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Choosing accommodation
When it comes to choosing accommodation, there are a few things to bear in mind. If you’re travelling in peak season (July and August), it’s advisable to book accommodation in advance. Many hotels and campsites get booked up well in advance during these months (planning your holiday early also gives you enough time to learn some Croatian before your holiday starts).
If you’re not sure where to start your search for accommodation, a good place to look is online. There are many websites that specialize in Croatian accommodation, and they can be a great way to compare prices and find the perfect place to stay.
In general, Croatia has the following types of accommodation to choose from:
Hotels
Croatia is home to a wide range of hotels, ranging from luxury resorts to boutique inns and rural lodges. Hotels in Croatia are rated on a scale of one to five stars, with the majority being three-star or higher. The star ratings assigned by international organizations such as the Michelin Guide or TripAdvisor relate primarily to amenities.
Private rooms
Room standards differ considerably throughout the country, but rooms are usually classified into three categories by the local tourism association. Category I rooms are basic places with just a couple of beds, a wardrobe, and not much else, and you’ll be using your host’s toilet. The standard of service is higher in category II rooms, which have en-suite bathrooms and may include TV and more comfortable furnishings, as well as en-suite facilities.
Apartments
A self-contained unit or floor of a home with its own kitchen and bathroom, maybe a modest lounge, and perhaps a terrace for sitting outside is the standard type of apartment. Apartments for two people generally provide greater convenience, comfort, and value for money than a double room in a hotel, and even single visitors – who will have to pay the same amount as a double – may discover apartments to be favorably priced when compared to drab hotel rooms.
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Hostels
The number of backpacker-oriented places to stay in Croatia has increased dramatically in recent years, and major cities like Zagreb and Split provide a broad selection of hostels with dorm beds as well as numerous private doubles. At hostels, a double room is likely to be about the same price as a single private room, with the exception of a few boutique hostels where it might be comparable in style and cost to a hotel room.
Campsites
On the Adriatic coast, campsites range in scale from large-scale affairs with numerous amenities to tiny family-run sites hidden in private gardens or olive groves. The sites are generally open from May to September. In popular vacation destinations, prices are considerably higher.
Wild outdoor camping is prohibited, and most Croatian beaches are not suitable for sleeping anyway due to their rocky or pebbly nature.
Culture & Travel in Croatia
Explore the culture, nature and unique travel experiences of Croatia in our Culture & Travel Guide.
Country & culture guide
Discover Croatia’s eight national parks, from the famous Plitvice Lakes to the lesser-known Risnjak, with tips for each unique destination.
Country & culture guide
Navigate Zagreb’s tram system like a local with our guide to routes, tickets, history and other public transportation options.
Country & culture guide
Discover Lenuci’s Horseshoe, Zagreb’s magnificent U-shaped system of parks and squares named after Croatia’s most notable historical figures.