Split is the kind of city you'll want to take in at your leisure, and that means spending a few days here. Luckily, there's a hotel for every taste, often in the historic center—and even within Split's most famous attraction, Diocletian's Palace. This list has your best options, from pretty boutique hotels in town to contemporary seaside escapes.

Piazza Heritage Hotel

Rooms at the Piazza Heritage Hotel overlook the Pjaca, one of Split's liveliest squares

Overlooking the Pjaca (or "piazza" in Italian, hence the name) is the Piazza Heritage Hotel, a low-key yet upscale boutique hotel in the central pedestrian area of Split. Large windows let in both the light and impressive views of the surrounding streets, so you can feel like you're part of the city without being caught up in the bustle.

Venture out of the hotel to see the city sights just a few steps away from the front door. Or, linger in the mod Kitchen 5 restaurant or the flower-festooned terrace, where you can have a bite to eat or a glass of wine while making a plan for your next adventure. Whatever you decide to do with your day, the attentive hotel staff will be on hand to make suggestions.

Hotel Murum

Photo courtesy of Hotel Murum 

Stay like a royal at Hotel Murum, where one of the walls was once part of the original Diocletian's Palace. The Roman fortification is incorporated into the hotel itself—if you're lucky, that wall may even be part of your room. The natural materials used within the hotel complement the ancient stone alongside smooth modern features. 

Its extremely central location means the main attractions are all close to your door. And while it's a rarity to find balconies in Old Town, Hotel Murum's terrace room allows you to gaze out over the old city from your personal viewpoint.

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Villa Nepos

Photo courtesy of Villa Nepos

If you want both space and a sense of luxury, the Villa Nepos is the spot for you. This 1,700-year-old residence sitting within Diocletian's Palace was originally built for the emperor's personal guard. Their full-floor suites offer room for families and other larger parties amid lush furnishings, with plenty of space to lounge. 

Each suite stays in the Roman spirit, with antiques and art inspired by Split's medieval history found throughout the property. See if you can spot the original fourth-century carving outside the entrance, original Roman arches within the building, and seventh-century painted crosses above the entrance lintel. 

Cornaro Hotel

Dine on the rooftop (photo courtesy of Cornaro Hotel)

The upscale Cornaro Hotel is ideal for anyone looking for door-to-door service: located just outside the pedestrian zone, it allows for car service right up to its front entrance. But that doesn't mean sacrificing access to attractions, as it's also directly across from the entrance to the Old Town.

Describing itself as a "new urban lifestyle hotel," the Cornaro leans more trendy than historical, but it's not lacking in backstory. One wing used to be a part of the city hospital, while another served as a post office before its refurbishments. A modern rooftop bar includes a hot tub to take in the views of the city as you sip from their curated selection of wines, and a highly trained staff is available to customize any aspect of your trip.

Hotel Posh

Poolside views (photo courtesy of Hotel Posh)

Hotel Posh is a newer addition to Split's hotel scene and is winning rave reviews from travelers for its excellent staff and attentive customer service. It's a bit farther from the Old Town, so you won't be able to walk to the main attractions, but all the units are self-contained suites, making it ideal for travelers who want to get outside the rush and into a plush, modern cocoon.

Its contemporary features give the hotel a slick, South Beach vibe. Sleek white sunbeds surround the pool, with panoramic views of the Adriatic just over the pool deck's edge. Inside, dramatic black and gold furnishings add to the luxe atmosphere. The hotel has only a few suites, so the attention to detail is high and no need is left untended.

Palace Judita Heritage Hotel

The inner courtyard (photo courtesy of Judita Palace)

Set in a 16th-century building just outside Diocletian's Palace, Palace Judita feels like a glorious hideaway that is nevertheless steps from everything you'll want to see in Split.

Rooms are decked out in gilded wallpaper, sumptuous fabrics, and wood inlaid floors, while common areas include old-fashioned details like vintage typewriters and crystal chandeliers. Some rooms offer views onto a bustling main square full of buildings from different eras, while others face the inner courtyard, itself a sanctuary from the lively city. The glass-covered atrium strewn with plants is a wonderfully calm place to enjoy breakfast every day.