Hotel Peristil

Built within the 1,700-year-old Diocletian Palace with only 12 rooms, the hotel is an attraction unto itself. The antique furnishings date back at least 300 years (that said, the bathroom fixtures are very 21st century). Views look out onto a vast palace complex, where concerts and operas are held in the summer (the Peristil gets you free front-row seats). Mile Caktas, the owner, returns from the market each morning with bags of fresh fish and vegetables to prepare for guests, whom he treats like family.