Hotel Marmont

Stylish 21-room hotel in a superbly restored 15th-century stone building in Split’s UNESCO-listed old town

Giving onto a palm-lined seafront promenade and backed by rugged limestone mountains, Split grew up around a splendid Roman palace, built by Emperor Diocletian in the 3rd-century AD. Much of the old town is contained within the palace walls, where a warren of narrow alleys is packed with proud Venetian-era buildings, many hosting hip cafes and boho-chic boutiques at street level.

In the old town, between the seafront and the main square, the 21-room Marmont opened in July 2008. From a flagstone side street, automatic sliding glass doors open into the reception area to reveal a sophisticated contemporary interior, with rooms on all three floors served by a slick modern lift. On a mezzanine level above reception, a lounge-bar with white boxy sofas and potted palms opens onto a raised terrace, where guests can order drinks at comfy wicker sofas in the shade of big white parasols. Remarkably helpful reception staff can recommend local restaurants and attractions, and advise about trips to the nearby Dalmatian islands, served by regular ferries from Split’s harbour.

Highs

• Terrific location in a peaceful side street in the heart of Split’s stunning UNESCO-listed pedestrian-only old town
• Carefully renovated 15th-century stone building concealing a modern interior
• Smart pampering rooms with modern minimalist furnishings
• Personalised treatment from attentive staff – with just 21 rooms, reception personnel remember all of their guests
• Luxurious Presidential Suite with a bedroom, living room with a fireplace, private sauna and extensive roof terrace affording splendid city views

Lows

• No on-site restaurant, though the same management run the Luxor café-restaurant on the Roman Peristyle and can arrange a welcome dinner
• None of the rooms have balconies
• Limited extra facilities – no pool, no gym
• Guests have to park outside the pedestrian-only old town, then carry their luggage to the hotel