6 Best Hotels in Kvarner, Croatia

Docked at the pier in Rijeka, the first Croatian boat hotel is a cool place to stay, with 35 modern rooms, from doubles to dorms, all furnished with comfy beds and en-suite bathrooms. A breakfast buffet is served on the boat's top deck.

The modern interior here is more South Beach than Austro-Hungarian grandeur, and with its coastal perks, the Astoria is justifiably popular with young international travelers. The central location and more affordable prices make it popular with seniors, too. Big breakfasts are served in the cheery dining room.

Tucked away in a shady pine forest just a stone's throw from the town beach and a 10-minute walk from the center, Kimen's four stories provide the only hotel accommodation in Cres Town. Built in the 1970s, it's not the most glamorous hotel, but its clean straight lines are perfectly functional. The location does much to compensate for any small annoyances, but you'll hardly need to spend any time actually at the hotel anyway.

A 10-floor skyscraper may not look like the rest of the traditional Opatija Riviera, but this luxurious hotel is surprisingly elegant inside, with an airy lobby area and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sea. Stylish rooms all have pleasant balconies, and corner suites offer 180-degree panoramic views. The hotel has a Five Elements Wellness and Spa center, fitness center, outdoor pool, and a good garden-style restaurant, Hortenzija.

Come to Petehovac to escape the city and be surrounded by nature. There is no better place to stay in Gorski Kotar than up in the hills, surrounded by thick pine forests. This is a privately run mountain lodge that scouts or school groups often use during winter and summer school breaks. Rooms are basic but affordable; during the summer, they can go as low as €80 for a double with breakfast included. The staff is super friendly, and the on-site restaurant offers hearty regional dishes. It's a great place to recharge and enjoy nature.

A complex of five hotels stretches across the peninsula at this family-friendly resort that surrounds the famous sandy Paradise Beach. The focus here is on activities, ensuring that the kids are never at a loss for something to do—including a pet-friendly program offering services, pools, and pampering for family pets on holiday with you.