Palace Elisabeth Hvar Hotel - The Leading Hotels of the World

We recommend the Palace Elisabeth to couples in their forties and older seeking a Mediterranean palace without the bustle of Dubrovnik. The hotel suits travellers who appreciate historic architecture but want contemporary comfort (efficient air conditioning, king-size bedding, marble bathrooms). Families will find the location practical for exploring the old town on foot, but the atmosphere remains resolutely adult, especially at the spa and rooftop.

The building occupies a Venetian palace erected in the 16th century by a noble Hvar family, restored between 2017 and 2019 by Croatian architect Davor Mateković. Renaissance façade in white Brač stone, mullioned windows, listed sculpted entrance portal. Contemporary interiors by London studio Richmond International: white tadelakt walls, smoked oak panelling, Flos lighting. Rooms measure between 32 and 85 m², ceiling height 3.80 m in the historic suites.

Restaurant Sensus occupies the paved inner courtyard, beneath a pergola of jasmine and vine. Contemporary Dalmatian cuisine by chef Mate Janković, trained at Noma: Adriatic fish grilled over wood fire, cuttlefish-ink risotto, octopus confit in Hvar oil. Breakfast served until 11:30, with house pastries and Pag cheeses. The Adriatic bar on the rooftop offers 120 gin references and cocktails made with local aromatic plants, open until 1 a.m. in summer.

The Palace Elisabeth stands on Trg Svetog Stjepana, Hvar's main square, 30 metres from the port where ferries from Split dock. Saint Stephen's Cathedral, 16th century, is 50 metres away, Španjola fortress a 15-minute walk. The neighbourhood holds the island's best tables (Dalmatino, Gariful) and Croatian designer boutiques. Airport transfer from Split (1h15 ferry + 20-minute drive), the hotel arranges private maritime transfer on request. After 11 p.m. the piazza empties, the quarter becomes residential again.