July 23, 2022 – The Four Seasons may never have opened, but that hasn’t affected the quality of hotels in Hvar Town and Stari Grad over the past few years.

The international media hasn’t been shy about calling Hvar the hotspot of the summer, but that’s no surprise to anyone. However, instead of praising the island of Hvar as one of the best in Europe (well, it was named that again), a different side of Hvar is in the spotlight this time around, apart from the sun. and the sea – its hotels.

The island of Hvar has seen its accommodations improve to another level in recent years as the rise of quality hotels has taken center stage – and the island of Hvar is now the only island Croatian with three 5-star hotels!

So who is the international media raving about?

An overview of quality hotels in Hvar Town and Stari Grad.

Let’s start with the jewel of Hvar town, Palace Elisabeth, a historic 5-star hotel and historical monument that opened in 2019.

With a turbulent history dating back to the 13th century, the Palace Elisabeth was rebuilt in 1898 and renamed Spa Hotel Empress Elisabeth, after the Austrian Empress Sisi, a crucial asset for its construction. Hvar’s oldest hotel and Empress Sissi inspired Sunčani Hvar’s 100 million kuna investment to transform the 3-star Palace Hotel into Palace Elisabeth, the island’s first 5-star hotel. Costing almost 300,000 euros per room, the Palace Elisabeth was also one of the most important investments of the Croatian hotel industry. With 45 rooms and suites, Palace Elisabeth offers refined luxury and timeless design and is a member of the prestigious The Leading Hotels of the World. And things only went up from here.

Suncani Hvar

Sunčani Hvar continued its investments to increase the hotel offer in the town of Hvar this year, also recognized by the American business magazine Forbes.

Namely, the newly refurbished 4-star Beach Bay Hvar Hotel opened earlier this month as Hvar Town’s first sustainable hotel, located just around the bend from the town’s bustling harbour. The hotel renovation redesigned 21 guest rooms with numerous eco-friendly features so guests can enjoy an interpretive travel experience inspired by sustainability and respect for the environment. All rooms and suites also have sea views!

Suncani Hvar

Sunčani Hvar also injected 40 million kuna into the newly renovated Riva Marina Hotel, one of the first hotels in the town of Hvar, which opened in 1914, 15 years after the Elisabeth Palace. Primarily targeting customers in the UK and US markets who are looking for superior service and high quality accommodation, Riva Marina offers 50 unique new rooms and suites and an improved restaurant and bar concept. And it’s pretty hard to beat its iconic outdoor terrace with views of Hvar town’s yachts and marina.

Suncani Hvar

Conde Nast Traveler also didn’t forget to mention the family-friendly Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort as one of the best hotels in Croatia this year, another product of the Sunčani Hotels brand.

Newcomer Moeesy Blue & Green Oasis Hotel has also been applauded by Forbes as Hvar Town’s newest 5-star hotel just 10 minutes from downtown. With foundations dating back to 1929 (formerly known as Hotel Croatia), Moeesy has 37 rooms and four suites, swimming pools and a beautiful garden, a spa and a Mediterranean restaurant. Its green space extends over approximately 5000 m²!

And this is just the town of Hvar.

The Daily Mail recently revealed that he fell in love with Stari Grad, especially the 5-star Maslina Resort, a Relais & Châteaux hotel which opened in August 2020. In the pine-clad hillside, the Maslina Resort has revived Maslinica Bay with 50 rooms and suites and three villas, an exceptional spa, a Michelin-recommended restaurant, a beach bar and a beach where upscale hospitality is king. Conde Nast Traveler also named Maslina Resort one of the best hotels in Croatia this year, where Hvar’s history as a well-known healing destination (since 1868) is reflected in its philosophy. A wise, safe and serene choice away from the hustle and bustle of Hvar town.

Maslina Resort

But Maslina Resort is not the only newcomer to Stari Grad. The Valamar [PLACES] lifestyle hotel brand launched last year with the opening of HVAR [PLACESHOTEL] by Valamar, designed for travelers seeking “freedom of choice and a lively Mediterranean holiday in a beachfront hotel”. Takeover of the former Hotel Lavanda, HVAR [PLACESHOTEL] by Valamar welcomed an investment of 53 million kuna to reinvent housing suitable for millennials. Offering 179 rooms, a pool complex, bars, DJs, modern design and smart features like cashless payment and contactless check-in, this hotel is also just 50 meters from the sea.

And all this without the Four Seasons ever opening.

To learn more, be sure to check out our dedicated travel section.