10 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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.