11 Best Hotels in Makarska Croatia

Most travelers use Makarska as a quick ferry stop on their way to the islands, but they’re actually missing the best part. By staying here, you can find quiet pebble coves and late-night wine bars tucked away in stone alleys. But because the town is squeezed between the cliffs and the coast, where you stay really changes your experience. Thankfully, we’ve explored it enough to recommend the 11 top hotels in Makarska Croatia. These selections save you the dilemma and headache, putting you exactly where you need to be to experience the best of the Riviera without the typical compromises.

Boutique Hotel Ani

11

If you’re anything like us and crave a little peace when you travel, Boutique Hotel Ani is the place to be. This adults-only boutique hotel feels like a calm escape, with stylish design and a laid-back atmosphere that makes you want to close your eyes and relax.

We spent a lot of time enjoying the hotel’s outdoor pool and wellness area, which were perfect for recharging. Most mornings, we would head down to have breakfast at the restaurant. And if you need a drink or two, head to the bar’s outdoor lounge. We also loved that bike rentals were available, making it simple to explore the area at our own pace without needing a car.

Our Superior Double Room was another highlight. It was modern, spacious, and spotless, with all the little comforts you’d expect from a high-end boutique stay. The bathroom was generously sized with a great shower, and the real showstopper was the large terrace overlooking both the Biokovo mountains and the sea. If you’re looking for a peaceful, adults-only retreat where relaxation comes naturally, Boutique Hotel Ani is absolutely one of Makarska’s best choices.

Hotel Osejava

10

Located in the heart of Makarska, Hotel Osejava offers some of the best views. From our suite, we had front-row views of Biokovo Mountain, the second-highest mountain range in the country. On top of that, being so central meant we could go to the Old Town, stroll along the waterfront, or pop out for coffee whenever we felt like it.

Furthermore, the beach is just a short walk away, perfect for a quick swim or a lazy afternoon in the sun. There’s also a sports center nearby with tennis courts, a running track, a pool, and even a basketball court, which is great if you want to break a sweat between sightseeing. Back at the hotel, the restaurant surprised us with its mix of traditional Dalmatian flavors and international dishes.

Our Suite was air-conditioned, spotlessly clean, and incredibly comfortable. It could accommodate three people, and it felt spacious and bright, decorated in crisp white tones that gave it a fresh, coastal feel. The private balcony was easily our favorite spot.

Hotel Milenij

9

Hotel Milenij is another solid option for those traveling to Makarska. Though there was nothing “luxurious” about the hotel, we still had a blast, especially since our kids came along. We simply needed a comfy base, and it delivered.

Our room had everything we needed: air conditioning to cool off, a minibar and fridge for drinks and snacks, and reliable free Wi-Fi that worked all the time. We also appreciated the little conveniences that made a difference, like the 24-hour front desk, room service when we didn’t feel like going out, and a concierge who was happy to point us in the right direction.

Location-wise, Hotel Milenij made it easy to get around. We walked to Sveti Patar and the Peninsula of St. Peter without any trouble, which was perfect for sightseeing and sunset strolls. When we were craving Italian food, we didn’t have to go far, as Don Antonio, Bruschetta Ristorante Pizzeria, and Maritimo were all close by and great for casual dinners.

Hotel Central Beach 9

8

If what you care most about is where you’re staying, we have a feeling you’ll love Hotel Central Beach 9. The hotel is conveniently located right across the beach. With just a step from the hotel’s front door, we were already on the promenade, surrounded by tons of restaurants, bars, and cafés.

While the hotel doesn’t have a long list of flashy amenities like some of the bigger hotels in Makarska Croatia, we honestly didn’t miss them. Our apartment was spacious and comfortable. Having a proper living area and a fully equipped kitchen was a huge plus, as it made the stay feel more like a temporary home, especially for longer stays.

What really rounded out the experience was the staff and the food. Everyone we interacted with was friendly, helpful, and clearly knew the area well. Breakfast was also a highlight. We had an impressive spread with lots of variety and truly good coffee, not the sad kind you get at other cookie-cutter hotels.

Hotel Maritimo

7

Best Value for Money. Hotel Maritimo gave us more than what we paid for, and we loved it! This family-run hotel is located on a pebbly beach and only a short stroll from the town center. Our favorite part, though, was the fact that we could wake up to the sight of the Brač and Hvar islands.

One of our favorite details was how close the hotel is to the water. There’s only a pine-shaded promenade between the rooms and the sea. Our room wasn’t massive, but it was more than comfortable, stylishly decorated, and filled with natural light. The balcony quickly became our go-to spot for coffee in the morning and winding down.

Food and drinks were another highlight. The restaurant made things easy with a daily set menu, but there were plenty of tempting options on the regular menu too, mixing local flavors with international favorites. And when we needed one last drink before calling it a day, the cocktail bar was always ready to welcome us.

Romana Beach Resort

6

We were really happy with our stay at Romana Beach Resort, starting with the room. We booked a sea-view room, and it was totally worth it. Housekeeping also did a solid job throughout the week, and both the hotel and pool areas were always clean and well looked after. We grabbed lunch by the pool a few times and were surprised. Simple stuff like pizza, chips, and Caesar salad tasted so good and were reasonably priced.

The pool areas themselves are lovely and never felt overcrowded, although there are no lifeguards, so that’s something to keep in mind if you’re traveling with little ones. There’s a kids’ club which our children enjoyed, and the gym deserves a special mention. In fact, it’s easily one of the best hotel gyms we’ve come across.

Of course, we have to praise its location as well. The beach is literally a two-minute walk away, and the sunsets there are absolutely beautiful. It was fairly busy when we first arrived, but things definitely calmed down as the week went on, which made it even more enjoyable. There’s a small shop and a lovely bakery just around the corner, plus loads of restaurants, markets, and ice cream spots along the promenade.

Heritage Hotel Porin

5

Best Historic. Sitting directly on the Riva Promenade, Heritage Hotel Porin is housed in what was once a noble palace, and you can really feel that old-world charm instantly. However, what we loved the most was how everything was ridiculously walkable. Five minutes to the beach, endless people-watching right outside the door, and a short stroll to the ferry port for hopping over to Brac. And if you want to have an extended adventure there, you can check out our list of the best hotels on Brac Island, Croatia.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Heritage Hotel Porin (@heritagehotelporin)

Despite its history, this hotel still provides modern comfort. There are only 11 rooms and suites, and the interiors are sleek. Think cozy beds, exceptional details, and thoughtful amenities. Our Deluxe Suite was the best in our opinion, thanks to the private rooftop terrace. Ending the day soaking in the outdoor whirlpool while looking out over Makarska was pretty unforgettable.

Downstairs, the hotel has a lovely little courtyard for slowing down with a coffee or glass of wine. Meanwhile, the on-site restaurant focuses on local flavors, and breakfast quickly became one of our favorite parts of the stay. The buffet was simple but done really well, with homemade bread and fresh fruit.

Hotel Park Makarska

4

With thousands of positive reviews, Hotel Park Makarska completely lives up to the hype. The staff welcomed us with genuine warmth and professionalism, and we immediately knew we were in good hands. Throughout our time there, that kindness never faded, and it made such a difference to the overall experience.

Our Superior Double Room was immaculate and thoughtfully maintained, with super comfortable beds that put us to sleep in seconds. Everything was fresh and clean, from the crisp linens to the common areas. To top it off, housekeeping came daily and never missed a detail.

One of our favorite parts of the stay was the Spa and Wellness Center. We loved switching between the Finnish and Turkish saunas, relaxing in the hydromassage bath, and taking a dip in the indoor pool. The sea-view terrace flowing into the bar was another highlight. We loved sipping fresh juices and cocktails there!

Read also: 20 Small Towns in Europe You Must Visit

Boutique Hotel Mirjam

3

Best Rooftop Experience. Where do we even start? Boutique Hotel Mirjam is probably the best boutique hotel in Makarska Croatia, and we mean it with every fiber of our being. When we arrived, we were greeted with a lovely surprise: a complimentary bottle of Prosecco waiting in our room. It instantly set the tone for our stay. If you’re into smaller, more intimate hotels rather than big resorts, this place is it. The location couldn’t be better either, as we were a short stroll from the beach, with the Adriatic Sea calling our name.

The heart of the hotel, though, is the rooftop pool on the fourth floor. The infinity pool itself is stunning, but it’s the views that really steal the show. Imagine uninterrupted 360-degree panoramas of both the sea and the mountains. We spent more time up there than we planned, lounging on the deck, hopping between the cabanas, and enjoying the effortlessly luxe vibe. Fresh towels were always available, too.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Boutique Hotel Mirjam (@hotelmirjam)

The rooftop bar made our pool time even better. Whether we were in the mood for cocktails, a cold drink, or just a coffee, everything was right there. Mornings were just as enjoyable thanks to the complimentary breakfast buffet, served daily from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM, so we didn’t feel rushed.

“Dipping in a pool is cool. But dipping into a rooftop pool with majestic views and a bar? Now that’s one hell of an experience.”

WOW Travel

Valamar Meteor Hotel

2

Best for Families. Valamar Meteor Hotel is one of the biggest hotels in Makarska Croatia, and it has all the right amenities to please families. First, let’s talk about the location. It sits right on the waterfront, so we were just steps away from the sea and the promenade. Having Mount Biokovo towering in the background was amazing, and it’s perfect if you’re into outdoor adventures like trekking or even paragliding.

The hotel boasts loads of activities, kids’ clubs for different age groups, and a packed entertainment schedule. The buffet meals were surprisingly varied, and having soft drinks included in our room rate was another bonus we highly appreciated. With an indoor and outdoor pool, the wellness and spa area, the gym, multiple bars and restaurants, and the pebbly beach right out front, we never ran out of things to do or places to relax.

Moving on, our Seaview Room was ideal for the two of us. Waking up to the sea every morning and stepping out onto our private balcony, complete with loungers, was something we never got tired of. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the sparkling marble bathroom made the whole space feel extra polished. We also appreciated that the hotel offers larger rooms for families or groups of up to five.

Aminess Laurel Khalani Hotel

1

Best 5-Star. To experience the ultimate luxury, book a room at the Aminess Laurel Khalani Hotel, the only 5-star hotel in town. This newly built property caters to guests who prioritize comfort and style. Throughout our stay, we could easily feel the extra level of care in every detail, from the sleek design to the thoughtful staff members.

We started most of our days with a generous buffet breakfast and ended them with dinner at the hotel. Food and drinks were a big highlight for us. With two on-site restaurants, we never felt short on options, and everything we tried was good. We especially loved sipping cocktails at the beach bar.

When we weren’t eating, we were either swimming in the indoor or outdoor pool, or heading down the beautiful pebble beach right in front of the hotel. You can also find a state-of-the-art gym and a spa on the property.

For other similar recommendations, take a look at these 11 best luxury hotels in Dubrovnik, Croatia!

Our Verdict!

If you still can’t make a decision, why not take a look at the hotels below? They’re the best options in their respective categories.

• Best 5-Star: Aminess Laurel Khalani Hotel
• Best for Families: Valamar Meteor Hotel
• Best Rooftop Experience: Boutique Hotel Mirjam
• Best Historic: Heritage Hotel Porin
• Best Value for Money: Hotel Maritimo

Where to Stay in Makarska, Croatia

No matter what you’re into, we think you’ll love staying at Makarska’s Old Town. As the heart of the town, it’s packed with cafés, restaurants, bars, and small shops. Staying here means you’re steps away from the harbor, nightlife, and main beach promenade. It’s lively and convenient, especially if you want to explore on foot and enjoy evenings out. Just keep in mind it can be noisier during peak summer months.

For beach lovers, stay in the area along Makarska’s main beach and promenade. It’s great for travelers whose priority is sun, sea, and relaxed seaside strolls. You’ll find tons of accommodations with easy beach access and sea views, plus plenty of casual dining options. It’s vibrant during the day but generally calmer at night compared to the Old Town.

Moreover, the neighborhoods slightly above Makarska offer a quieter, more residential feel with stunning views of the Adriatic and Mount Biokovo. These areas are ideal if you want a peaceful retreat away from crowds. Many boutique hotels here come with terraces or pools, though you’ll likely need a car or be ready for uphill walks.

Is Makarska a good place to stay in Croatia?

Yes, especially if you want beautiful beaches, stunning mountain scenery, and a lively town atmosphere. It’s a solid base for both relaxing by the sea and exploring the Dalmatian coast.

Is Makarska expensive?

Makarska is moderately priced compared to many Western European beach destinations, but it can feel expensive in the peak summer season. Outside of July and August, prices are much more reasonable, especially for accommodation and dining.

What’s the best time to visit Makarska?

The best time to visit Makarska is late May to June and September, when the weather is warm, the sea is pleasant, and crowds are smaller.