A Luxury Stay in Split, Croatia | Hotel Ambasador Split Review

We have been wanting to explore the Balkan region for some time now. Croatia was the first country we decided to visit in this part of the world. We chose Split as our base because it sits in a good spot along the Dalmatian coastline. From here, it is easy to explore the historic towns, the nearby islands and even some of the national parks.

We stayed at Hotel Ambasador, which is set right by the waterfront. The sea is just steps away, and the Old Town and Riva promenade are only a short walk. We spent two nights there, and it proved to be a great base for exploring the area.

This was a hosted stay, but the following review of Hotel Ambasador Split is based entirely on our experience.

Location of Hotel Ambasador Split

 
Hotel Ambasador has been part of Split for a long time. The original hotel opened back in 1937 and it has always had a place in the city’s story. Today, the hotel blends that history with a clean and modern look. It is located on Trumbićeva obala 18, right on Split’s waterfront. It overlooks the Adriatic Sea and is backed by Marjan Hill. From the hotel you can walk easily to the Riva promenade and the heart of the Old Town including the famous Diocletian's Palace. 

We found it very convenient. Even walking back late after exploring felt safe and easy.

First Impressions of Hotel Ambasador Split

When we arrived, there were a couple of guests ahead of us at the check-in. I watched the staff speak to each person with patience. They answered questions and helped with a smile. No rush. No stress. Just calm and friendly service. When it was our turn, we were welcomed in the same warm way. The staff had a happy vibe, like they genuinely enjoyed being there. It made us feel relaxed straight away. 

Hotel Ambasador's in-house guest experience team are called the "Diplomats" and are there to look after you throughout your stay. If you want tips on Split, hidden spots to visit or even something brought up to your room, the Diplomats are ready to help. This personal touch stood out to me.

What are the different room types at Hotel Ambasador Split?

The hotel offers five types of rooms: Classic, Superior, Premium, the Ambasador Suite and the Diplomat Suite. The Classic rooms are cosy and well-sized, suited for both leisure and business stays. The Superior rooms are a little larger, with the option of sea or city views, and you can choose between a king-size bed or twin beds. The Premium rooms add a balcony, which is perfect if you enjoy sitting outside with a morning coffee and taking in the marina or the city.

If you are looking for something more special, there are two suites. The Diplomat Suite offers more space and a touch of luxury, ideal for a longer stay or when you want something extra comfortable. The Ambasador Suite is the most spacious of all. It has a bedroom, a living and dining area, and wide views over the Adriatic and the islands. It feels like staying in your own private apartment by the sea.

We stayed in a Premium room on the third floor and the views were the highlight (see below). Our balcony looked out over the marina, and it was lovely to sit there with a cup of coffee in the morning.

The room felt spacious, with enough storage so nothing felt cramped or messy.

The room has been designed for comfort and convenience. It included a tablet with the hotel app, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a safe, a minibar and a cordless phone. For entertainment, there was an LCD TV. USB charging ports and a connectivity panel added a modern touch.

 

For the morning cuppa, there was an espresso machine and a kettle with a selection of coffee pods and tea.

The decor was simple and clean. Nothing loud or over-the-top. The view did all the talking really.

The bed and pillows were comfortable and we enjoyed restful sleep on all rights. 

The bathroom had heated floors which felt quite nice, especially in the morning. It was spacious and easy to use. It had a walk-in shower, which I always prefer. Bathrobes and slippers were provided and the towels were clean and soft. The toiletries were from Bvlgari, which felt like a nice bit of luxury. It all added to a calm and comfortable stay.

The hotel had placed chocolates, a bottle of bubbly and a small welcome message in the room for us when we arrived. It was a kind touch and made the stay feel more personal. 

To sum it up, the room had everything we needed for a short break in Split. It felt easy, comfortable and we appreciated the space, the balcony and the views. 

Dining at Hotel Ambasador

We had breakfast at Restaurant Méditerranée on both mornings of our stay, and it was a really good start to the day. Each morning, we could choose between a cooked-to-order hot breakfast or a buffet selection. Everything was fresh, with plenty of choice for vegetarians, which I appreciated. The restaurant combines local Dalmatian flavours with a modern touch, and it felt relaxed and welcoming.

The hotel’s restaurant offers both indoor seating and an outdoor terrace dining area. It’s a lovely spot to enjoy a meal while taking in the views and the relaxed atmosphere by the marina.

The hotel also has two bars. Bar Split is on the city promenade and looks lively, perfect if you want a coffee or a cocktail while watching the city go by. The Pool Bar is by the outdoor pool and seems like a great spot to unwind, with light snacks, salads and drinks. Both bars looked inviting and well suited for a relaxing evening or afternoon.

Facilities at Hotel Ambasador Split

Hotel Ambasador offers several services and facilities designed to make your stay as relaxing and comfortable as possible. Whether you want to unwind, stay active, or simply take some time for yourself, the hotel has everything you need right on-site. Even though we didn’t use these facilities this time (we were out exploring all the time), it’s good to know they’re there. If you stay longer you might want to take advantage.

The Hacelia Spa is a peaceful spot designed for relaxation and renewal. Inspired by the star of the Adriatic Sea, the spa uses local herbs and calming scents to create a soothing atmosphere. Guests can unwind in the steam or Finnish sauna, try a cold rain shower or enjoy halotherapy to detox and refresh both body and mind.

There’s also a beauty area offering massages, manicures, pedicures, and other treatments aimed at helping you look and feel your best. One of the highlights is the Nuvola zero-gravity dry flotation bed, which gives a deep sense of relaxation and lightness - perfect after a day of sightseeing in Split.

The hotel also has an outdoor rooftop pool on the third floor, perfect for a relaxing swim. From here, guests can enjoy stunning views of the sea and marina - a lovely spot to unwind and take in the scenery.

For those who like to keep active, the hotel has a modern fitness area just steps from your room. It’s fully equipped with machines and weights, making it easy to fit in a workout during your stay. Whether you want to relax, recharge, or stay fit, the spa and gym facilities add another level of comfort to your time at Hotel Ambasador.

Things To Do In and Around Split

While staying in Split you have so many options to explore - here are a few we’d recommend.

Split - In Split, we loved exploring the city at our own pace. We went on a guided tour of the Old Town and spent time wandering through the narrow lanes, taking in the charm and history. Diocletian’s Palace was a highlight, and we also enjoyed a stroll along the Riva promenade. 

To get an overview of the town, we hopped on the hop-on-hop-off bus, which was really convenient. We made time for the beach too, soaking up the sun, and of course, tried the local food. Our favourites were the cheesy Burek and the sweet, tangy Sour Cherry Strudel. It all felt like a perfect mix of history, relaxation and flavour.

A quick tip - if you enjoy seafood, Split is a great place to try it. The city is known for its fresh catch and wide variety of seafood dishes served in restaurants along the coast.

Trogir - This is a charming old town a short drive (around 40 mins) from Split. We absolutely loved it. It had narrow stone streets, old buildings and little cafés tucked away around every corner. Walking through it felt like stepping back in time, and it was a peaceful change of pace from the busier streets of Split. 

Klis Fortress - The fortress sits on a hill just outside Split and is known for its long military history and amazing views. I enjoyed the climb up and the views over Split and the Adriatic were fantastic. It was worth it. Our visit to Klis Fortress was as a part of a guided tour and many on the tour were keen on visiting due to the Game of Thrones connection.

Salona - Salona is an ancient Roman city and you can still walk among the old walls, gates and remains of an amphitheatre. It’s quiet and open, so you can take your time. It gives a real sense of how old and layered this region is. This place reminded me of the ancient city of Perge in Antalya which has some of the most beautiful Hellenistic and Roman ruins in Turkey.

Krka National Park - Krka is nature at its best. Think waterfalls, green landscapes, clear water and peaceful walking paths. I loved it. It feels refreshing and calm, and it’s easy to spend a whole day there. I highly recommend a visit.

All these places are easy to reach when staying at Hotel Ambasador. The hotel’s location in Split means you can get transport links, guided tours, or hire a car without any fuss. It works well as a base for exploring both the city and the wider Dalmatian region.

The staff at Hotel Ambasador are really knowledgeable and happy to help. They can suggest sightseeing based on what you enjoy or even help arrange private tours. Whether you want a historical tour, a nature trip or hidden local spots, they make it easy to plan your days and get the most out of your stay.

Overall, we found Hotel Ambasador to be the perfect base for all the travelling we did. The location made exploring easy, the facilities were excellent, and the service was outstanding. The hotel truly delivered on every front, making our stay in Split even more enjoyable.

What We Loved About Hotel Ambasador

• Location: right on the water, easy walking everywhere.
• Staff: warm, genuine and made our stay comfortable.
• The room: sea view, balcony and a comfortable space.
• Breakfast with good vegetarian options.

Would We Stay Again at Hotel Ambasador?

Yes. Absolutely. 

The staff can really make or break a hotel, and at Hotel Ambasador, they were a highlight. Their friendly service and warm attitude stood out, and as a result, the hotel as a whole has a very welcoming feel.

Plus it’s so easy to explore Split from the hotel's central location. If we come back to Split, I would choose Hotel Ambasador again without hesitation.

Book your stay at Hotel Ambasador

Room rates at Hotel Ambasador vary depending on the room type and the season. As a general guide, Classic Rooms with a street view start from around €150 per night, while Superior Rooms range from approximately €180 for a city view to €250 for a sea view. The Premium Sea View Rooms, like the one we stayed in, start from around €300 per night. If you are looking for a more luxurious stay, the Diplomat Suite is around €900, and the Ambasador Suite is around €1200 per night, offering extra space and panoramic Adriatic views.

The hotel also runs a Winter Promo Package, which can offer excellent value if you are visiting outside the summer season. This promotion is valid from 1 November 2025 to 12 January 2026, and again from 6 February 2026 to 28 February 2026. (Note: 29 December 2025 to 1 January 2026 are blackout dates.) During this period, a Superior Sea View Room starts from €115 per night for single use or €135 per night for double use. A Premium Sea View Room with Balcony starts from €140 (single) or €160 (double) per night. All rates are on a bed and breakfast basis.

The Winter Promo includes a welcome bottle of wine on arrival, daily bottled water, early check-in and late check-out, spa access, 10% off spa treatments, 10% off à la carte dining at Restaurant Méditerranée, and parking. The only thing not included is the local tourist tax (around €1.86 per person per night). If you enjoy quieter travel, softer weather and fewer crowds, this is a very good time to stay.

Booking a stay at Hotel Ambasador is simple. You can do it directly on the hotel’s website, which is usually the best way to get the latest offers. Just choose the room type that suits you and add any extras you might need. If you have questions, the staff are quick to reply and happy to help. It’s all very straightforward.

Hotel Ambasador | Trumbićeva obala 18, Zapadna obala, 21 000 Split, Croatia
Phone | +385 21 293 000
Email | [email protected]

Thank you for reading. If you’re planning a stay in Split and want to be near the sea, near the Old Town and stay somewhere with friendly staff and good comfort - this hotel is a strong choice.