Palace Elisabeth Hvar
Perfect for honeymoons and milestone celebrations Iconic harbour-front location in the heart of Hvar Town Regal interiors with historic palace details and Empress Elisabeth memorabilia Refined Mediterranean cuisine and terrace dining over the main square Luxurious spa with indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna and steam room Free Wi-Fi throughout
Overview
Palace Elisabeth Hvar is one of the most atmospheric addresses on the Adriatic: a 13th‑century palace turned five‑star boutique retreat, looking straight over Hvar Town’s yacht‑dotted harbour. Once the summer residence of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, today it blends regal Habsburg elegance – chandeliers, portraits and original stonework – with contemporary design, refined Mediterranean cuisine and a cocooning spa with indoor pool. With just 45 rooms and suites, it feels made for honeymoons, anniversaries and grown‑up escapes.
Gallery
17 photos
Map & location
Hvar Island (Hvar Town), Split and Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
Palace Elisabeth Hvar occupies the most coveted spot in Hvar Town – fronting the main square (Trg Sv. Stjepana) and overlooking the lively harbour, with yachts, water taxis and fishing boats gliding past. Step outside and you’re immediately on the marble promenade, moments from café terraces, wine bars and boutiques.
Wander the narrow lanes to discover the Franciscan Monastery, climb up to the hilltop fortress for cinematic views over the Pakleni Islands, or follow the seafront path towards Bonj Beach for a swim from polished rocks and beach decks. As dusk falls, the square glows with candlelight and the hotel terrace becomes one of the most atmospheric tables in town.
- • Ferry/catamaran port for Split and nearby islands a short stroll along the harbour
- Approx. transfer time from airport 4–5 hours including ferry crossing (Split Airport to Split harbour, then boat to Hvar and onward to the hotel).
Facilities
Pool & outdoors
There’s no outdoor pool here – instead you get a tranquil indoor freshwater pool with a whirlpool corner, set within the hotel’s spa area. It’s a soothing space for a pre‑dinner dip, particularly welcome at the start and end of the season when the sea can be cooler. Pool towels are complimentary, and facilities usually operate between May and mid‑October (dates can vary year to year).
For sea swimming, follow the waterfront towards Bonj Beach and the series of bathing platforms and pebbly coves that fringe Hvar’s shoreline. The water here is typically crystal‑clear and perfect for a refreshing dip after exploring town.
Spa, sports & wellness
The hotel’s intimate spa is a highlight for many guests and feels like a private sanctuary in the middle of the Old Town.
Spa & wellness
• Spa with indoor pool and whirlpool
• Sauna and steam room (minimum age usually 15+)
• Menu of massage and beauty treatments (local charges apply)
• Typical opening hours 09:00–21:00, May to October (subject to change)
Fitness
• Air‑conditioned gym with cardio machines and a small free‑weights area
• Access generally from 08:00–21:00 (seasonal schedule)
Other facilities
• Elegant lobby and lounge areas with original architectural details
• Displays of Empress Elisabeth memorabilia and fashion pieces dotted through rooms and corridors
• Concierge‑style reception offering luggage storage, currency exchange and local recommendations
Facilities and opening times can change with the season and hotel occupancy; always check in resort for the latest details.
Activities
Palace Elisabeth Hvar is more about slow luxury, culture and gastronomy than organised animation – ideal if you prefer to set your own pace. Typical activities and experiences include:
• Relaxing in the spa with a swim, sauna or signature massage
• Gentle workouts in the compact but well‑equipped gym
• Taking in live music or atmospheric evenings around Hvar’s main square (seasonal)
• Strolling the harbourfront promenade and medieval streets straight from the front door
• Joining boat trips to the Pakleni Islands for swimming, snorkeling and beach clubs (bookable locally)
• Exploring Hvar’s Franciscan Monastery, hilltop fortress and art‑filled churches
• Wine tasting, olive oil sampling and gastronomy tours arranged via concierge or local partners
Programmes vary by season and are often arranged with local operators, so check on arrival for what’s available during your stay.
Guest services
The service style here is polished but personal, in keeping with the hotel’s boutique scale. You can usually expect:
• 24‑hour reception and concierge‑style assistance
• Luggage storage and porter service
• Currency exchange
• Daily housekeeping with evening turndown
• Pillow menu on request
• Complimentary pool towels
• Free Wi‑Fi throughout the property
• Assistance with restaurant reservations, boat trips and local excursions
Some offerings may be seasonal or subject to local charges; exact services are confirmed locally on arrival.
Food & drink
At Palace Elisabeth Hvar, gastronomy is as central to the experience as the setting.
San Marco Restaurant is the hotel’s à la carte venue, serving a refined menu of international, Italian and locally inspired Dalmatian dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is typically à la carte and beautifully presented – think freshly baked pastries, local honey, cheeses and made‑to‑order hot dishes – taken in the elegant dining room or outside on the stone terrace overlooking the harbour and cathedral.
The Bar (usually open from early morning until midnight) pours everything from speciality coffees to Croatian wines, craft cocktails and premium international labels. As day turns into evening, the terrace is ideal for sunset spritzes and people‑watching over the square.
Smart casual dress is recommended (no beachwear), and reservations and seasonal opening dates may apply. Facilities, opening hours and menus can change, so use this as a guide rather than a guarantee.
Rooms
Premium Room Sleeps 1–2
Sleeps: 1–2
Chic entry‑level rooms with elegant décor and all the essentials for a comfortable stay.
Room features typically include: flat‑screen TV, free Wi‑Fi, safety deposit box, coffee‑making facilities and kettle, fridge, minibar (charge), bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer, pillow menu, turndown service, air‑conditioning and a bathroom with shower. Daily cleaning and towel change.
Premium Room with City View Sleeps 1–2
Sleeps: 1–2
All the comfort of the Premium Room, enhanced with views over Hvar’s historic townscape. Ideal if you want to soak up the Old Town atmosphere from your window.
Facilities are similar to Premium Rooms: TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, coffee facilities, fridge, minibar (charge), bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer, pillow menu, turndown service, air‑conditioning and shower bathroom.
Deluxe Suite with City View Sleeps 1–2
Sleeps: 1–2
More spacious, with a defined seating area and elegant city views. A great choice for longer stays or special occasions when you appreciate extra room to unwind.
Facilities: as Premium Rooms, with added living space and a stylish shower bathroom.
Deluxe Suite with Sea View Sleeps 1–2
Sleeps: 1–2
These highly sought‑after suites look out towards Hvar’s harbour and the Pakleni Islands. Interiors mix classic and contemporary design, often with large windows to frame the sea.
Facilities usually include: TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, coffee facilities, fridge, minibar (charge), bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer, pillow menu, turndown service, air‑conditioning and a bathroom with either shower plus bathtub with shower attachment or a large walk‑in shower. Daily housekeeping with linen and towel changes.
Penthouse Suite with Balcony and Sea View Sleeps 1–2
Sleeps: 1–2
Perched high in the building, this suite offers a private balcony with sunbeds and wide sea and harbour views – perfect for leisurely breakfasts or sunset aperitifs.
Facilities: flat‑screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, coffee facilities, fridge, minibar (charge), bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer, pillow menu, turndown service, air‑conditioning and two bathrooms, each with bath and separate shower. Enhanced daily cleaning, linen and towel changes.
Imperial Suite with Balcony and Sea View Sleeps 1–2
Sleeps: 1–2
True to its name, the Imperial Suite channels palace grandeur with generous proportions, a balcony overlooking the harbour and refined furnishings.
Facilities mirror the Penthouse Suite: balcony, TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, coffee facilities, fridge, minibar (charge), bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer, pillow menu, turndown service, air‑conditioning and two bathrooms with bath and separate shower.
Elisabeth Suite with Balcony and Sea View Sleeps 1–2
Sleeps: 1–2
A signature suite paying homage to Empress Elisabeth, with curated décor and sweeping sea views from a private balcony. Ideal if you’re celebrating something special.
Facilities: balcony, TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, coffee‑making facilities, fridge, minibar (charge), bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer, pillow menu, turndown service, air‑conditioning and two bathrooms with bath and separate shower, plus enhanced housekeeping.
Presidential Suite Sleeps 1–2
Sleeps: 1–2
The hotel’s statement suite, combining a grand living space, balcony, sunbeds and far‑reaching harbour views. This is the pick for once‑in‑a‑lifetime trips.
Facilities: balcony with sunbeds, TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, coffee facilities, fridge, minibar (charge), bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer, pillow menu, turndown service, air‑conditioning and two bathrooms with bath and separate shower, along with frequent linen and towel changes.
Premium Room with Sea View for Sole Use Sleeps 1
Sleeps: 1
Designed for solo travellers who want a sea‑view setting without compromising on comfort. Guests are welcomed with local lavender‑infused chocolates in the room on arrival.
Facilities typically include: flat‑screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safety deposit box, coffee‑making facilities and kettle, fridge, minibar (charge), USB charging port, bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer, pillow menu, turndown service, air‑conditioning and a bathroom with shower.
Premium Room with Sea View Sleeps 1–2
Sleeps: 1–2
Couples’ favourites, these rooms look directly or partially out over the Adriatic and harbour – a beautiful backdrop morning and night. Guests receive local lavender‑infused chocolates on arrival.
Facilities: flat‑screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, coffee facilities, fridge, minibar (charge), bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer, pillow menu, turndown service, air‑conditioning and a bathroom with shower and either a separate bath or bath with shower attachment, plus regular linen and towel changes.
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.
More info
Need-to-know for Palace Elisabeth Hvar & Hvar Island
• Country: Croatia
• Region: Split and Dalmatian Coast
• Resort: Hvar Island (Hvar Town)
• Local language: Croatian (English widely spoken in tourism)
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Time difference: UK +1 hour
• Average flight time from UK to Split (SPU): around 3 hours
• Transfers to Hvar: road transfer from Split Airport to Split harbour, then ferry or catamaran to Hvar Island plus short walk/transfer to the hotel – total journey typically 4–5 hours including the crossing
• Beaches: Many beaches here are pebbly or rocky platforms with crystal‑clear water; for sand, look to spots such as Grebišće on the island
• Local scene: Hvar Town blends Venetian‑era architecture, a scenic harbour and lively nightlife, with chic bars and clubs that attract A‑list visitors alongside relaxed cafés and tavernas
Information is based on the most recent details available but can change seasonally or without notice. For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Croatia advice.
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