Hotel Ambasador

Hotel Ambasador is an upscale hotel on the western waterfront of Split, in the stretch of coast known as the Zapadna obala, the West Coast, which runs along the harbour below the green slopes of Marjan hill. It is a modern building of several floors, rather than a historic one, and it appears in this guide as a place to stay rather than as a sight in itself. The main reason to mention it is its location, which puts guests within easy reach of both the old town and the hill, and the nature of the area around it.

The Zapadna obala is a broad seafront walkway, lined with palm trees, apartment buildings, restaurants and a number of hotels, and it runs from near the old town toward the ferry port and the beaches. The harbour is busy with ferries, fishing boats and yachts, and the air is full of the sounds of the port. From the upper floors of a hotel in this position, the views take in the harbour, the sea and the islands, as well as the wooded rise of Marjan, which is Split's great green park and a favourite place for walks, cycling and swimming.

Hotels at this level usually offer air-conditioned rooms and suites, breakfast and a restaurant, a bar, a fitness room and sometimes a rooftop terrace or a seasonal pool, and guests choose them for comfort and convenience. As details of rooms, prices and services change from year to year, it is best to check current information with the hotel or a booking site before deciding. The hotel's restaurant and bar are intended to serve Mediterranean and Dalmatian food and drinks, which gives you a chance to try local dishes such as grilled fish, black risotto and lamb cooked under a bell.

The location is the main advantage. Diocletian's Palace, the largest Roman palace complex still in use as a living town, is a short walk away, together with the cathedral and the bell tower of St. Domnius, the Cathedral Treasury, the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments and the Riva promenade, all listed in this guide. The Meštrović Gallery, which displays the work of the sculptor Ivan Meštrović in his former villa, lies on the slope of Marjan, and the stairs and paths up the hill start near the waterfront. Beaches such as Jezinac, on the Marjan peninsula, can be reached on foot.

If you plan to stay in Split, book early for the summer months, ask about parking, and consider whether you prefer the noise and activity of the old town or the calmer seafront. The hotel suits visitors who want comfort and a good base for exploring the city on foot.