Are you planning to visit i Plitvice lakes? Read my ultimate guide on where to sleep in Plitvice with some of the better hotels for different budgets!
Plitvice is a collection of 16 natural lakes and a UNESCO heritage site: located in the middle of the country, this extraordinary place is filled with incredible views and beautiful turquoise waters.
When I visited Plitvice Lakes I knew that the National Park is one of the must-see stops in a on the road in Croazia.
If you want some more information after my trip, read my guide on how to visit Plitvice Lakes!
Ok, I'll be honest: at first I considered visiting the park during a day trip from Split independently. But I would have had a few hours in the park, and then I wondered if it was worth it.
In short: at the end of all the options available, I realized that to see the entire park I had to spend at least one night there, and that meant booking a hotel in Plitvice.
The logistics of planning a trip to this location is slightly more complicated than others, because the lakes are located in a fairly remote location and traveling independently (either by bus or car) it is recommended to stay at least one night in a hotel that is not located. too far from the lakes.
Of course, before leaving, I sifted through several types of accommodation, carefully choosing the one I thought best suited to my needs.
Where sleeping in Plitvice
Basically you have it two choices about the location of your accommodation in Plitvice Lakes: either stay inside the park, or stay outside in the neighboring villages.
Le rates for accommodation depend on the type of accommodation (hotel vs camping), season (stays in August are more expensive than stays in May), services (whether or not breakfast is included), distance from the lakes (closest the most expensive), the number of people (the triple room is more expensive than the double room), the level of luxury, the style of the accommodation and also the booking window (i.e. how many days in advance the reservation is made: the earlier you book the more you save).
To ensure the best rates, my advice is therefore to book accommodation as soon as possible in order to have more choice, save money and not run the risk of having to stay too far from the lakes.
Hotel inside the National Park
There are very few accommodation options within walking distance of Plitvice Lakes entrance 1 and 2.
In fact, if you want stay inside the park, the only accommodation option on Plitvice Lakes is hotels owned and managed by the park management.
There are three hotels available inside entrance 2 of the national park: Hotel Jezero, Hotel Bellevue e Hotel Plitvice. The rooms range in price from around 85 euros per night per double room to over 200 depending on the season.
All other accommodations are located in the surrounding villages.
Stay inside the park has a great advantage: you are close to the lakes and you can choose how and when to visit them according to your preferences (during regular hours, of course).
As the other hotels are a kilometer or more away and public transport options are limited to a few scheduled busses, staying inside the park is perfect for those who don't have a car and have a little extra cash to spare. spend compared to what I had.
The hotels inside the park also have another advantage that is often not talked about: the entrance ticket can be revalidated for free after the first day. (This appears to still hold true in 2018 according to the most recent guest reviews on TripAdvisor.)
So even if you only stay one night, the second day at the park is free, which helps reduce the cost of the hotel (especially if you are a family!)
Parking is free for guests.
There is another choice for staying inside the park (but not really inside the park).
Plitvica Selo it is a small village on the opposite side of entrance 1, not far from the Kozjak lake. On this side of the Kozjak lake, there is a small auxiliary entrance to the park - Flora entrance. The walk from the village of Plitvica Selo to entrance 3 takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Here you will also find a snack bar, Kozjacka Draga, and the P3 boat stop. It is not possible to buy the ticket at this entrance (only at entrance 1 and 2), but it is possible to arrange with the staff of your accommodation to have the tickets purchased and delivered at the reception. It is usually necessary to arrange this with the hotel in advance. In this way you will certainly avoid the queue at the entrance to the Park.
Hotel outside the Park
North and south of the park there are a series of small villages where you can find almost all the pensions, B & Bs and apartments in Plitvice. Staying close to the park saves money on national park parking.
The biggest advantages of staying outside the park are there variety of accommodation available and definitely a best value for money.
Generally hotels outside the Park are small family-run properties with 20 rooms or fewer.
If you are traveling by car, I think you should avoid the hotels in the park and look for accommodation nearby. Parking in Plitvice National Park costs only 7 kn per hour, and there are only a few kilometers to travel.
The nearest villages are Plitvica Selo e Jezerce. Grabovac e The Koran are other popular places for an overnight stay near Plitvice Lakes.
If you like to stay in apartments with kitchens instead of hotels, you can find a good choice of apartments for rent in Plitvice Lakes. All Plitvice Lakes apartments are located in villages near the park, none within the park limits.
Personally, the accommodations I love most in Plitvice Lakes are the small wooden cottages, fully furnished and available even for a few days.
These are the better hotel and apartments that I found.
The best hotels and apartments in Plitvice
Ethno Houses Plitvica Selo Deluxe
THEEthno Houses Plitvica Selo Deluxe is a traditional looking 5-star hotel, located just 2 km from Plitvice National Park. There is a beautiful terrace overlooking the mountains where you can enjoy dinner from the restaurant. In addition to free Wi-Fi, the hotel has air conditioning in every room, flat-screen TVs and whirlpool tubs.
Ethno Houses Plitvica Selo Deluxe is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a well deserved rest after visiting Plitvice Lakes.
Ethno Houses Plitvica Selo Deluxe is located in Plitvica Selo 66/1, Plitvica Selo, Croatia.
See here Prices and Availability for Ethno Houses Plitvica Selo DeluxeHotel Dejenija
THEHotel Dejenija is a small family-run hotel which is located just 4 km from entrance 1 of the National Park. The Dejenija has 20 comfortable, clean and stylish rooms, two good quality on-site restaurants, a heated outdoor pool, and friendly, helpful staff.
The Degenija hotel is undoubtedly one of the most popular hotels for visiting Plitvice Lakes. And if you don't feel like driving to the lakes, the hotel also offers bike rental.
Hotel Dejenija si trova a Selište Drežničko 57A, 47245 Seliste Dreznicko.
See here Prices and Availability for Hotel DejenijaVilla Lika
This beautiful villa, completely surrounded by nature, has a covered terrace with breathtaking views to serve breakfast, lunch or just for relaxation, the rooms are cozy and modern.
Villa Lika is a luxury accommodation with air conditioning, free WiFi and satellite TV… in short, everything you need for a perfect holiday!
If you go in the winter, be sure to go skiing on the nearby slope.
Villa Lika si trova a Mukinje, 63, Plitvice Lakes, Croatia.
See here Prices and Availability for Villa LikaRustic Inn River
Il Rustic Inn River is a beautiful traditional house near the river offering accommodation in 6 double bedrooms, all with private bathrooms. The rooms are new, clean, comfortable and furnished in a modern style.
Breakfast is plentiful, while dinner can be organized with the owners at an additional cost: it is true that it costs more, but if you love genuine things, what better way than dining on homemade dishes?
The Rustic Inn is located 7 miles from Entrance 2.
Rustic Inn River si trova a Plitvice Lakes Prijeboj 12, 53231 Plitvice Lakes, Croatia.
See here Prices and Availability for Rustic Inn RiverVilla Irene Studio Apartments
Villa Irene Studio Apartments it is located just 5,7 km from the park. Each accommodation has a fully equipped kitchenette, which you can use in case you want to prepare your own meals. When you want to relax, you can simply sip a glass of wine on the terrace or spend a few hours in the outdoor hot tubs!
Villa Irene also has a small playground for children and an outdoor area.
As usual, I recommend that you book in advance, as these accommodations are among the ones that sell out first!
Villa Irene Studio Apartments si trova a Seliste Dreznicko, 99, Seliste Dreznicko, Croatia.
See here Prices and Availability for Villa Irene Studio ApartmentsApartments Buric
This fantastic accommodation welcomes you with free private parking spaces, air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. You can enjoy the morning view on the beautiful balcony and then enjoy your breakfast on the terrace - the view is amazing! Plitvice Lakes are only 5,7 km from the property, so getting there won't be a problem!
Apartmani Buric also has an on-site restaurant with delicious food. The owner is super nice and the rooms are stylishly decorated.
Apartments Buric si trova a Seliste Dreznicko 100, Seliste Dreznicko, Croatia.
See here Prices and Availability for Apartments BuricRooms Imperial House Bed and Breakfast
Il Rooms Imperial House Bed and Breakfast is a modern 4-star property located very close to Plitvice National Park, just 2,5 km from entrance 2. This bed and breakfast offers free use of bicycles, free Wi-Fi and private parking.
The rooms are very clean, beautiful and cozy, so you can enjoy your vacation in Croatia in style.
The best part? Once you arrive at Rooms Imperial House, you will be greeted by friendly hosts and you will feel at home!
Rooms Imperial House B&B si trova a Jezerce 25/1 Plitvice Lakes, Jezerce, Croatia.
See here Prices and Availability for Rooms Imperial House B&B16 Lakes Hotel
16 Lakes Hotel is a brand new and perfect accommodation for two people. Although this place is a little further away from the Plitvice lakes, I'm sure you will appreciate the clean and cozy rooms and the magnificent outdoor swimming pool.
16 Lakes Hotel is located in Grabovac 173, Grabovac, Croatia.
See here Prices and Availability for 16 Lakes HotelHouse Mihaela and Nina
This budget accommodation is simple, friendly and child-friendly. House Mihaela&Nina Apartment it is surrounded by nature and you can enjoy your free time on the terrace or balcony, or you can go out into the garden and organize a delicious and delicious barbecue.
You will have free WiFi all over the place and a nice kitchen where you can cook your own meals.
Casa Mihaela & Nina si trova a Čatrnja 127, Seliste Dreznicko, Croatia.
See here Prices and Availability for Casa Mihaela & NinaHoliday Homes Eko Klanac
Holiday Homes Eko Klanac they are small, cozy and warm wooden houses. Each cottage consists of a fully equipped kitchen, dining and living room, bathroom and a double bedroom on the ground floor.
Another bedroom is located on the mezzanine. It is a magical, remote place, surrounded by greenery, quiet and relaxing (even if the WiFi doesn't always work)
Holiday House Eko Klanac is located in Rakovica 106, 47245 Rakovica, Croatia.
See here Prices and Availability for Holiday Homes Eko KlanacJelov Klanac Ranch
Jelov Klanac Ranch it consists of two beautiful wooden huts. Each cabin offers three apartments for rent: two on the ground floor and one on the first floor. The houses are located in beautiful countryside with stunning views.
The owners live nearby and are available if you need anything. And outdoors you will also find everything you need to have a nice barbecue!
Jelov Klanac Ranch si trova a Jelov Klanac, 47245 Rakovica, Croatia.
See here Prices and Availability for Ranch Jelov KlanacMy choice: House Zupan
After evaluating all the facilities where to sleep in Plitvice, and doing some calculations in my pocket, in the end my choice fell on House Zupan 8 km from the National Park.
The nice rooms are spotless, the cheap price and the kindness of the owner is what makes the difference.
House Zupan is located in Rakovica 35, 47245 Rakovica, Croatia.
See here Prices and Availability for House Zupan
