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Where to Stay in Zadar

Where to Stay in Zadar

Zadar Dalmatia, Croatia Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Common Options

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly dorms and private rooms, social atmosphere.

  • Hotels

    Boutique to resort-style, 3-star to 5-star properties.

  • Guesthouses (Sobe) and B&Bs

    Family-run establishments, private and local feel.

  • Vacation Rentals (Apartmani)

    Popular for families/longer stays, feature kitchens plus area.

Outdoor & Local Types

  • Camping and Outdoor Lodging

    Campsites outside Zadar with pitches, mobile homes, or bungalows.

  • Campsite Zaton Holiday Resort

    Large resort north of Zadar, camping pitches, mobile homes, apartments.

  • Campsite Borik

    Closer to Zadar center, pitches and mobile homes, beach access.

  • Homestay Options

    Booking apartment rentals through local families.

Neighborhood Guide

Zadar's different neighborhoods have varied experiences and amenities.

Old Town Poluotok

Pros
  • All major attractions are within walking distance.
  • Numerous restaurants, bars, and shops.
  • Immersive historical atmosphere.
  • Central location with ferry port access.
Cons
  • Can be noisy on summer evenings.
  • Limited car access and car parking outside the peninsula.
  • Prices are generally higher.
  • Rooms might be small in older buildings.

Diklo & Borik

Pros
  • Good beach access and often pools.
  • Parks and relaxed atmosphere.
  • Good for families.
  • Accommodations often include parking.
Cons
  • Requires a short bus or taxi ride to Old Town.
  • Fewer immediate dining options.

Brodarica, Arbanasi & Puntamika

Pros
  • Authentic local experience.
  • Proximity to Main Bus Station for day trips.
  • Accommodation is typically a better value.
  • Easy access to Kolovare Beach (Brodarica/Arbanasi).
Cons
  • Less charming than the Old Town.
  • Longer walk or short ride to the central area attractions.
  • Puntamika is further from Old Town attractions.

Noise Levels and Ambiance

Old Town:

Lively and can be noisy, especially near bars and squares during summer.

Coastal Areas (Diklo, Borik, Puntamika):

Offer a more calm setting, good for those seeking peace.

Booking Strategies

Plan your accommodation search to secure the best spots and prices.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (July-August): Book 3-6 months in advance. Prices peak.
  • Shoulder Season (May-June, Sept-Oct): Book 1-3 months in advance for good selection.
  • Low Season (Nov-April): More flexibility, arrange a few weeks/days in advance. Prices are lowest.
  • Negotiating walk-in rates is generally not customary, especially for hotels.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • Booking.com: A worldwide platform with many options.
  • Agoda: Accommodation site with strength in Asia, and also global options.
  • IHG Hotels: For chain hotel stays.
  • Hostelworld: Specialist for budget accommodations.

Important Policies and Fluctuations

Deposit and Cancellation Policies
  • Policies vary by property.
  • Check terms before booking.
  • Many places have free cancellation periods.
  • Deposits are common for apartment rentals.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
  • Prices are 2-3 times more expensive in peak summer.
  • Compare prices to low season rates for the same property.
  • Plan your visit for your budget goals.

Accommodation Considerations

Budget-Eco-conscious Travelers

Hostels and basic guesthouses offer great value for solo travelers and those on a tight budget.

Families & Groups

Apartments and resort accommodations are good due to space and amenities.

Comfort & Luxury

4-5 star hotels and stylish hotels in the Old Town provide high comfort and unique character.

General Accommodation Advice

Additional advice for a smooth stay.

Exploring Vacation Rentals

Private Homes & Apartments

Extremely well-liked choices for independence and more space. Many properties are listed by local families.

  • Good for longer stays or for groups.
  • Kitchen facilities for meal preparation.
  • Vrbo is another platform for vacation rentals.
House Sitting

For unique and long-long-term stays, consider house-sitting exchanges. This involves caring for a home and pets even though the owners are away.

  • Can save on accommodation costs.
  • Offers a truly local living experience.
  • Check TrustedHousesitters for opportunities.

Considerations for Your Stay

Accessibility Notes

The Old Town has cobblestones and many steps. Confirm accessibility with your chosen accommodation if needed.

  • Newer hotels or those outside the Old Town may have better accessibility.
  • Some buildings may lack elevators.
Parking Information

Parking is limited and often paid in the Old Town. Numerous lodgings outside the central area include parking.

  • Verify parking availability when you reserve if you travel by car.
  • Public parking lots are available outside the Old Town walls.

Local Insights

  • Read Reviews

    Always check recent reviews for a look into cleanliness, noise, and service quality.

  • Direct Booking

    Sometimes properties offer better rates or special perks for direct bookings via their own websites.

  • Consider Location Carefully

    Decide between being in the lively Old Town or a quieter coastal suburb, based on your preferences.

  • Breakfast Inclusions

    Confirm if the first meal of theday is part of your booking, especially for guesthouses or B&Bs.

Budget and Preferences

  • Budget Accommodation

    Bunk rooms in hostels are the cheapest-friendly, followed by basic guesthouses.

  • Mid-Mid-priced Options

    3-star hotels and mid-range apartments balance amenities and value.

  • Luxury Choices

    4-5 star hotels or boutique hotels offer premium experiences.

  • Special Preferences

    Consider specific needs like family-friendly amenities or solo traveler social settings.

Important Considerations

Wi-Fi Availability

The majority of lodgings provide complimentary Wi-fi-Fi, but it is good to confirm, especially for boutique guesthouses.

  • Check reviews for Wi-Fi reliability.
  • Consider a local SIM card for constant connectivity.
Check-in/Check-out Times

Be aware of standard check-in and check-out times. Arrange for late check-ins if needed.

  • Some apartments require meeting the owner for handover.
  • Confirm this process prior to arrival.

Other Accommodation Types

Mobile Homes

Popular at campsites, offering a blend of camping and apartment comfort.

Boutique Hotels

Often found in the Old Town, offering unique design and individual service.

Luxury Villas

Available for lease in areas by the coast for high-end privacy and amenities.

Where to Stay in Zadar. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation