Hotel Vestibul Palace

There’s a clever blend of old and new at the Hotel Vestibul Palace -- and it's this juxtaposition that gives this boutique hotel the romantic atmosphere that endears it to past guests. Original architectural features like sections of exposed centuries-old stonework are set against smart wooden floors and modern design details. Nowhere demonstrates this better than the striking stone-walled, glass-roofed atrium just off the lobby, which could be defined as both historic and ultra-modern. There’s a serious attention to detail, too -- the furniture is hand-crafted and lighting is carefully considered to create a tranquil vibe. There are several nooks where guests can unwind with a book, though the relatively spacious rooms are the star of the show here. With the hotel’s intimate size and warm atmosphere, couples make up the majority of guests.

The Hotel Vestibul Palace fronts the spectacular Roman peristyle (courtyard), within the ancient walls of the Diocletian’s Palace. For guests looking to be in the center of in Split’s pedestrian-only old town, it doesn’t get much better -- once you locate the hotel, that is. There’s plenty going on, with ancient attractions right outside the hotel. Some guests comment on noise from local acapella groups and church bells, but many see this as a charming part of the old town’s atmosphere and heritage. Almost all of Split’s tourist attractions can be reached within a 10-minute stroll, including the port, the Riva seafront promenade, and popular Bacvice Beach. Split’s airport is a 30-minute drive by car or taxi once you're outside the old town, though guests may need to factor in extra time for navigating the surrounding pedestrian-only neighborhood. 

Decor here takes a minimalist approach, with a modern dark brown and cream palette that's all the better for highlighting the hotel's historic nature. There’s a real contrast of old and new, with smart desks housed in original stone alcoves plus ‘then and now’ landscapes of the old town adorning the walls. We would've liked to see proper duvets on the beds, though the bedspreads do complement the look just fine. The color scheme extends to the fully-tiled bathrooms, which either have walk-in showers or a shower/tub combos. Molton Brown and Etro toiletries, as well as wall-mounted hairdryers, are provided. There's also plenty of counter space. All rooms have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and minibars. Guests should note that some rooms have centralized air-conditioning and heating that can't be individually controlled. There’s little difference between Standard and Superior Rooms, which both have queen beds and courtyard views. Luxury Suites make clever use of a smallish space, with downstairs living rooms featuring sofa beds plus a glass-fronted gallery bedroom area in the vaulted roof. 

Features are fairly slim here, given the hotel's boutique status and historic setting. Magnus is the hotel’s restaurant, set within the original exposed stone walls. Outside on the small square, tables are shaded by large white parasols. A buffet breakfast is included in the rates. Fresh fruit and pastries feature heavily, but there are cooked-to-order options too. Lunch and dinner menus showcase local ingredients with a modern twist, as well as regional wines. There’s also a small bar. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. As with all hotels in the pedestrianized old town, the closest parking is a few minutes’ walk away. The Hotel Vestibul Palace offers free valet parking and luggage delivery on request. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Travelers should be aware that this hotel has a sister annex, Villa Dobric, and check that they are booking a room at the main hotel.