• Hilton Imperial (Dubrovnik): This is the U.S. chain’s first foray into Croatia; rather than build a hotel from scratch, Hilton had the wisdom to restore what was salvageable from Dubrovnik’s historic 19th-century Imperial and graft a modern hotel onto its base. Every detail has been taken care of and you’ll be treated as an honored guest here.  
  • Hotel Amfora (Hvar): Reopened in 2008 after a complete renovation, this vast 1970s building opens onto a terraced garden, with a series of cascading turquoise pools and artificial islets with palm trees. Beyond the garden lies the Bonj “les bains” beach club, giving way to the glistening Adriatic. A 10-minute walk along the coast leads to trendy Hvar Town, with its centuries-old stone buildings and fishing harbor filled with yachts. Amfora also makes a fine all-around choice for families with kids.  
  • Iadera(Petrčane, near Zadar): Home to one of the biggest and most luxurious spas in Croatia, the ultra-modern Iadera stands on a small peninsula. Rooms are spacious, light, and airy, with oak floors and discreet details in royal blue and turquoise, subtly suggesting a maritime theme (fitting given there’s sea on three sides here). An infinity pool out front is lit with ever-changing colored lights at night, and the a la carte restaurant serves fresh seafood on a terrace in the garden, with the Adriatic rising on the horizon.  
  • Monte Mulini(Rovinj): Truly luxurious, even the lowest-priced room at Monte Mulini has a huge glamour bathroom with a separate shower and an array of designer toiletries. MM’s world-class restaurants, services, and people-centric staff cater to guests’ every whim. The spa is the ultimate in decadence, with a floating bath filled with water of such a high concentration of salt that you stay suspended in water no matter how hard you try to touch bottom. As of summer 2014, MM has a beach, too.  
  • Radisson BLU (Orašac): Orašac is 12km (7 1/2 miles) from Dubrovnik and an idyllic spot for getting away from it all without going too far. The nice thing about the BLU is that you never have to leave its lavishly landscaped grounds. You can veg out right here and still experience Dalmatia’s natural beauty, fine food, and hospitality—all while being environmentally responsible.  
  • The Regent Esplanade (Zagreb): The oldest continually operating luxury hotel in Croatia compares favorably with 5-star hotels in New York and Paris—for a fraction of the cost. From rich furnishings in the guestrooms to a concierge who is a gallant repository of Croatian history, a stay at the Esplanade is an experience you’ll never forget.  

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.