booking essential.

Arbiana Heritage Hotel, 4 star, in Rab Town, island of Rab

The building started life in the 18th century as the private home of a member of the ruling class, effectively a patrician palace.  In 1924 it became a hotel for European aristocracy and was then known as Hotel Bristol. Today, all are welcome. Located right on the waterfront, close to the catamaran docking area, Arbiana is located within the old city walls and one entrance actually  opens directly onto one of the tiny cobbled streets of the old town. There are just 30 rooms and suites, some with original stone balconies and sea views. The use of fabrics enhances the art nouveau style, think silk, chiffon, with some rooms knowns as the red room, the cream room and so on.  In 2018 a huge renovation resulted in the addition of a fabulous outdoor pool and terrace.  Our favourite spot remains the Agatini Vrtovi (Agatha’s Gardens) named after the hotel’s founder.  This is a beautiful, walled garden, full of Mediterranean plants and trees, and location of the a la carte restaurant terrace, also perfect for drinks. In the evenings, tiny, white lights and candles provide a fairytale feel.

Hotel Adriatic, 4 star, in Rovinj

It surprises many people that Rovinj, on the heart-shaped peninsula of Istria in the north of Croatia is the second most visited coastal town in Croatia after Dubrovnik at the southern end of Croatia. Visitors are attracted by an exquisite old town topped by the grand Church of Euphemia, a long waterfront promenade, artisan shops and galleries, authentic open market, two Michelin star restaurants and a truly wonderful summer festival. The larger, newer hotels are located outside of the town centre, yet Hotel Adriatic was Rovinj’s very first hotel and stands proudly on the main square opposite the famous pink Venetian clock tower as she has done since the opening in 1892. Boutique style with just 18 rooms and suites and excellent brasserie, the vibe is inspired by art as every room or suite features works by Croatian and international contemporary artists. The terrace is the place for drinks and gossip and hotel guests have complimentary access to the boat service to the nearby, tiny islands of St Katarina (5 minutes away) and St Andrija (15 minutes away) for swimming and relaxation.

Boutique Hotel Alhambra, 5 star in Mali Losinj, island of Losinj

The hotel was built between 1908-1912 and began as two separate buildings, Villa Augusta built in 1908 and Villa Alhambra built in 1912. Today, these two are connected by a modern structure of glass and limestone. The hotel blends Art Nouveau and Neoclassical architecture exceptionally.  In the early 1900’s the area became a popular health retreat for the Austro Hungarian elite and, to this day, remains a sought after, well-being destination due to the huge number of medicinal plants that grow wild now used in spa treatments and the extremely clean air.  The hotel’s Alfred Keller Restaurant has one Michelin star.

Since almost 200 bottle nosed dolphins have chosen to live just off the coast of Mali Losinj, they presumably also knew a good thing way back in 1908?

‍

‍