11 Best Hotels in Kvarner, Croatia

It's hard to imagine a more romantic setting than this harborside inn that sits in a perfectly restored medieval villa with balconies and a gorgeous garden overlooking the Rab Marina and the hills of Barbat in the distance. Rooms are decorated in warm tones and rich fabrics, and include bathrooms with fluffy bathrobes. Free breakfast is served in the restaurant's leafy garden partially enclosed by the old city walls.

Named after a Greek statue recovered from the seabed near Mali Lošinj in 1999, this renovated villa turned modern boutique hotel imposes itself on the seafront close to the main square. Remarkably clean, the polished marble interior lends itself to a feeling that the establishment eagerly awaits guests' arrival. Rooms are comfortable, luxurious, and protected from noise on the busy seafront by double-glazed windows, though the decor may seem a bit pedestrian compared with the exterior's promise. The staff are efficient and eager to please.

In the city center, one block back from the Korzo, the Hotel Bonavia is a modern high-rise with comfortable rooms, specially-designed furnishings, and original oil paintings. Rooms on the top two floors have balconies and views of the Kvarner Bay, and the conference facilities offer options for business travelers. The restaurant has a sophisticated dining room with tables on the terrace in summer.

A good 20-minute walk (or 10-minute bus ride) from central Rijeka, this pleasant hotel is situated right on the water with incomparable views of the Kvarner Bay. Modern and comfortable rooms have extra-large double beds and Wi-Fi. Spacious balconies let you enjoy the sound of the sea lapping the breakfront, and hearty breakfasts set you up for farther travel onto the islands.

A 16th-century building that once served as a bishop's summer residence, this resort hotel is on a large expanse of land that is surrounded by palm, pine, and olive trees. Accommodations include hotel rooms, apartments, and small stone houses—all modern, clean, and comfortable. The stone houses are perfect for families. Seaside hotel rooms have large terraces, some with views over Punat Marina and the sea. The on-site restaurant serves hearty Krk dishes on its relaxing covered terrace. There's also a wellness center with spa amenities and an outdoor swimming pool with many cabanas and sun loungers. 

The former summer residence of European royalty, Kvarner's oldest hotel first opened its doors to guests in 1884. This grand neoclassical-style building, with peaceful gardens and a terrace overlooking the sea, is close to Park Angiolina. The historical hotel features a crystal ballroom that hosts a classic Viennese Ball in winter and the Croatian version of the Grammys in the spring. Rooms have crown molding and lovely wood paneling; top-floor rooms have the best views and hardwood floors.

On Baška Bay, just steps from the famous Vela Plaža Beach, the Atrium Residence has spacious luxurious rooms and apartments. All the apartments feature a balcony and a fully equipped kitchen, and some have an outdoor hot tub. Sea-facing rooms and apartments have wonderful views over the beach, and the resort is pet-friendly.

Amid the greenery of Komrčar Park, this peaceful 1930s-era heritage hotel is a stone's throw from the center of Rab Town. The pine and evergreen trees surrounding the hotel give the impression that the location is far from the busy town; on the contrary, it's actually quite central and walkable. Stylish details like the fun colored lighting in the pool and the comfortable marble tables and polished wood furniture invite guests to relax and feel at home in a luxurious environment. Rooms are spacious and smart, and offer both seaside and park views. There are also excellent wellness facilities and a large pool lounge area.

For long days on the beach and all conveniences on tap, this hotel on the edge of Krk Town is a decent choice; half-board (breakfast and dinner) is included in all rates, though those who plan busy evenings may want to find somewhere closer to the center. Perched among the trees above a tidy beach, the rooms are small but comfortable. Apartment suites on the ground floor have terraces. There's lots of entertainment for the kids during the summer, including sports tournaments, movie nights, mini disco nights, and scavenger hunts. Off-season, Valamar Koralj turns into a quieter and more romantic place to be. If traveling as a couple, ask for the Romantic Suite with robes, slippers, and in-room breakfast.

As one of Valamar's "Maro" hotels, the Padova has thought of everything regarding family-friendly vacations, including a free on-site professional babysitting service that gives parents with young children a chance to get away for a few hours. There is even a gaming center for parents with older children who can't do without their video game fix. Bikes, a ping-pong table, and a long list of sports activities and entertainment are available. The restaurant offers child-friendly meals, and the staff is eager to engage in the many special requests often required for individual families. Combine all that with modern well-appointed rooms with sea and Rab Town views, balconies, pools, spa services, a gym, and beach access and you have paradise for all.

The attractive colored blocks of this four-star property in Veli Lošinj line the seashore in a style that complements the island's traditional architecture surprisingly well. Brown and lavender colors dominate the rooms, most of which have balconies and sea views; modern apartments open onto large balconies. An on-site restaurant is on a terrace just above the beach, and a swimming pool is nearby. The wellness center—with full facilities—is possibly the best feature, especially given Veli Lošinj's tradition as a convalescent center.