Move over, Dubrovnik. Step aside, Split. Croatia’s most exciting new five-star hotel is in Zadar—a city that’s long flown under the radar, despite having Roman ruins, a sea organ that sings with the waves, and sunsets that even Alfred Hitchcock called “the world’s best.” Enter: Hyatt Regency Zadar, the city’s first truly international luxury hotel, and the final push Zadar needed to join the Adriatic elite.

The Hyatt Regency Zadar also carries the distinction of being the very first Hyatt‑branded hotel in all of Croatia. When it opened its doors on May 1, 2025, it marked Hyatt Hotels Corporation’s debut in the Croatian market—transforming the historic Maraska factory into the brand’s inaugural Croatian outpost and signalling a major milestone for both Hyatt and the Dalmatian coast

A Sea View That Actually Means Sea View

Let’s start with the location: the hotel is literally hugging the Dalmatian coast. We’re talking uninterrupted sea views, front-row seats to the golden hour, and a promenade just below your window that locals actually use—not just tourists in linen pants. You’re 10 minutes on foot from the Old Town, close enough for a stroll, far enough to avoid the cruise ship crowd when they descend.

Architecture With Attitude

Hyatt didn’t just drop a glass box by the sea and call it a day. The design blends sharp lines with warm textures: white stone, brushed wood, soft lighting. There are nods to Croatian craft and heritage, but nothing feels forced or museum-like. Inside, it’s sleek but soulful—like if a Scandinavian designer fell in love with the Adriatic and decided to stay.

A Factory Reborn: The Maraska Legacy

Hyatt Regency Zadar isn’t just another beachfront build—it’s a transformation of one of the city’s most iconic structures: the former Maraska liqueur factory. This early 20th-century landmark, once famed for producing Zadar’s world-renowned maraschino cherry liqueur, has been meticulously restored and reimagined as the heart of the hotel. Rather than erase the past, the architecture embraces it—preserving the factory’s grand façade and historic bones while pairing them with a sleek new modern wing. The project, led by architect Boris Podrecca and Croatian studio D&Z, artfully merges old-world industrial character with Mediterranean elegance. It’s a bold architectural statement—and a fitting tribute to Zadar’s layered history.

Rooms That Don’t Try Too Hard—But Get Everything Right

The rooms? Clean, cool, and quiet. Think: floor-to-ceiling windows, blackout curtains, beds you’ll miss after checkout, and bathrooms that actually make you want to take a long shower. Most have balconies or terraces. Some face the sea. Others face the city skyline—old church towers poking up between rooftops, like time forgot to flatten them.

Hyatt Regency Zadar comprises a total of 133 guest accommodations, blending 110 elegantly appointed guestrooms (82 king‑bed rooms and 28 twin‑bed rooms) with 23 spacious suites, including Regency Suites, Zadar Suites and a show‑stopping Presidential Suite. Many of these rooms and suites feature private balconies or terraces overlooking either the shimmering Adriatic or Zadar’s historic skyline, ensuring every guest enjoys both comfort and a view to remember.

No silly tech gimmicks here. You get high-speed Wi-Fi, big TVs, a coffee machine that doesn’t require a YouTube tutorial, and a minibar stocked with Croatian wine and salty local snacks. Someone’s done their homework.

Lavanda Spa: Where Wellness Isn’t a Buzzword

Most hotel spas promise you “relaxation.” This one delivers. The Lavanda Spa isn’t enormous, but it’s well-designed and surprisingly serene. There’s a steam room, sauna, cold plunge, and treatment rooms that smell like wild Dalmatian herbs. The therapists know what they’re doing, and there’s an outdoor pool for sunny laps or lazy lounging. Bonus: it’s actually heated properly in the off-season.

Food That Goes Beyond the Hotel Standard

There are two restaurants, and both punch well above typical “hotel food” expectations:

• Palm House does a killer breakfast (try the warm pogača bread with local cheese and olives), then morphs into a Mediterranean restaurant with fresh seafood, risottos, and seasonal Dalmatian dishes. They take sourcing seriously here.
• Fenix is a wildcard—mixing Asian and Latin American flavours without it feeling chaotic. The sushi is shockingly good for Croatia. Ask for the house spicy tuna roll and a cocktail with marasca cherry liqueur (Zadar’s unofficial flavor).

There’s also a poolside bar for spritzes and sliders, and a lobby lounge that somehow makes you want to hang around even if you’re not waiting for a taxi.

Beyond the Hotel: Zadar Is Having a Moment

Hyatt didn’t pick Zadar by accident. The city is buzzy again, in that pre-mainstream, post-hidden-gem phase. There’s the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation (go at dusk), Venetian alleys to wander without tripping over tour groups, and a surprising amount of cool: underground bars, edgy art galleries, and indie gelato shops.

And when you’re done urban exploring? The islands of Ugljan and Dugi Otok are just a ferry ride away. Kornati National Park is within reach. Even Plitvice Lakes can be a day trip with the right driver.

Who’s It For?

• Couples looking for a relaxed base with style and comfort
• Digital nomads who need Wi-Fi and won’t say no to spa perks
• Business travellers who are over beige conference rooms
• Trend-savvy travelers who love discovering places just before they hit the spotlight

Final Verdict

Hyatt Regency Zadar doesn’t just raise the bar—it relocates it. This isn’t some soulless international chain hotel; it’s a modern, comfortable, confident space that makes Zadar feel like the future, not a footnote. It’s high-end but human. Stylish without being sterile. And if you time your check-in around sunset, you might just understand what Hitchcock was talking about.

Hyatt members can save up to 30% (plus complimentary breakfast) on stays between May 8 and October 31, 2025 if you book directly through Hyatt’s “Members Save” offer.