I stayed in the Villa Marjela for one night last weekend and can recommend it to anyone who is looking for value for money outside of the tourist trail. The hotel is situated in a residential area near the Archaeological Museum, a slightly up-hill ten-minute walk to the north-west from the Riva and Old City. When I arrived, I took the Croation Airlines bus to Obala Lazareta near the Riva and harbour (30 KN) and from the bus station behind the tourist office the no. 17 bus to Karamanova Street (10 KN). From there it is only 150 meters to the hotel, whose entrance is from the parking lot off Jobova street. The hotel is very close to the Archaelogical Museum, which is well worth a visit (third largest in Europe after Rome and Athens). The receptionist at the hotel was extremely friendly and even offered me coffee and breakfast while waiting 10 minutes until my room was ready. The location of the hotel amongst high-rise apartment buildings and a large school allows one to see other parts of Split off the beaten tourist-trail. The area itself and the walk there felt entirely safe. The room was spare but clean and rather large, and the flat-screen TV had a good selection of international channels. Shampoo was provided in the bathroom. The breakfast was good too, including wholewheat bread, pastries, yoghurt and various kinds of cereals, cheese and cold cuts, juice and fruit. My only point of criticism is the Nescafe rather than freshly brewed coffee on the breakfast buffet.

This was a very good value for the money. Yes, it is a bit difficult to find, so do take a taxi the first time. But it is about a 10-15 minute easy walk to the town, the rooms were fine (TV, refrigerator and bathroom) and the included breakfast was good as well. There's a grocery store about 3 minutes away if you need anything and wi fi is available for free in the lobby.

The room was clean and had effective air con which is essential in Split in the summer. Breakfast was good at the price. Beds made every day and new towels every day.Just outside of town and 10 minutes walk to the sea. There were two very good restaurants along the seafront about 15 mins walk from Villa Marjela.

Villa Marjela is in a suburban district full of tower blocks, but really close to the city centre (5 mins to the edge of the centre, 10 mins to the old town). At night it didn't feel intimidating, but it was quite dark so didn't feel 100% safe either. I am probably being over cautious though. Room was a good size, but the beds were squeaky and hard, and the room was not cleaned once and towels weren't changed during our 3 night stay, beds weren't made either, which wasn't a major inconvenience, but is something you sort of expect when staying at a hotel. Breakfast was OK - cheese, coffee, cereal, the usual. Perfectly edible but nothing special. The best thing was the staff, who were very nice and helpful - they felt like a family rather than a group of staff, so they made you feel at home. All in all, I wouldn't stay there again (I'd spend a bit more and get somewhere better) but accommodation is expensive in Split, so if you are on a budget and want to stay in a hotel, this is a decent enough option.