Where to stay: CROATIA
Collection by DNA Hotels • Last updated 10 weeks ago
For people who care where they stay. Authentic. Soulful. Charm. Design. Indie. Local.
Dalmatia
Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel | Zadar, Croatia
This boutique hotel is situated in a carefully renovated 19th-century building in Zadar's Old Town. There are nine rooms and a courtyard cafe-restaurant serving fine wines and Creative Mediterranean fare. Interiors have been given a cool contemporary makeover by designer Boris Ružić. Even the smallest details have been given considerable attention – the result is effortlessly relaxed, romantic and timeless.
Hotel Adriatic | Hvar, Croatia
Rovinj's oldest hotel, in a building from 1892, the Adriatic underwent a slick renovation in 2015. It has 18 rooms and a hip seafront café-restaurant, and walls hung with works by 14 international contemporary artists. A true boutique hotel, it stays open all year - ideal for a winter break or a summer honeymoon.
Olife | Milna, Brac | Croatia
This handsome period building is the seaside guesthouse you've always dreamed of having. The four-storey structure has undergone a tasteful refurbishment that preserves its grandeur while adding a simple but stylish vibe. The four floors are linked via a staircase of wrought-iron bannisters opening onto long corridors of wooden floors. The whitewashed walls have been given fun bursts of colour thanks to reproductions of graphic works by Banksy.
Little Green Bay | Hvar, Croatia
'Less is more' is the motto at this barefoot-chic boutique retreat, founded by a French brother and sister, with backgrounds in hospitality and design respectively. Nestled in an isolated pine-scented bay, immersed in emerald greens and turquoise blues, it's a place for total relaxation, dubbing itself a 'non-hotel'. Built on the site of an old farmhouse, the stone façades hide slick interiors of polished concrete painted in earthy tones, with big wickerwork lampshades and grainy linen…
Villa Dubrovnik
An exceptional heritage hotel set in a garden full of Mediterranean trees and flowers and steps away from the seafront. Stylish rooms, suites and maisonettes are tastefully decorated, and a full range of first-rate facilities include a heated pool, private beach, spa and restaurant.
Hotel Lemongarden | Sutivan, Brac | Croatia
An exceptional heritage hotel set in a garden full of Mediterranean trees and flowers and steps away from the seafront. Stylish rooms, suites and maisonettes are tastefully decorated, and a full range of first-rate facilities include a heated pool, private beach, spa and restaurant.
Emanuel Hostel | Split, Croatia
A restored early 20th-century apartment, the hostel divides fifteen beds between two different rooms, starkly designed by Lana Vitas Gruic of Atom Design Studio. While one room is a riot of block colours, the other is an exercise in muted minimalism. The interiors are a nod to the daily pleasures of Mediterranean life, with street scenes gracing the walls in honour of Split’s maritime heritage.
Lešić Dimitri Palace | Korčula, Croatia
Korčula town on the namesake island is the birthplace of Marco Polo no less. Just steps from his house within the Old Town walls is hotel Lešić Dimitri Palace. Honouring his Silk Road travels it combines rich historical heritage with beautifully, thematically decorated interiors. It sits snugly between smart boutiques, romantic hideaway bars, galleries and the jet set yachting scene - Korčula being a favourite haunt in the Dalmatian Archipelago.
Design Hostel Goli & Bosi | Split, Croatia
A design hostel set in a 19th century warehouse located within the ancient city walls of Split. There are shared and private rooms, all come with air conditioning and a bathroom. The dorm rooms have beds separated by curtains with individual power sockets. The hostel has a pizzeria/restaurant and a variety of common areas such as lounges, a common kitchen, a bar, and a large terrace. Breakfast is served on the large square in front of the hostel. Small on-site cinema.
Briig Boutique Hotel | Split, Croatia
Primarily a ‘town house’ offering hotel accommodation, the 4-star Briig Boutique Hotel is located just above Split’s popular Bačvice beach. It integrates Mediterranean living with contemporary architecture which has been designed by Maja Tedeschi. The sculptural stairs lead from the ground floor to the galleries exposed to the sun through the glass ceiling, offering an open view of the sky and lobby.
Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik | Croatia
The grande dame of Dubrovnik hotels, the 19th-century Hilton Imperial, stands just outside the historic City Walls. This dignified and peaceful property offers 149 spacious rooms, a lovely leafy restaurant terrace, and a small spa with indoor pool.
Hotel Excelsior | Dubrovnik, Croatia
A major update prior to reopening has introduced cool minimalist interiors, grey walls and retro-chic furnishings: sofas, armchairs and cushions in petrol-blue, misty-pink, olive-green or mustard-yellow, potted plants and artworks featuring Dubrovnik. There are two wings: Villa Odak from 1913, and the late 20th-century Tower (with a rather garish mirrored-glass exterior).
The Pucić Palace | Dubrovnik, Croatia
In the heart of the Old Town, at the end of the famous street Stradun, in Gundulić Square, the most beautiful square in Dubrovnik, sits hotel The Pucić Palace. Built in the 17th century, this grand building was once home to the aristocratic family Pucić. The Pucić family left their mark on Dubrovnik’s history through their political work and their love of art. In 1895 the palace began to serve as a hotel, then called Hotel De la Ville, and this tradition of hospitality continues today.
Brown Beach House | Trogir, Croatia
Modelled on an Italian resort from the 1950s, Brown Beach House exudes the charm of a playground for the rich and famous- the sort where poolside cocktails are served by white-uniformed staff and sun loungers and parasols are de rigueur accessories. Located in Trogir, a historic town and harbour set within medieval walls on a tiny island just off Croatia’s mainland, the 25-room property occupies a former tobacco shipment station that has been transformed by Amsterdam-based designer Saar…
D-Resort Šibenik | Croatia
D-Resort Šibenik is a luxury design resort set on a super yacht marina overlooking the historic Dalmatian city of Šibenik with its UNESCO listed St. James” Cathedral. It offers sleek styled rooms and suites with sea views, a full spa with hammam, saunas and a fitness centre plus several bars and restaurants.
Hotel Kompas | Dubrovnik
In Lapad Bay, with its popular public beach giving onto the deep blue Adriatic, Hotel Kompas lies a 20-minute bus ride (or 40-minute walk) from Dubrovnik's walled old town. The sleek contemporary interiors will appeal to lovers of minimalist design. Light and airy spaces have floor-to-ceiling glazing, welcoming the sunshine and affording endless blue views of sea and sky. The atmosphere is chic but casual.
Palace Elisabeth, Heritage Hvar | Croatia
This grand property of white stone is named after Empress Elisabeth 'Sisi' of Austria who commissioned the hotel's construction in 1898 on the spot where a Duke's palace was first built in the 13th-century during Venetian times. The Sisi-inspired interiors reveal a dash of old world flair combined with a contemporary vibe that hits the right tone of classy without being overdone.
Istria
Hotel Lone | Rovinj, Croatia
The work of Studio 3LHD from Zagreb, the Lone showcases contemporary Croatian design. Based on the concept of a cruise ship, the elegant white façade is dominated by six floors with gently curving balconies, reminiscent of boat decks. Communal spaces centre on an oval atrium, with views of sea and woodland. Furniture was designed especially for the hotel by Numen Group, and installations by conceptual artists Silvio Vujičić and Ivana Franke. Hotel staff wear uniforms by I-gle.
Grand Hotel Park | Rovinj, Croatia
When it comes to location, hospitality company Maistra could not have picked a prettier spot for its new flagship property, Grand Park Hotel. Set on the yacht-speckled coast of Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, just across the bay from Rovinj’s charming old town with its jumble of red roof buildings, punctuated by the spire of St Euphemia church, the 209-room hotel is the latest addition to the group’s luxury collection and only strengthens its foothold in the region.
San Canzian Village & Hotel | Buje, Croatia
The hotel occupies an old, restored village (only three inhabitants still live in neighboring buildings), its hilltop perch affording views across the sea to Venice and the Dolomites beyond. (On clear days you can see four countries.) Noel, the first Michelin-starred restaurant in Zagreb, just unveiled its second outpost there and chef Daniel Tschachler shows boundless enthusiasm for Istria’s producers, using ingredients like wild basil, seasonal asparagus, black truffles, and fresh goat…
Wine & Heritage Hotel ROXANICH | Motovun, Croatia
A friendly, family-operated design hotel. Passionate winemaker Mladen Rožanić employs three of his six daughters on the grounds, which include the restaurant, 32-room hotel, and winery with an annual production of 80,000 bottles. The new premises are housed in the village’s old communal wine cellar (which dates back to 1902), and the large terrace seems to float over the Mirna Valley.
Ikador Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa | Ika, Croatia
This hotel combines a modern facade with Venetian window shutters and Art Deco-style balconies inspired by neighbouring period villas. The interiors by Croatian design firm Atellior include travertine stone with golden inlay, chevron flooring, breccia medicea marble tabletops, and custom-made design furniture give public spaces an elegant and sophisticated vibe.
Zagreb
Amadria Park Hotel Capital | Zagreb, Croatia
The original building was designed in 1921 by Viennese architects Ernst Gottilf and Alexande Neumann who specialised in landmark bank buildings in central Europe. The new hotel has been created by project developers Ugo Group Zagreb and interior design firm HBA London.
Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel | Zadar, Croatia
This boutique hotel is situated in a carefully renovated 19th-century building in Zadar's Old Town. There are nine rooms and a courtyard cafe-restaurant serving fine wines and Creative Mediterranean fare. Interiors have been given a cool contemporary makeover by designer Boris Ružić. Even the smallest details have been given considerable attention – the result is effortlessly relaxed, romantic and timeless.
Hotel Adriatic | Hvar, Croatia
Rovinj's oldest hotel, in a building from 1892, the Adriatic underwent a slick renovation in 2015. It has 18 rooms and a hip seafront café-restaurant, and walls hung with works by 14 international contemporary artists. A true boutique hotel, it stays open all year - ideal for a winter break or a summer honeymoon.
Olife | Milna, Brac | Croatia
This handsome period building is the seaside guesthouse you've always dreamed of having. The four-storey structure has undergone a tasteful refurbishment that preserves its grandeur while adding a simple but stylish vibe. The four floors are linked via a staircase of wrought-iron bannisters opening onto long corridors of wooden floors. The whitewashed walls have been given fun bursts of colour thanks to reproductions of graphic works by Banksy.
Little Green Bay | Hvar, Croatia
'Less is more' is the motto at this barefoot-chic boutique retreat, founded by a French brother and sister, with backgrounds in hospitality and design respectively. Nestled in an isolated pine-scented bay, immersed in emerald greens and turquoise blues, it's a place for total relaxation, dubbing itself a 'non-hotel'. Built on the site of an old farmhouse, the stone façades hide slick interiors of polished concrete painted in earthy tones, with big wickerwork lampshades and grainy linen…
Villa Dubrovnik
An exceptional heritage hotel set in a garden full of Mediterranean trees and flowers and steps away from the seafront. Stylish rooms, suites and maisonettes are tastefully decorated, and a full range of first-rate facilities include a heated pool, private beach, spa and restaurant.
Hotel Lemongarden | Sutivan, Brac | Croatia
An exceptional heritage hotel set in a garden full of Mediterranean trees and flowers and steps away from the seafront. Stylish rooms, suites and maisonettes are tastefully decorated, and a full range of first-rate facilities include a heated pool, private beach, spa and restaurant.
Hotel Lone | Rovinj, Croatia
The work of Studio 3LHD from Zagreb, the Lone showcases contemporary Croatian design. Based on the concept of a cruise ship, the elegant white façade is dominated by six floors with gently curving balconies, reminiscent of boat decks. Communal spaces centre on an oval atrium, with views of sea and woodland. Furniture was designed especially for the hotel by Numen Group, and installations by conceptual artists Silvio Vujičić and Ivana Franke. Hotel staff wear uniforms by I-gle.
Emanuel Hostel | Split, Croatia
A restored early 20th-century apartment, the hostel divides fifteen beds between two different rooms, starkly designed by Lana Vitas Gruic of Atom Design Studio. While one room is a riot of block colours, the other is an exercise in muted minimalism. The interiors are a nod to the daily pleasures of Mediterranean life, with street scenes gracing the walls in honour of Split’s maritime heritage.
Lešić Dimitri Palace | Korčula, Croatia
Korčula town on the namesake island is the birthplace of Marco Polo no less. Just steps from his house within the Old Town walls is hotel Lešić Dimitri Palace. Honouring his Silk Road travels it combines rich historical heritage with beautifully, thematically decorated interiors. It sits snugly between smart boutiques, romantic hideaway bars, galleries and the jet set yachting scene - Korčula being a favourite haunt in the Dalmatian Archipelago.
Design Hostel Goli & Bosi | Split, Croatia
A design hostel set in a 19th century warehouse located within the ancient city walls of Split. There are shared and private rooms, all come with air conditioning and a bathroom. The dorm rooms have beds separated by curtains with individual power sockets. The hostel has a pizzeria/restaurant and a variety of common areas such as lounges, a common kitchen, a bar, and a large terrace. Breakfast is served on the large square in front of the hostel. Small on-site cinema.
Briig Boutique Hotel | Split, Croatia
Primarily a ‘town house’ offering hotel accommodation, the 4-star Briig Boutique Hotel is located just above Split’s popular Bačvice beach. It integrates Mediterranean living with contemporary architecture which has been designed by Maja Tedeschi. The sculptural stairs lead from the ground floor to the galleries exposed to the sun through the glass ceiling, offering an open view of the sky and lobby.
Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik | Croatia
The grande dame of Dubrovnik hotels, the 19th-century Hilton Imperial, stands just outside the historic City Walls. This dignified and peaceful property offers 149 spacious rooms, a lovely leafy restaurant terrace, and a small spa with indoor pool.
Hotel Excelsior | Dubrovnik, Croatia
A major update prior to reopening has introduced cool minimalist interiors, grey walls and retro-chic furnishings: sofas, armchairs and cushions in petrol-blue, misty-pink, olive-green or mustard-yellow, potted plants and artworks featuring Dubrovnik. There are two wings: Villa Odak from 1913, and the late 20th-century Tower (with a rather garish mirrored-glass exterior).
The Pucić Palace | Dubrovnik, Croatia
In the heart of the Old Town, at the end of the famous street Stradun, in Gundulić Square, the most beautiful square in Dubrovnik, sits hotel The Pucić Palace. Built in the 17th century, this grand building was once home to the aristocratic family Pucić. The Pucić family left their mark on Dubrovnik’s history through their political work and their love of art. In 1895 the palace began to serve as a hotel, then called Hotel De la Ville, and this tradition of hospitality continues today.
Brown Beach House | Trogir, Croatia
Modelled on an Italian resort from the 1950s, Brown Beach House exudes the charm of a playground for the rich and famous- the sort where poolside cocktails are served by white-uniformed staff and sun loungers and parasols are de rigueur accessories. Located in Trogir, a historic town and harbour set within medieval walls on a tiny island just off Croatia’s mainland, the 25-room property occupies a former tobacco shipment station that has been transformed by Amsterdam-based designer Saar…
D-Resort Šibenik | Croatia
D-Resort Šibenik is a luxury design resort set on a super yacht marina overlooking the historic Dalmatian city of Šibenik with its UNESCO listed St. James” Cathedral. It offers sleek styled rooms and suites with sea views, a full spa with hammam, saunas and a fitness centre plus several bars and restaurants.