Croatia is working its way to the top of people’s European travel bucket lists, and I totally understand why. With Adriatic Sea views on one side, scenic mountains on the other, a chilled-out metropolitan vibe in the day and then a lively atmosphere in the evening, it has everything you need for an escape from the everyday. I recently travelled to Split for a 4-night holiday and it was everything I’d imagined and more. As the second largest city in Croatia, how do you decide which hotel to stay in? It’s a big decision. But don’t worry! I’m here to help. I stayed in the amazing Hotel Le Meridien Lav which is available to book with Jet2holidays for stress-free holiday planning.
Here’s my review of Hotel Le Meridien Lav, Croatia and 5 reasons why you should consider it for your next Croatia holiday.
The Location
Let’s get the formalities out of the way. Hotel Le Meridien Lav is only around 40 minutes from Split airport and if you book with Jet 2 and travel between 1st May and 31st October, you’ll get a coach transfer included that has a maximum of three stops, so if you’re travelling as a family this is definitely something to consider! There’s also free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel which I found really stable considering you’re on the coast.
Located in Podstrana, you’re only 20 minutes from the centre of Split, but beware that during rush hour this can triple, so leave yourself plenty of time if you decide to get the bus or a taxi to town. Uber and Bolt are the best options if you’re looking to explore and cost between 15-20 euros, but the hotel is really helpful with any planning or local information plus in the summer months they provide a shuttle bus.
There is a supermarket up the road for extra snack supplies and you can walk fully along the coast from the hotel’s own pebble beaches.
The Rooms
We all want a little bit of luxury when we go away, right? Well, this is what Hotel Le Meridien Lav is all about. It’s part of the luxury holidays selection on the Jet2holidays website so you know it’s going to be special.
I stayed in a premium sea view room which really was beautiful. It was spacious and immaculately clean. I had a large balcony with two double doors overlooking the marina where people quietly docked their yachts and boats. To the left was one of the hotel’s private pebble beaches with free sun loungers, cabanas (chargeable) and complimentary towels ready to go. Waking up to blue and pink skies and going to be with deep orange sunset views will never, ever get boring. Some of the rooms are inland views which overlook the hotel, something to keep in mind when booking!
There are complimentary robes, slippers, and bottled water as well as Malin & Goetz toiletries in the rooms. My room had a seating area with a pull-out sofa bed, fridge and tv. The entire vibe was very clean and modern plus it has lots of storage space to help with that minimalist feel, so you could put everything away and enjoy the space.
Things to Do
If your idea of a luxury holiday is relaxing on the beach, eating good food, enjoying a massage or two and then repeating, then you’ve found it! Hotel Le Meridien Lav has five restaurants, a heated indoor pool, an infinity outdoor pool overlooking the Adriatic Sea, two pebble beaches, the Recupera Spa with Roman baths and signature massage treatments, and four bars including a very cool beach bar. There’s also a games room, various lounge areas and various shops next to the marina. Plus, if you want to keep active, there’s a fully equipped gym, exercise studio and 4 outdoor tennis courts. The hotel also offers scuba diving and water sports if that’s your thing.
There isn’t a huge amount to do locally, but the key to this hotel is to relax, and enjoy the views and everything it has to offer before heading into Split to explore. It’s a great base and lets you choose between relaxing or exploring. You can read my blog post here about places you should visit in Split for some inspiration.
The hotel does have two pebble beaches which are really beautiful. The sun loungers are right on the edge of the water so you haven’t got to walk for miles over pebbles to feel the cool and clear Adriatic water. There are yellow striped towels available for all guests (I loved the aesthetic of these and the matching sunshades) and there are beach bars nearby to both areas. I didn’t struggle to get a sun lounger on the several occasions I went to the beach or the pool. Plus the loungers stay out all evening so you can enjoy the sunset in comfort.
I took a walk along the coast and there are plenty of pretty swimming spots along the way, so make sure you explore!
Family Friendly
I didn’t go on this trip with my little ones but at the back of my mind, I can’t help but look out for family-friendly features. I did take a look at the kid’s club which actually looked really good. The hallway to the club was covered with colourful kids’ handprints which I think is a great introduction for nervous little ones. It looked instantly fun and friendly.
There were free activities available at the kids club such as mini golf, drone flying and crafts plus extra paid for activities such as tennis lessons and water sports. The family club lets you drop in when it’s open to play in the kids’ area along with your little ones where there are lots of toys and other fun things to play with and do.
There’s also a game room with table tennis, games consoles and a chill-out area for bigger kids and it’s right opposite the main restaurant area which is handy if you want a bit of extra time to eat while they keep themselves entertained.
A little further away from the main hotel building, near the tennis courts, there is an outdoor playground. Great to keep kids entertained for a while, there isn’t much shade and it’s basic, but with everything else the hotel has to offer, the kids will be kept busy.
The kids’ elements are fairly hidden, in the sense that families can enjoy the hotel and all it has to offer without getting side-eye looks from other guests who just want some peace and quiet. It’s quite well thought out in that sense and something I appreciate as a mum but also a child-free guest on this occasion.
Good Food
There are lots to choose from at Hotel Le Meridien Lav. Buffet breakfast is served in the Spalatum Restaurant with every breakfast offering you could imagine. From on-the-spot omelettes (which were cooked to perfection based on my own experience) to fresh cherries and honey. The large terrace means you can eat al-fresco in the mornings which is one of my favourite things to do.
There are 5 restaurants to enjoy (but do take a trip to Split for dinner too!). Gooshter Beach Bar was great for enjoying the sun loungers and then heading to the restaurant area for some amazing sushi and cocktails. I also took a visit to Conlemani which was right on the marina, again with stunning views, where they cooked made-to-order wood fire pizzas. I also has lunch at Port 74 where the tuna steak salad was exactly what I needed in the sunshine along with a Pina Colada!
An interesting fact is that Lav means lion in Croatian and Hotel Le Meridien Lav have really hit the mark with being the king of Split hotels. They have everything you need for a luxury holiday plus the perfect location to explore the rest of Croatia.
