Atrium Hotel

Buried beneath the Atrium hotel's modern interiors, lay part of the Diocletian aqueduct, so named for the Roman emperor born in the province of Dalmatia in the third century A.D. Photos of it and other Roman ruins decorate the shelves and walls throughout the hotel, and the name Diocletian echoes in halls (the largest meeting hall bears his name). At the restaurant, larger groups can take advantage of a lunch that's based on the recipes found in a first-century Roman cookbook. But there is otherwise little hint of the city's ancient past evident in the sleek black glass and high-gloss wood paneled walls. Floor-to-ceiling windows brighten the lobby, which has a comfortable lounge area filled with plush black leather furniture. Despite the name, there isn't a formally recognizable atrium here, though the majority of the building's exterior is glass. There is, however, a large outdoor courtyard at the back of the hotel, but as it's shared with other residential buildings, it's a green space to look at rather than use.

The location away from the beach may deter some tourists, but the resort draws plenty of couples with its luxurious rooms, upscale spa, and on-site casino. Business travelers will likely appreciate the multiple meeting rooms.  

The Atrium Hotel is north of the port and the old town in a residential district, off a busy two-lane thoroughfare. There isn't much in the immediate area apart from a neighboring shopping mall, but most of the town's attractions are within walking distance, including the Archaeological Museum and Diocletian's Palace. Split is one of the largest cities on the eastern Adriatic Coast, with a major harbor and a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site with roots dating back to at least the sixth century B.C. It's a burgeoning tourist destination with a rapidly growing hotel and restaurant scene, thanks to attractions like Diocletian's Palace and Mausoleum, the Grgur Ninski Statue, and natural coves that form several great beaches. Split Airport is west along the coast, about 28 minutes by car from the hotel. There are a taxi and bus station right across the street.

With a neutral palette, gray carpets, and white walls hung with black-and-white photography, the large rooms are as subdued as they are comfortable. Gray and black chairs add to the stylish but conservative decor, with attractive natural wood tables and cabinets whose bold grain patterns breathe life into the room. Work desks are in every room but are paired with a standard sitting chair versus something more ergonomic. The hotel is more thoughtful about couples and newlyweds who have announced their intention to celebrate an anniversary, with a special romantic bed setting that's liberal with rose petals. An electric teapot and minibar with space for guests' own beverages, are standard, but there are no coffeemakers. The bathrooms carry a similar monochrome color scheme, covered in a mix of gray and off-white tiles. They're unusually large, with long vanities housing double sinks, and shower/tub combos with handheld showerheads.

The Atrium Hotel's Platinum Casino is one of the largest in the region, filled with 100 slot machines and table games like American roulette and blackjack. It also has a poker room with six tables, playing Texas Hold'em several other styles of poker. Business meetings and small conferences are frequent events at the hotel, with multiple function rooms and larger halls that can host up to 300 people. Group conference packages include catered lunches and excursions to the city's historical attractions, and the hotel is also a popular wedding venue. The full spa on the ground floor has a Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, and men's and women's locker rooms with showers. Massage rooms have the thoughtful addition of a shower for those who prefer a private rinse after a relaxing treatment. There's a nail salon for any holiday mani-pedi requirements, which is also a perk for on-site wedding parties. Attached to the spa, a shallow lap pool pool is set in a relaxing room with low-lit lounge chairs, and the large fitness center has dozens of modern cardio machines and ellipticals.

For dining, Cardo serves Mediterranean cuisine with a free American-style breakfast buffet. Its lunch is based around recipes found in a cookbook from the first century A.D., collected by one Marcus Gavius Apicius -- who had an apparent fondness for escargot braised with onions and olive oil in red wine and honey, and roasted lamb boiled in a savory prune sauce. The lunch is a group affair for a minimum of 15 people, and includes a guided visit to the aqueduct. Still partially visible in a small exhibit within the basement, the Roman aqueduct is a thought-provoking perk, though the exhibit is somewhat underwhelming. The bar and cafe only has a small bar to sit at but serves alcohol as well as coffee (there is an espresso machine too) in the lounge shared with the lobby.