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Where to Stay in Hvar Island

Where to Stay in Hvar Island

Hvar Island Dalmatia, Croatia Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Diverse Options

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly dormitories and sometimes private rooms, with a social atmosphere. Most are in Hvar Town.

  • Guesthouses/Private Accommodation

    Rooms or entire apartments rented by locals, often economical and found across the island.

  • Boutique Hotels

    Stylish hotels, often in renovated historical buildings, concentrated in Hvar Town.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    Standard hotels with amenities like pools and restaurants, found in Hvar Town, Stari Grad, and Jelsa.

Additional Options

  • Luxury Hotels/Resorts

    High-end properties with extensive facilities, predominantly in Hvar Town and some secluded bays.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Studios to multi-bedroom villas, widely available on platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, and Vrbo, ideal for families or longer stays.

  • Camping

    Campsites mainly around Stari Grad and Jelsa, with pitches for tents/RVs and some mobile homes.

  • Local Experience

    Private accommodations often have kitchen facilities, useful for budgeting and an authentic experience.

Neighborhood Guide

Hvar Island features distinct towns and villages, each having a different character and appeal.

Hvar Town

Pros
  • Close to major attractions, wide range of restaurants, bars, and clubs.
  • Direct catamaran ferry connections.
  • Numerous boat excursions.
  • Lively and dynamic atmosphere.
Cons
  • Most expensive area, crowded and noisy in peak season.
  • Limited and expensive parking.
  • Minor pickpocketing risk in crowded areas.
  • Can be very busy.

Stari Grad

Pros
  • Oldest town in Croatia, laid-back, historic, tranquil.
  • Good base for exploring island's interior (cycling/hiking).
  • More affordable accommodation, family-friendly.
  • Main car ferry port.
Cons
  • Fewer nightlife options.
  • Bus or taxi needed to reach Hvar Town's nightlife.
  • Quieter atmosphere may not suit all.
  • Less activity than Hvar Town.

Jelsa / Vrboska / Villages

Pros
  • Jelsa: Charming, family-friendly, relaxed, local feel.
  • Vrboska: "Little Venice," tranquil, unique serene setting.
  • Villages: Secluded coves/beaches, authentic, slower pace of life.
  • Good for peace and quiet.
Cons
  • Jelsa: Limited nightlife, smaller restaurant selection.
  • Vrboska: Very limited amenities, transport needed for major towns.
  • Villages: Car/scooter needed, very limited services, can feel remote.
  • Less developed.

Neighborhood Tip

For Quiet & History

If you seek a quiet, historical experience, choose Stari Grad or Jelsa as your base.

Consider your Transport

Villages often have limited services, so a car or scooter is recommended for access.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking practices secure your preferred accommodation at a good price.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (July-August): Book 3-6 months in advance. Availability drops quickly, prices soar.
  • Shoulder Season (May-June, Sep-Oct): Book 1-3 months in advance for good selection and competitive prices.
  • Low Season (Nov-April): Booking 1 month or less in advance is usually sufficient. Plenty of availability, lowest prices.
  • Last-minute bookings in high season are risky and expensive.

Booking Logistics

  • Trusted Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, Vrbo are widely used.
  • Direct Booking: Hotel websites sometimes have better rates or perks.
  • Negotiation: Not common for hotels. Slight negotiation possible for private accommodation in low/shoulder season, rare in high season.
  • Deposit & Cancellation: Policies vary. Standard is 10-30% deposit; free cancellation often up to 7-30 days prior. Always check specifics.

Seasonal Price Changes

High vs. Low Season
  • Prices can be two to three times higher in high season compared to low season for the exact same property.
  • This makes shoulder season an attractive option for value.
Peak Demand
  • July and August see the highest demand and prices.
  • Booking early is important to secure preferred locations and types of accommodation.

Important Note

Verify Reviews

Always check current reviews and availability for any property you consider.

Confirm Policies

Confirm specific deposit and cancellation policies directly with the property or platform.

Plan Ahead

Especially for high season or unique stays, planning far in advance yields better results.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are illustrative examples for different budget levels and travel needs. Always check current reviews and availability.

Budget Options

Hostels

Known for social atmosphere in Hvar Town.

  • Hostel Villa Skansi (Hvar Town)
  • Hvar Old Town Hostel (Hvar Town)
Guesthouses

Simple, clean rooms with local charm.

  • Guesthouse Zaninović (Stari Grad)
  • Rooms & Apartments Teo (Jelsa)

Mid-range Options

Hotels

Good value and convenient locations.

  • Hotel Pharos Hvar Bayhill Hotel (Hvar Town)
  • Hotel Arkada (Stari Grad)
Apartments

More space and kitchen facilities.

  • Apartments Teo (Hvar Town)
  • Holiday Home Stari Grad (Stari Grad)

Luxury Options

  • Hotel Adriana, Hvar Spa Hotel

    Hvar Town; rooftop pool and spa.

  • Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort

    Hvar Town; larger resort with beach access.

  • Palace Elisabeth, Hvar Heritage Hotel

    Hvar Town; historic, central, and opulent.

  • Hotel Park Hvar

    Hvar Town; historic building directly on the waterfront.

Traveler Specific Options

  • Family-Friendly

    Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort (Hvar Town) has large pools and activities. Hotel Arkada (Stari Grad) for a quieter location. Many apartments and villas work well.

  • Solo Traveler

    Hostels in Hvar Town for social atmosphere. Centrally located apartments for solitude near attractions.

  • Long-Stay

    Apartments and vacation rentals. They have kitchens, living areas, and a home-like feel. Consider Stari Grad or Jelsa for a long-term base.

  • Cultural Significance

    Palace Elisabeth and Hotel Park Hvar (Hvar Town) are in historic buildings. Many guesthouses in Hvar Town and Stari Grad are in old stone houses.

Planning Advice

Shoulder Season Benefits

Traveling during the shoulder season (May-June, September-October) often yields a better balance of good weather, fewer crowds, and more favorable pricing.

  • Better value for accommodation.
  • Pleasant temperatures for exploration.
  • Still lively but not overwhelmingly crowded.
  • More relaxed experience.
Book Early for Peak

If your travel is in July or August, booking your accommodation as early as possible (3-6 months out) is highly recommended. Popular spots fill up quickly.

  • Secure your top choices.
  • Avoid higher last-minute prices.
  • Ensure availability for specific room types.
  • More peace of mind for your trip.

Final Accommodation Tip

Quiet Retreat

If you seek a quiet, historical experience, choose Stari Grad or Jelsa as your base.

Budgeting

Private accommodation with kitchens helps with budgeting, especially for longer stays.

Central Hub

Hvar Town is ideal for those seeking lively nightlife and immediate access to excursions.