Riva Marina Hvar Hotel

We recommend Riva Marina to couples in their thirties and forties who want Hvar without sacrificing comfort, and accept to pay the port price. It is an address for a long weekend, arrival by catamaran on Friday, departure on Monday, between two Dalmatian islands. Families with calm children find their place, but the intimate scale and proximity to the quay suit adults better.

Narrow three-storey house on the seafront, white facade typical of Dalmatian architecture, renovated in a contemporary minimalist spirit. Interiors in white and light wood, polished stone floors, large sliding glass doors that open the rooms onto the port. Teak terrace on the ground floor, extended by a floating platform with loungers. The scale is intimate, 11 rooms spread over the floors, lift present despite the small size of the building.

Ground-floor restaurant open onto the terrace, Mediterranean cuisine focused on fresh fish and Dalmatian produce. Breakfast served facing the port, continental buffet with local pastries, eggs to order. Room service available until 22:30, reduced but well-executed menu. The terrace bar stays open until midnight for cocktails and Croatian wines, relaxed atmosphere with feet in the water.

Riva Marina stands on Obala Riva, Hvar's main quay where ferries and catamarans from Split, Brač and Korčula dock. The old town begins 50 metres away, Saint Stephen's square and cathedral three minutes on foot, Spanish fortress 15 minutes uphill. Hvar's restaurants and bars line the same quay, animation guaranteed until 1am in summer. Split 1h15 by catamaran, Split airport 1h45 with shuttle organised by the hotel.