Romina Banu 
Plitvice Lakes (Plitvička Jezera) is one of my favorite places in Croatia! Located in central Croatia, this incredible park is an amazing vacation getaway full of incredible views, waterfalls and beautiful turquoise water. But it can be a little bit confusing deciding what is the best Plitvice Lakes National Park Hotel to stay at.
Should I stay inside or outside the park? Do not worry, you are in the right place to find out. I will help you choose the best Plitvice hotel for your needs and budget!
In this post, I selected the best hotels and sorted them out by price for your convenience. I also included some bonus section’s full of apartments with fabulous reviews and even camping options! But do not forget that good hotels get sold out fast, so it is better to book in advance!
Are you ready? Let’s go!
Contents
Quick Picks for Your Stay…
If you are ready to book the best hotel in Plitvice National Park, here are the best of the best:
- Best hotel inside Plitvice National Park: Hotel Plitvice
- Best luxury hotel outside Plitvice Park: Villa Lika
- Best mid-range hotel outside Plitvice Park: Rooms Imperial House
- Best budget hotel outside Plitvice Lake Park: House Ilija Hodak
- Best Apartment near Plitvice Lakes: Apartment Bramado
- Best Camping at Plitvice National Park: Camping Korana
Here is a map to help you visualize the location of each of the hotels inside the park as well as the different entrances and neighborhoods nearby!
1. Where to stay inside – Plitvice Lakes National Park hotels
I will tell you right from the start: there are only 4 hotels inside Plitvice National Park. All 4 hotels are pretty good, they are popular hotels in the area, and their prices range from US$100 to more than US$200 per room per night.
NOTE: Out of all four of them, Hotel Jezero is the only one that stays open all year round. The other two hotels (Bellevue, Plitvice, and Grabovac) are closed in December, January, and February.
That being said, let’s see which are these 4 National Park Plitvice hotels:
- Hotel Plitvice – In case you’re looking for a Plitvice hotel right near lake Kozjak and the waterfalls, then this national park hotel has to be the right choice for you! Hotel Plitvice is a beautiful place to stay if you don’t want to be stressed about arriving at the park early! Some of the best facilities and amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, free parking, an on-site restaurant, and more. By the way, it was recently renovated!
- Hotel Jezero – Here’s the second of the hotels in Plitvice Lakes! The Jezero Hotel has a 3 stars service, and it awaits complimentary Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants, a spa, a wellness center, hot tub and more. Plus, at this accommodation, you can choose from rooms and suites – a nice plus! The Jezero Hotel is a good choice if you want to be right in the heart of the national park, within walking distance of all the waterfalls and superb lakes!
- Hotel Bellevue – This is the third of the Plitvice Lakes National Park hotels inside the national park. So if you’re looking for hotels within the lakes and the waterfalls, check this one out! This place was built in 1963, and it has an interesting interior and exterior. It also has an on-site bar, complimentary Wi-Fi, parking, and many other cool perks! Even though the rating of this hotel is not that good, it’s still nice for a comfortable night’s sleep, extremely close to the lakes and waterfalls!
- Hotel Grabovac – The last hotel inside Plitvice Park! Located in the north part of Plitvice Lakes, this 3-star hotel offers a cozy and warm atmosphere with incredible greenery. Among the facilities, the hotel offers free shuttle bus to the heart of the park, a children’s playroom and park with picnic tables and benches perfect for eating lunch in the open!
Check the rates for Plitvice Lakes
Is it worth it to stay inside the park?
Plitvice is an ensemble of 16 natural lakes and a UNESCO heritage site, and you will be breathless by its beauty!
The main and most important advantage of staying in one of the hotels INSIDE Plitvice Lakes National Park is that you cannot get closer than this – you will be right near the lakes!
This means that exploring this place cannot get more accessible from your accommodation, and you won’t need to be concerned about the closing hours, taking a car or a bus to your hotel or waking up super early in the morning to get to Plitvice National Park as soon as possible.
If you stay INSIDE the national park, you’ll be there all the time! Please note that the other accommodation options close to the park are at least 1 km from the entrance, so you will need to walk or take public transport/car anyway.
Staying inside the Plitvice National Park is also a very good idea for those traveling to Plitvice Lakes without a car. In case you want to dive a little more, check these 8 things you should know about Plitvice!
PRO TIP: Here’s another fantastic advantage that few people know about: the entrance fee to the park can be re-validated on the second day. This means that you can buy your entry ticket to the park for the first day you’ll spend at the lodge, and you will be able to use the same entry ticket on the second day as well! That’s awesome, especially if you only stay for one night!
2. Where to stay close to Plitvice Lakes – hotels outside the National Park
Located in central Croatia, this amazing place is full of incredible views, waterfalls and beautiful turquoise water.
Considering that there are only four hotels located actually inside the national park and their rates are higher than your standard accommodation, naturally not everyone will want to stay there.
Luckily, there are many accommodation options around the park, all catering to different budgets and preferences! Staying in accommodation near the Plitvice National Park is a good idea for those planning to rent a car and drive during your trip, as it will be easy to arrive at the entrance, but even if not, many hotels offer a free shuttle service to the entrance.
Some very good areas where you can search for a hotel around Plitvice Lakes include (check the map at the top of the post to see their locations:
- Rastovaca – very close to Entrance 1
- Plitvica Selo – your closest option; it’s close to Entrance 1
- Plitvicka Jezera – close to Entrance 2
- Jezerce – a bit more to the south
- Grabovac – not far from Entrance 2
- Korana – northern part of the park
Here are my top recommendations for those of you that want to stay in Plitvice holiday resort near Plitvice Lakes National Park, all sorted by budget for your convenience:
Luxury (US$130 and up)
- Villa Lika – Are you looking for a luxurious stay at Plitvice National Park? This is the best accommodation for you! This beautiful villa is surrounded by nature, and it has a covered terrace perfect for serving breakfast, lunch or just for relaxation. Plus, the rooms are cozy and modern. Air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi and satellite TV – this luxury accommodation near the lakes has everything you will need for a perfect vacation! If you’re going there in the winter, make sure to go on the ski track that’s located very close to this villa. In the summertime, you can even hike there!
- Grand Lakes Rooms – This is another great 4-star luxury stay (one of the best lake houses) located close to Plitvice Lakes (only 2 km / 1.2 miles away). You will also find a grocery store close to this Plitvice hotel, in case you want to buy some supplies. You will appreciate the spacious rooms decorated in pleasant, pastel colors, air conditioning and beautiful seating area where you can relax and admire the view. A great choice if you want to be close to Entrance 2 at the lakes!
- Villa Irene Studio Apartments – This villa is situated only 5.7 km/3.5 miles away from Plitvice Jezera National Park and it’s my third accommodation recommendation close to Plitvice park. Each apartment option has a nice kitchenette you can use if you want to cook your food at the villa. When you want to relax, you can just sip a glass of wine on the terrace or enjoy your time in the outdoor hot tubs! Villa Irene also has a small playground for children and an outdoor space where you can do your morning exercises.
Mid-range (US$70 – US$130)
- Rooms Imperial House Plitvice – This property is a 4-star modern accommodation close to Plitvice Lakes National Park – only 2.5km / 1.5 miles from Entrance 2. This bed and breakfast offers free use of bicycles, free WiFi, and free parking. The rooms are spotless, nice, and cozy so that you can enjoy your Croatian vacation in style. The best part? Once you get to Rooms Imperial House, you will be greeted by friendly hosts and feel at home! I’m sure you’ll like this accommodation!
- Pansion Breza – This is a perfect accommodation and one of the best Plitvice Lakes hotels, although it is located 1 km (less than a mile) away from the park, in Plitvica Selo! It only has seven rooms, so hurry up if you want to book it! It’s not located far from Entrance 2 to Plitvice and offers excellent service. Some advantages of staying in this accommodation include a peaceful location close to the park, parquet flooring, a parking lot, and more!
- Rooms Imperial House – This Plitvice holiday resort is within walking distance from entrance 2 of the Plitvice National Park. It offers a quiet setting and clean rooms! I’m sure you’ll love it, regardless of if you are spending one night or one week here! It is one of my top choices out of the Plitvice Lakes hotels that offer excellent value for the money you’ll be paying! I recommend it to those of you that want to be close to the park while also enjoying free Wi-Fi, free on-site parking, and an onsite restaurant.
Budget (up to US$70)
- House Ilija Hodak – This beautiful 3-star Plitvice inn is surrounded by nature, where you can rest and relax. The location of House Ilija Hodak is very convenient – only 4km/2.4 miles away from Plitvice National Park and close to Plitvica Selo as well. One of the best things about this accommodation is its gorgeous garden with a barbecue area where you can socialize and enjoy a good meal. Plus, they offer you free on-site parking, and the staff is super friendly!
- Pansion Villa Cancar – This is a perfect Plitvice inn located in the peaceful village of Grabovac, a bit farther away from Plitvice Lakes park (6 km/3.7 miles). I’m sure you will enjoy the clean and cozy rooms, a swimming pool, the traditional dining options nearby, and their onsite restaurant where you can find a delicious buffet breakfast with local products or enjoy a freshly prepared dinner. Korana River is situated nearby, and it’s an excellent place for fishing, swimming, and even canoeing.
- House Mihaela & Nina – This budget accommodation close to Plitvice Lakes park and Plitvica Selo is simple, cozy, and kid-friendly. It’s surrounded by nature, and you can enjoy your free time on the terrace or balcony, or you can step out into the garden and organize an excellent, yummy barbecue. You will get free Wi-Fi all over the place and a nice kitchen where you can cook your meals. House Mihaela & Nina has a nice location and it’s only 6km/3.7 miles away from Plitvice National Lakes park (near Entrance 1).
- Falling Lakes Hostel – If you are a nature enthusiast looking for an adventure, then this hostel is THE best option! This hostel offers a cheap daily shuttle service to and from the park (€1 one way) from Korenica, so you do not have to worry about transportation. This hostel also offers tour groups and activities, from mountain treks to kayaking, I’m sure you will never get bored while staying here!
Check the rates for Plitvice Lakes
| 👑 Luxury price: | $150 |
| 💵 Mid Range: | $80 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | $40 |
| 💰 Accommodation prices: | Low |
| 🌳 Best hotel inside Plitvice Lakes NP: | Hotel Plitvice |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Villa Lika |
| 🏨 Mid-range hotel: | Rooms Imperial House |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | House Ilija Hodak |
Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!
BONUS 1: Best Airbnbs near Plitvice Lakes
Sure, there are plenty of hotels and Booking accommodation options close to the park, but what about those of you that prefer staying in an Airbnb? Ah, no problem, there are quite some fantastic opportunities for you, so many that it may become hard to choose!
Airbnbs are a great idea for two types of travelers especially: for those of you traveling with their family or in a bigger group (as you’ll have plenty of space to roam around) and for travelers that are planning to save some money (yep, Airbnbs tend to be cheaper than hotels!)
Below you can find my top selection for the best Airbnb close to Plitvice Park. Enjoy!
Luxury (US$100 and up)
- Apartment Natasa # 2 – Here’s an excellent guest house for a luxurious stay in Plitvice, only 3.2 km from Entrance 2 to Plitvice Lakes park. This apartment is an excellent idea if you want to save some money, it has a great location close to the park, and the host is super friendly! Just look at the pictures, and I’m pretty sure you’ll fall in love with this 75 sqm apartment with some fantastic reviews!
- Yeti Cabin – If you want to be just 10 minutes from Entrance 3 (auxiliary entrance) for Plitvice Lakes park, in a deluxe accommodation, then look at this place! It’s the perfect place to soak in the sun, enjoy a barbecue, and chill in the outdoor dining area. Check the recent review section and you’ll see that all the guests who have stayed there loved it. That’s why I recommend it for a spoiled stay close to Plitvice Park!
- Apartment Bramado – This is another superb apartment located 5 km away from Plitvice Park! So in case you didn’t find the ideal Plitvice hotel for the ultimate spoiled stay, I recommend this one. But I recommend you start booking as much in advance for your visit, as this accommodation tends to be sold out fast. All in all, it’s an excellent choice close to National Park Plitvice!
- Apartment Golden Fields – Besides this apartment is sparkling clean, it is superbly decorated as well! One of the best things about this place is the location – it is only 4.5 km from Entrance 1 to Plitvice Lakes, so you will quickly arrive there, especially if you have a car. Some other cool perks about staying here include access to a beautiful garden and seating area and enough space to do anything you want!
Mid-range (US$50 – US$100)
- Near the lakes and bus stop apart – In case you’re looking for a comfortable place located 10 minutes from Entrance 2 to Plitvice Lakes park, bus stop, and accommodation that offers a very good value for the money you’ll be paying, search no more! You just found it! This one is pretty ideal to spend your nights as close to Plitvice park as possible; you’ll also enjoy the fact that it is sparkling clean, and you’ll also have a grocery store just across the street!
- Dreamy apartment – Twin Studio near Plitvice – Here’s an excellent choice if you want to be located 5 km from Entrance 1 to Plitvice Park! So in case you’re still looking for the ideal Plitvice Lakes accommodation for you, don’t waste any more time and make sure to book this one! It offers a very good service for every traveler, the decor is very nice and you can also use the barbecue area!
- Apartment Sučić for 4 persons – This awesome apartment has two bedrooms, and it is big enough to host up to 4 people! The distance to the park is not big – only 4 km to entrance 1, so if you have a car, you won’t have any problems (or you can just take the bus!). Staying here means you’ll be able to enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, a nice dining room, the use of a washing machine (for 40 KN more), and an overall clean space!
Budget (up to US$50)
- Little House – A perfect idea to save on the cost of your stay would be to book a room in an apartment or guest house not far from the park! For example, this place is close to Plitvica Selo, only 5 minutes walking to Entrance 1, and super close to the bus station which can take you to the nearby villages! So if you’d like a guest house type of accommodation, this one’s for you! I recommend it to all of you traveling on a budget to Plitvice Lakes park!
- House Flora – Located within 700 m from Plitvice National Park Entrance 1 (close to the bus station), this vacation rental is perfect for exploring the park on a budget. This house offers a backyard patio where you can enjoy the picturesque views and free parking space if you decide to rent a car.
- Marica Gračan Rooms – In case all the other budget-friendly apartments above were sold out during your dates, there’s this option as well! This private room in a house is simple but immaculate and perfect for a comfortable night’s sleep after a full day of exploring the natural wonders in the park! The neighborhood is quiet, you’ll have three restaurants and two markets nearby, you’ll be 4 km away from the lakes – what more can you wish for?
Check the rates for Plitvice Lakes
BONUS 2: Camping at Plitvice Lakes National Park
Yes, you can also go camping if you don’t want to book a hotel or an apartment within or near Plitvice National Park! Here are your options:
- Camping Korana – this one is located closest to Plitvice National Park, only a few km away from Entrance 1
- Camping Slapić – family-run camping site and the most popular option among tourists going to the Plitvice Park
- Camping Radonja – this one has the most affordable prices in National Park Plitvice
- Camping Vrela Mrežnice – the superb location on the river bank
- Camping Turist – the oldest camping site near the lakes
- Camping Borje – the newest camping site close to Plitvice Lakes park
The camping sites have more accessible prices than the hotels close to Plitvice Park, and they offer different services depending on which one you’ll close. You can find more details about each camping site by accessing this website.
FAQs about Plitvice hotels
🏞️ Should I stay inside or outside the Plitvice Park?
Both options are okay! If you do not have a car, I recommend staying inside, but if you want to save some money, outside hotels are the best choice for you!
🚗 How to move around Plitvice lakes?
The easiest way to get around Plitvice is to rent a car, but there are also many bus connections!
📅 How long should I stay in Plitvice?
2 days is more than enough time to explore the area – plus the 2-day ticket is a much better value!
🏊♀️ Can I swim in the Plitvice lakes?
No, you can’t. But you can swim outside of the national park, to the north of the park in the Korana River.
🚶🏻♀️ Where should I start my hiking adventure?
All the tour groups start at the Lower Lakes, but I highly recommend to actually start in the Upper Lakes, you will have them mostly to yourself during the first hours in the morning!
Conclusion
As you can see, Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of those unique places you should add to your must-do list for your trip to Croatia!
I hope this ultimate guide for Plitvice Lakes accommodation was helpful, and I wish you a great stay and experience visiting Plitvice!
Most of the Plitivice Lakes National Park hotels I found for you near the park are guest houses, apartments, or Plitvice holiday resorts. Still, they all have excellent reviews, modern facilities, and cozy rooms where you can rest after a day of exploring Plitvice National Park.
But if you need help deciding, here are my top Plitivice Lakes National Park hotels options:
- Rooms Imperial House Plitvice – definitely one of the best options to stay in Plitvice! You will be so close to the park without breaking the bank.
- Pansion Villa Cancar – one of the best options if you not only want to visit the Plitvice park but also taste the fantastic local food!
Are you traveling to Plitvice Lakes park soon? If you have any more questions, don’t be shy and tell me in the comments below. I’m happy to help!
Yulia
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We will be staying at Guest House Plitvice Villa Verde in June 2019. We will be driving from Karlovac to the hotel. Is there any place you can suggest for the day of the drive to stop along the way and recommend a place for dinner. We will be spending the night at the hotel then going the next morning to Plitvice
Hi, Tony!
You can stop at 16 Lakes Restaurant in Grabovac along the way and have dinner there – I heard the food is good and the atmosphere very nice. Another suggestion would be Caffe & Bistro Plum in Rakovica (for the truffle pasta). Either one of these should be good for dinner! 🙂
Hi Yulia,
Very much interested to go Plitvice National park second week of May 2019. However, I am having difficulty planning the itinerary.
Me and my hubby will be flying from Amsterdam. Is there a direct flight to Plitvice? Or should we stay in Zagreb or Split then go over to Plitvice? Would like to spend 2-3 days in Plitvice actually to have the full experience..Any help/ advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
There are no flights to Plitivice as they dont have an airport. I went there from Zagreb, you can rent a car (recommended as the coast is really beautiful) or go by bus from Zagreb.
You could also go from Split, there is an airport there probably direct from Amsterdam but i am not sure, you would need to double check that.
Have a great trip! 🙂
Hello!
Thank you for your post. Croatia is an amazing place and I think it will be more famous after World Cup 2018.
Greetings!
It is quite popular already, but I also hope so, it is such a beautiful country!