There are plenty of must-visit attractions in Croatia; for many, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is their favorite place. Set in the heart of Croatia, this is where you’ll want to be if you want to wake up to some of the most beautiful views on Earth. Our team was lucky enough to visit Plitvice Lakes, and the excitement we felt throughout the trip was indescribable. The waterfalls are majestic, and the stunning turquoise water is enchanting. You’ll want to stay at the best hotel near Plitvice Lakes National Park to make your trip better. Some of them are within the park, and the rest are only a short drive away. Our team has stayed at all of them, and we were thrilled by what they offered. So, are you ready to see which hotels are worth your attention? Take a look at our list below!
Table of contents
- Antemurale
- House Pox
- Lakeside Hotel Plitvice
- Hotel Bellevue
- Rustic Inn River
- Hotel Plitvice
- Hotel Jezero
- 16 Lakes Hotel
- Ethno Hotel Plitvice Lakes Deluxe
- Etno Garden
- Hotel Degenija
- Our Verdict!
- Where to Stay near Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Is it worth staying in Plitvice?
- How many days do you need for Plitvice?
- Is entrance 1 or 2 better at Plitvice?
Antemurale
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Kicking off this list is Antemurale, a hotel near Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of the most amazing national parks on Earth. From our arrival to our departure, all of the staff were super friendly and helpful. In addition to that, there are also plenty of fun amenities to keep everyone busy. During our spare time, we would play billiards or table tennis. In addition to that, you can play darts, too!
Like many other accommodations on this list, this one comes with a lush garden and free parking. Meanwhile, those in the mood to meet new people can hang out in the shared lounge area. Or you can also order a drink at the bar. The rooms here are simple but clean and comfy. Some even offer views of the garden. Last but not least, pets are welcome on the property.
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House Pox
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Those looking for budget accommodation should look no further than House Pox. About 4 mi away from the national park, this lodging allows you to have a nice and comfortable stay without compromising too much. First of all, we love the fact that it comes with a private garden. It allows guests to have a lovely picnic outside when the weather allows.
Like other budget-friendly accommodations in the area, this house doesn’t offer any fancy amenities. However, there’s still a playground for kids. While our little ones were playing around there, we were busy exploring the restaurants around the area. Also, there’s a bus station near the hotel, so getting around is a breeze. And for the rooms, you can choose between an apartment and a triple room.
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Lakeside Hotel Plitvice
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There are so many reasons why we love the Lakeside Hotel Plitvice. First, this hotel has a children’s playground, making it a nice option for traveling families. And while the kids are having fun there, you can have some friendly table tennis or billiards competitions. Then, end the day by having a romantic dinner at the outdoor dining area.
Another reason why we enjoyed our stay was because we were able to have a delicious breakfast in the morning. In addition to that, the rooms are extremely comfy. With wooden walls and decorations, all of them are nothing short of charming. During our stay, we booked the Deluxe Double Room. The bed was comfy, and we would spend our mornings on the private balcony.
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Hotel Bellevue
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When you’re looking for a hotel within or near the national park, consider Hotel Bellevue. Built in the year 1963, this hotel still has that vintage charm. Dominated by wood, the interior is a mix of modern and traditional. While it doesn’t have plenty of amenities, it still has an on-site bar. Also, the hotel itself is big. We were awed by how big it was when we first arrived. Plus, it has a large green area, so families with dogs can stay here.
Don’t expect anything fancy from this two-star hotel. The rooms are on the smaller side. Thankfully, they’re cozy and allowed us to have a good night’s sleep. The standard double room comes with a flat-screen TV, free toiletries, and a private balcony. This is the place to be if you need an affordable option near the national park.
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Rustic Inn River
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Most Comfortable. For accommodation that reminds you of home, consider Rustic Inn River. This four-star lodge is a lovely house that’s 5.4 mi away from the national park’s second entrance. The inn is an ideal place to have a rest after exploring the park. The highlight of this inn has to be its well-maintained garden. We think we spent more time relaxing there with a wooden lounge area than exploring the area.
Aside from a beautiful garden, the inn also boasts a nice restaurant. Based on my experience, the food was great, and the service was excellent. The rooms here aren’t the fanciest but are extremely comfy. With rustic elements and a bathtub, we found the room to be extremely cozy. Better yet, all of them have views of the river.
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Hotel Plitvice
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Most Historic. Hotel Plitvice is located at the national park’s entrance. What differentiates this hotel from the rest is the fact that it’s the oldest attraction within the national park itself. Though the hotel was built back in 1958, it’s nothing short of modern. That’s because it has been renovated and equipped with modern decor. Upon arrival, we were startled by how big the lounge area was!
Currently, there are 51 modern guestrooms on the property. From Double Rooms to Suites, they’re spacious, comfy, and fitted with modern amenities. Some of them face the lake, while the rest face the park. We highly recommend the Senior Suite if you want to go all out. Aside from separate seating and dining areas, there’s also a private balcony.
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Hotel Jezero
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Best Amenities. Only moments away from the heart of Plitvice Lakes National Park is Hotel Jezero. What we love the most about this hotel is its amenities. Here, we had a blast pampering ourselves. When we had the time, we would spend a good minute in the gym while our little ones were having fun in the children’s playroom. Also, you should try out the massage at the spa center! The masseurs are well-trained and sure know what they do.
The rooms and suites on the property aren’t less impressive. From Wi-Fi to flat-screen TV, everything you need is there. Better yet, some of the rooms come with a private balcony as well as a minibar. Meanwhile, families can stay in one of the family rooms or the larger suites, which come with an additional seating area. We’re sure you’ll enjoy a stay at this hotel.
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16 Lakes Hotel
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Best for Families. Traveling families should consider staying at 16 Lakes Hotel, which is around 4.3 mi from the famous Plitvice Lakes National Park. When we arrived at the hotel, we immediately knew families will have a blast. There are plenty of activities to be enjoyed with your loved ones around the property, which include cycling and horse riding. Parents can also chill on the sun terrace with their favorite refreshing drinks while the kids have fun in the outdoor swimming pool.
This popular four-star accommodation has plenty of rooms and suites to choose from. However, for families, we highly recommend the Family Room. It comes with a separate seating area as well as other standard amenities like a minibar and toiletries. But if you don’t mind spending a bit more, you may want to stay at the Family Suite, which comes with a private balcony.
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Ethno Hotel Plitvice Lakes Deluxe
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You can’t talk about the best hotels near Plitvice Lakes National Park without mentioning Ethno Hotel Plitvice Lakes Deluxe. This is one of the fancier accommodations near the national park, which is only around 1.5 mi away. With tons of complimentary facilities, we were able to enjoy our stay to the fullest. While free Wi-Fi and parking are standards, our team was genuinely excited when we found out that the hotel provided free bikes for its guests. It made getting around much more convenient for us.
But it’s totally okay if you want to spend a day just at the hotel. There’s a sun terrace on site, and it was our favorite spot to relax and enjoy the mountain views. Also, those who want to sample local cuisines can head to the restaurant and have a drink at the bar. The accommodation options at this hotel are a lot, too. But since we wanted to go all out, we decided to stay at the Deluxe Suite. It was big, clean, and we managed to end our night in the hot tub!
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Etno Garden
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Best Location. When it comes to location, the Etno Garden is second to none. How come? Well, it only took us a short stroll away to reach the Plitvice Lakes National Park and all its beauty from the hotel. Pretty awesome, isn’t it? Aside from proximity, this loading also knows a thing or two about comfort. According to the official website, it’s the place where everything feels alive. Most of the rooms on the property overlook the beautiful garden. The lush garden sure made our stay more relaxing and enjoyable. Just take a look at the video below!
After a long day of exploration, head back to the hotel and enjoy the food at the restaurant. You can also enjoy your food on the outdoor terrace, which overlooks the hotel’s mesmerizing scenery. Meanwhile, the rooms have some rustic elements like exposed beams that make them somehow charming. Best of all, all of the rooms offer the majestic mountain views.
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Hotel Degenija
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Best Overall. When it comes to the best hotel near Plitvice Lakes National Park, we think Hotel Degenija takes the cake. This hotel checks all the right boxes, only around 4 mi from Plitvice Lakes. In addition to its proximity to the national park, the Korana River and Kordun market are all nearby as well. It only took us a short walk to reach both places. And for on-site relaxation, we would head to the outdoor pool area and take a refreshing dip. Then, we would fill our tummies at Restaurant Degenija. Order the trout, and thank us later!
“Our stay at Hotel Degenija was truly the best. The service was top-notch, and every amenity was designed to make our stay as convenient as possible.”
WOW Travel
All of the rooms at this hotel are nothing short of cozy. They have wooden floors and standard in-room amenities like minibars and coffee makers. Among all of the options available, we decided to spend a night in the Double Room with a private jacuzzi. The jacuzzi is on the patio, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the green views outside.
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Our Verdict!
Considering the service, location, and amenities, we labeled Hotel Degenija as the best option. It’s only a short drive from the national park, and the accommodations are superb. However, depending on your preferences, the rest are also a great choice. That said, we’ve categorized some of them according to their biggest selling points, so make sure to check them out!
- Best Location: Etno Garden
- Best for Families: 16 Lakes Hotel
- Best Amenities: Hotel Jezero
- Most Historic: Hotel Plitvice
- Most Comfortable: Rustic Inn River
Where to Stay near Plitvice Lakes National Park
Those who want to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park may want to look for hotels in Plitvica Selo. You’ll only be minutes away from the national park by staying here. Aside from that, it also has several popular attractions like Great Waterfall and Kickelhahn. To learn more about this city, check out Expedia’s Plitvica Selo travel guide!
In addition to that, some of the hotels in this list are also located in Selište Drežničko and Grabovac. They’re both small villages in Karlovac County, which are only 1.3 mi and 3.3 mi away from the national park via the D1 highway. The accommodations there aren’t that expensive, and you can have a peaceful stay.
Also, did you know that Split and Dubrovnik are some of the nearest cities to Plitvice Lakes? If you plan to visit those cities, make sure also to check out our posts on the best hotels in Split and the best hotels in Dubrovnik!
Is it worth staying in Plitvice?
Absolutely! The national park is one of Croatia’s top attractions. It’s a beautiful destination that offers a unique experience.
How many days do you need for Plitvice?
Most people usually spend a day or two in Plitvice to explore everything it has to offer, including Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Is entrance 1 or 2 better at Plitvice?
For a better experience, we recommend starting from entrance 1. Though you’ll walk slightly uphill, you’re heading toward the lower lakes’ waterfalls, meaning they’ll always be in front of your eyes.