Everyone says they prefer Dubrovnik to Split, but I quite liked it in Split! Black Cat restaurant/bar near the station has amazing food, seems to be full of foreigners. The beach is concrete, so visit the islands if you want something more picturesque (although there are no sand beaches on any of the islands). Wandering around the center of town you'll see a multitude of bars and cool cafes in random alleys. It's quite touristy with all the shops.
The region of Split seems like one big beach party in the summer. If you make it to Split proper, try the Roman ruin walking tour and definitely check out some of Croatia's beautiful islands. Also, if you are staying in a private room, always haggle - there are plenty of options so the prices will always come down.
Split is a very nice and idyllic city, but also modern with lots of shops and nightlife. There are two beaches, one in each direction if you stand at the promenade at the end of what seems to me was the end of the main shopping street. If you visit Split you should also take a boat trip out to some of the islands - like Hvar or Brac.
Split Hostel Booze & Snooze in Split … From the word go I knew this was the place for all backpackers. I can't reiterate how friendly Korana and Maria are. The staff are all fantastic, helpful, and fun. These beautiful girls know the best Split has to offer from food to scenery. Paul knows how to party and relax and he even knows the best spots to catch a football match. This place has the cleanest rooms, and beautiful bathrooms! Best location in town. Trust me, the only place to be in Split.
Kamena Lodge in Split … We spent one night at Kamena Lodge coming back from Hvar. The hosts Ann and Glynn are wonderful people with a lot of helpful information and insider tips on the area. The accommodation itself is awesome. The rooms are very clean, lovely decorated, and it feels like a home away from home. The pool is great to cool off and the pool area is nice for a little chat in the evening. There is a daily shuttle service between Split and the Lodge. We can highly recommend Kamena Lodge and will definitely be back -- thanks to the great hosts!
Al's Place Hostel in Split … Very nice place. It's near the city center with a lot going on around it. Alan is a top guy who helped us out (where to go, etc.). If you go to Split go here — it has a relaxed atmosphere, plus you can cook. Everyone go to Croatia! I can't fault it. Alan, where are all the photos of us you took last summer? I hope all is well.
Inchy Rooms(Guesthouse) in Split … Inchy runs a warm and welcoming apartment where you are included as part of the family. She gives excellent, specific information about local attractions and how to access them. I stayed a total of five days. Thanks Inchy (and Boris and Peter) for making my stay in Croatia so wonderful.
House Zakaria in Hvar Island … It is simple and wonderful place we stayed at.The staff were very friendly and accommodating.
Hostel Trogir in Trogir … Hostel Trogir is a perfectly located hostel just minutes from the main restaurants, sites, and shops of Trogir. It is immaculately clean, and everything is brand new. The owner is extremely friendly and made me feel right at home. They provide free internet use, and although there is no kitchen at the moment (the owner talked about adding one in the future) there is a small fridge that you can store food in.
Hostel Ana Zahirović in Split … This is definitely the best hostel I've ever stayed. Everything was great and there was nothing missing. Great staff, nice place to meet people, and the evening activities are great! Had a great time there and met cool people -- highly recommend.
Jagoda & Ante Bracanovic House in Hvar Island … I stayed here back in 2002 and it was a comfortable little place. There's quite a few stairs to climb to get there. Jagoda was very kind and speaks English well. When she saw that I was cooking pasta for dinner, she gave me some basil from her garden. There's a small patio area with shade where guests can sit and chat. Most of the other guests were from Australia when I was there. There are a few upstairs and downstairs rooms. There is a small kitchen upstairs. I was there in summer and it was pretty hot with no AC so that's the only reason I didn't give it five stars, but most of Croatia is like that. The location is good and within easy walking distance to restaurants and bars. It's easy to find by walking from the ferry dock iin Hvar town (not the Stari Grad ferry dock -- you'd have to take a bus to Hvar town) if you follow the directions. But if you have a lot of luggage to carry up the stairs, maybe you should request a pick-up. Hvar is a gorgeous island with clear, clean water…
Omladinski Hostel Lavcevic in Split … This hostel can be accessed by public bus number 9, it is the 5th stop from the main bus/rail/ferry station, at the crossing of Dubrovacka and Velebitska streets. It's on the 3rd floor of a 2 star hostel in Split called "Hotel Dujam," 15 minutes from the town center by foot and roughly 5 by bus.
Although not extremely centrally located, the hostel is in a residential area that seems safe and quiet. Hostel rooms have 2 single beds, 2 long desks and locking wardrobes. Although the rooms are spartan and dormitory-esque, they are clean. The shared bathrooms are also clean, though not always well stocked with toilet paper and sopa. There is also a shared kitchen available.
The hostel is very college dormitory-esque but is not overly social, in fact there are no real common areas and guests don't interact very much. Nonetheless it is a place where you can have a good amount of privacy without a lot of disturbance.
Given the comparatively cheap price of the double rooms, this…
Hostel Placida in Split … The world is too small for perfection. A fun stay. The people have attitude.
The Green Lizard in Hvar Island … The fact that this is the only real hostel in Hvar, which for a solo traveler is the way to go, scores this hostel 3 stars. However, it's clean, social, and the staff are friendly. I'm not sure if the kitchen will remain open, but even if it doesn't, this hostel is worth a stay over a private room, which also has no kitchen. It's close to the main town, which is another plus. I met some really cool people here.
Mediterranean House Hostel in Split … This hostel is up a little hill from the port, not that far from where the airport bus drops you off. The room I stayed in essentially was a small apartment within a bigger house. There was the main bedroom with three bunk beds and then a common room/kitchen and bathroom. Bathroom was tiny, but I have been in worse. With six people in there I can see it being a bit cramped, but when I was there it was fine.
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