Best Boutique Hotels in Croatia

On an ancient square in the heart of town, The Palace Judita Heritage Hotel is a great place to experience the history of old Split. Occupying a small, renovated Renaissance-era palace, it's slim on facilities but big on authentic charm. There are only eight rooms, but each is different, with exposed stone walls and modern bathrooms. All the main tourist attractions are within walking distance, and the hotel provides a free shuttle to its free off-site parking lot. Travelers heading to Split should check here first, and watch for low rates in the off-season.

The 19-room Pucic Palace is a luxury boutique set in a superbly restored 18th-century palace in the center of Dubrovnik's stunning Old Town. The building's original Baroque ambience has been meticulously maintained with original antiques and refined historic detailing throughout. Rooms are stately and grand with long drapes and carpets covering wood floors; marble bathrooms are a particular highlight. The lack of spa facilities is a minor gripe, and some rooms are smaller than others, but this is without doubt one of the finest, if not the finest, hotel within the city's ancient walls. 

The 56-room Villa Dubrovnik is a luxury boutique with top-class facilities overlooking the pristine Adriatic Sea. Located away from the main tourist hub, yet still with easy access to Old Town, the hotel's sense of seclusion blends with impeccable service and a romantic setting to create something rather special. Rooms are modern and inviting with big balconies and sea views; bathrooms have nice extras such as under-floor heating. Suites have private hot tubs. There are an indoor pool, spa, and fitness center on-site, along with multiple restaurant and bar options. It's certainly one of the pricier options available in the area, but if the budget can stretch, it's worth every penny.

The 13-room Hotel Kazbek is a boutique property housed in a nicely renovated 16th-century country villa two miles from Dubrovnik's Old Town. Its tranquil and relatively secluded setting is perfect for those seeking a bit of peace and quiet away from the city's touristic heart -- though might feel a bit detached for some. Rooms skillfully blend old-world decor with the latest tech and both pool and restaurant are first-class. High rates reflect the hotel's high-end quality and when you're zipping around their private speedboat chances are it'll feel well spent.

The Hotel Luxe is an upscale, 30-room design hotel with some of the snazziest contemporary interior design you'll find in Split -- it's colorful and funky, with a slight retro feel to it. Rooms are similarly modern and stylish, with sleek bathrooms and impressive sea views from most; many rooms also have private balconies. The hotel also has a spa complex, extensive free breakfast, a bar open around the clock, and a concierge who can arrange boat tours and the like. Its position on a busy main road isn't ideal, but Diocletian's Palace and the other main sights are within five minutes' walk. Rates, however, are similar to comparable hotels right in the town center, though few can boast to have those sea views from most rooms.

Built on a cliff overlooking Lapad bay, Hotel More has its own private access to the Adriatic from a concrete terrace along the rocky shore. Travelers looking for a sandy beach may be disappointed, but the hotel hides a natural cave that makes Top 10 lists for coolest bars in the world. The restaurant pairs regional dishes with an extensive wine list and outdoor terrace. Rooms are posh if dated, but they have marble bathrooms with big jetted tubs. Sightseers must travel across the peninsula to get to Old Town attractions, but views of the islands are right outside.

The Berkeley Hotel checks all the boxes within its rating category, and its affordability is another plus. The venue stands out among other three-pearl hotels in the area due to its various leisure and sporting boats (skippers included) that can be rented out and taken on private excursions. Apart from the Gruz Harbor ferry terminal, the location isn't convenient for tourists without cars, though nearby public transportation makes the rest of Dubrovnik easily accessible. The room furnishings and bathrooms have been updated, and the free breakfast spread is better than most.