Old Town Hvar, Croatia
Renovated
2019
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Heritage DesignOutside the door
The house
Sunčani HvarRestored ducal palace
Venetian stone arches frame views of the bustling marina, while thick palace walls preserve a quiet, stately calm inside.
“Perched on Hvar’s main square overlooking the harbor and Dalmatian Sea, Palace Elisabeth, Hvar Heritage Hotel is a longtime fixture on the island.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Uniformed catamaran dock portage meets private yacht charters and Guerlain bath amenities.
Remarkable
Thirteenth-century ducal palace rebuilt in 1899 under Empress Sisi, preserving Venetian arches.
Notable
Designer Oto Blaha’s hand-painted murals pair with restored Venetian arches above the harbor.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Inside, original architectural details sit alongside understated modern design, letting the building’s character lead.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Set directly on Dalmatia's largest historic square, the hotel sits steps from the Venetian clock tower and the yacht harbor.
The rooms
Muted palettes and hand-painted murals join Guerlain bath amenities, with windows opening onto St. Stephen's Square or the Adriatic Sea.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A heated indoor pool with jetted loungers opens onto an elevated stone sun terrace overlooking the harbor.
The spa
The couples suite has a wooden soaking tub, and thermal rooms include a Finnish bio sauna and steam bath.
The gym
Technogym cardio machines and weights sit around an exposed stone pillar in the fitness room.
Dogs stay too.
At the table
Terrace tables at San Marco overlook the harbor, serving fresh Adriatic fish and local Croatian wines.
How it began
Austrian Empress Elisabeth funded the 1899 transformation of this thirteenth-century ducal palace into an island health retreat.
Good to know
Stay here
Palace Elisabeth
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Hvar
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.