Hotel Ambasador: the place to stay in Split

In the heart of Split’s historic harbour, Hotel Ambasador combines contemporary five-star luxury with authentic Croatian heritage — a reborn landmark that captures the city’s spirit and offers guests a true sense of belonging

Hotel Ambasador has long been part of Split’s identity. Its story begins in 1859, when Mayor Šimun Michieli-Vitturi first imagined the city’s West Coast as a promenade where locals could gather by the sea. That vision came to life in 1937 with architect Josip Kodl’s Ambasador, a cubist-style hotel built directly on the harbourfront, in a prime central location.

The original hotel had just 48 rooms, yet it quickly became the city’s cultural stage. Its cafés, terraces, and event halls drew residents together for conversation, music, and the quintessential aspects of Dalmatian life. The Ambasador was truly the heart of the city.

A return to the famous waterfront

After World War II, the hotel building was repurposed and eventually demolished. It wasn’t until August 2022 that Hotel Ambasador was reborn.

Today, Hotel Ambasador is a five-star luxury hotel with 100 contemporary rooms and suites filled with natural light. Clean lines, neutral tones, and natural materials allow the views to take centre stage, from the marina to Marjan Park and the UNESCO-listed old town.

In 2023, Ambasador joined the Preferred Hotels & Resorts L.V.X. Collection, aligning with a network of leading independent hotels worldwide.

Immersed in Croatian culture

Hotel Ambasador is lauded for its welcoming atmosphere and genuine Croatian hospitality. Intuitive and knowledgeable staff greet guests at a reception desk crafted from 1,850-year-old black oak recovered from the Sava River — a striking example of Croatian craftsmanship.

The lobby area is dressed in black-and-white photographs by Feđa Klarić, Split’s most celebrated photojournalist. His imagery captures everyday life in Split and serves as a visual homage to the Dalmatian region. Rotating exhibitions by local artists also bring a living gallery to the common areas.

Cuisine that converses with the region

At the hotel’s flagship dining room, Restaurant Méditerranée, Executive Chef Nikola Marušić presents contemporary Mediterranean dishes inspired by the Adriatic. Ingredients are sourced directly from the region’s fishermen, farmers, and producers, while the menu highlights local olive oil and regional classics amplified by modern techniques.

The wine list showcases Croatia’s finest vineyards alongside international favourites, with 170 labels to choose from. Diners enjoy a clean yet relaxed ambience indoors, while the marina provides a natural backdrop outside.

Ambasador’s social spaces echo the lively city outside. With a terrace that spills onto the waterfront promenade, Bar Split is a gathering place for locals and travellers alike.

For those seeking calm, Hacelia Spa provides a change of pace. Named after a Mediterranean sea star, guests can indulge in treatments inspired by local botanicals and aquathermal rituals.

And with views stretching from Diocletian’s Palace to the Adriatic, the rooftop terrace is another highlight. It’s also an ever-present reminder that the hotel stands in the heart of one of Europe’s most remarkable coastal destinations.

To stay at the Ambasador is to experience Split fully. It is a hotel anchored in local history yet designed for the present. It is welcoming, genuine, and immersed in Croatian culture. It is five-star luxury that is approachable and closely tied to city life.

From its beginnings in 1937 to its rebirth in 2022, Ambasador has remained true to its role as part of Split’s story. For today’s guest, it promises both the comforts of a five-star stay and the chance to feel as if you’re a part of the city itself. It’s no surprise that it is the address to stay at in Split.

Further information:
Produced with support from Hotel Ambasador Split. To find out more about its history, dining, and accommodation, visit www.ambasadorsplit.com.

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