On the edge of Split’s pedestrianized historic center
Plenty of bars and restaurants in easy walking distance
Tranquil gardens with cute little seating areas and sea views
Just seven traditional rooms full of rustic charm
Rooms include air-conditioning; some feature kitchens and TVs
Family-owned and run with great local knowledge
Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Free public parking nearby
Few on-site facilities -- no breakfast room or bar
Poorly signposted and difficult to locate
Some guests may feel misled by the term ‘hotel’
The two-and-a-half-pearl Garden Apartment Hotel can be found at the edge of Split’s pedestrian-only old town, just a five-minute walk from Diocletian’s Palace and close to the port. This charming guesthouse has tranquil gardens and seven simple and rustic apartments, which have amenities like air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and modern bathrooms. Some add a basic kitchen, but many aren't proper apartments. However, common facilities are limited, even for a tiny property -- there’s not even a breakfast room. The guesthouse appeals to couples and groups of friends seeking a relaxed alternative to the hotels right in the center, and the authentic local charm. For better value apartments closer to the center, travelers should check out the Apartments Gajeta -- but the town center location comes with a noisy compromise.
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Scene
A simple and characterful home base, where rustic apartments lie hidden in pretty gardens
Concealed behind a door in an old stone wall and reached by a stone staircase, the guesthouse lies hidden from public view, with only the garden’s trees visible from the street below. The main building is a traditional stone building with shuttered windows and public areas take inspiration from the gardens, with a deep green theme consistent from the doorway to the shutters and seating. Previous guests comment on the excellent hospitality from the owner-host, who goes above and beyond to ensure guests have a smooth stay. The simple, country-cottage style doesn't hurt the mood, either. This guesthouse draws couples and groups of friends looking for a relaxed alternative to the hotels in the noisy town center, though be warned that traditional hotel comforts and extras are few and far between.
Location
A central spot at the edge of the old town, close to the Riva promenade
The Garden Apartment Hotel has a great location in central Split. Croatia’s second-largest city is centered on the Roman Palace of the Emperor Diocletian and has a maze of pedestrian-only narrow streets, a buzzing port, and a seafront promenade running the length of the old town. The guesthouse can be found on a small and quiet no-through road that's above the main seafront road, in an affordable area at the edge of the old town. It can be difficult to locate -- guests will need to look out for the small ‘Solurat 22’ sign indicating the entrance. The property is five minutes’ walk from the Diocletian’s Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Most of the city’s historic attractions are found here, as well as lots of bars and restaurants. The property is also just a couple of minutes’ walk from the Riva seafront promenade, while the marina, ferry terminal, rail station, and beaches can all be reached in a 10-minute walk. Split’s airport is a 35-minute drive west along the coast.
Rooms
Charming and cozy rooms have modern bathrooms -- some also have kitchens and TVs
Individually-designed apartments are simple, cozy, and full of charm, housed in the traditional main building or in various stone buildings in the gardens. The look is country-cottage, and ranges from pleasantly modern to a little bit old fashioned. Local stone, terra cotta, and patterned fabrics feature heavily. Rooms range in size, from 320-square-foot (30 square-meter) apartments sleeping two guests, to 590-square-foot (55 square-meter) two-bedroom cottages sleeping four guests. All have air-conditioning, heating, and free Wi-Fi. Some have TVs, living rooms, and kitchens with mini-fridges and cooktops. Bathrooms vary in decor from clean and simple monochrome to jarring candy-cane striped tiling, but all are modern and private. Of the apartments that we visited, Zelena had a soft rustic country charm, while Olga had a more neutral cream palette.
Features
The gardens are a real highlight and Wi-Fi is free, but there’s little else on-site
There aren’t many features at the hotel -- in fact, the term ‘hotel’ is questionable for the Garden Apartment Hotel. The highlight here is the outdoor space. Guests have shared use of the pretty garden, where cute seating areas are dotted around various nooks on the grass and terraces amid fig trees, vines, and herbs. From some spots, there’s even a sea view toward the port. A light garden room with a table and garden chairs and a small lounge area acts as the lobby, and staff are available 24/7. Breakfast (at a fee) is offered a two-minute walk away at a family-owned local restaurant and pizzeria. There’s free Wi-Fi. Free public parking can be arranged in advance, either at the property’s garage (limited space due to the narrow streets) or a public spot a two-minute walk away. Airport transfers can also be arranged at a fee.
