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4- and 5-star hotels in Rakovica
A shortlist of 4- and 5-star hotels in Rakovica, the gateway municipality to Plitvice Lakes National Park. It is for couples, families and drivers who want a comfortable base within a few kilometres of the lakes and easy reach of the D1 road.
Staying in Rakovica
Rakovica is a municipality in a continental climate of warm summers and cold winters, known above all for its proximity to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area is popular for outdoor activities and nature exploration, and the local economy rests on tourism and agriculture. Visitors come for the lakes and the walking, cycling, canoeing and horse riding that fill the surrounding countryside, then return to a hotel or campsite in one of the villages.
The hotels on this shortlist are spread across the municipality. 16 Lakes Hotel, Plitvice Palace, Plitvice Holiday Resort Campsite and Villa Cancar sit in Grabovac, the village near the park entrance. Hotel Degenija is in Selište Drežnicko, Hotel Palcich in Catrnja, Lyra Hotel Plitvice in Licko Petrovo Selo, and several properties in Plitvica Selo. Mobile Homes Camping Plitvice is in Smoljanac and Apartments Pavlić in Rakovica itself. It suits couples, families and short-break visitors with a car, and drivers who prefer quiet rural nights over park-side bustle.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Mobile Homes Camping Plitvice
Smoljanac, Rakovica, Croatia
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Kids pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereA 5-star base of mobile homes in Smoljanac, 3.8 km from the centre of Rakovica, for travellers who want countryside with resort facilities on the doorstep. The outdoor pool and separate kids pool keep families busy, while bike rental, horse back riding and canoeing suit guests who would rather be outdoors. Fitness centre, garden and free car parking round it out, with free wifi and air conditioning throughout. Suits families, cyclists and groups travelling by car.
See Mobile Homes Camping PlitviceHotel Degenija
Selište Drežnicko 59, Rakovica, Croatia
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereHotel Degenija is a 4-star hotel 2.5 km from the centre of Rakovica, rated 4.8 out of 5 by 668 guests. Rooms come with balconies, and the fitness centre and jacuzzi cover both activity and recovery after a day out. Free car parking and free wifi are included. Its strong guest rating and handy setting make it a sound pick for couples and independent travellers who want comfort and reliable service.
See Hotel DegenijaPansion Breza
Plitvica Selo 21, Rakovica, Croatia
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Coach parking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Free Wifi
Why stay herePansion Breza is a 4-star guesthouse in Plitvica Selo, 8.7 km from the centre of Rakovica, scoring 4.8 out of 5 from 358 reviews. There is an on-site restaurant and a terrace and garden to sit in, and free car parking and free wifi come with the stay. A shuttle service is available. It suits guests who prefer a quiet, small-scale base close to the Plitvice area and value a highly rated welcome.
See Pansion Breza16 Lakes Hotel
Grabovac 173, Rakovica, Croatia
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay here16 Lakes Hotel is the closest of these 4-star hotels to Rakovica, 0.6 km from the centre, with a 4.7 out of 5 rating from 499 reviews. An outdoor pool with pool bar, a fitness centre and a games room give families plenty to do on site, and family rooms are available. Free car parking and free wifi are included. It fits guests who want facilities and a central location without straying far.
See 16 Lakes HotelHotel Palcich
166 Catrnja, Rakovica, Croatia
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Indoor pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereHotel Palcich is a 4-star hotel 1.5 km from the centre of Rakovica, rated 4.6 out of 5 by 305 guests. An indoor pool, a sauna and a spa make it the pick for guests who want to unwind indoors, and there is a restaurant on site. Family rooms, free car parking and free wifi add convenience. It suits couples and families looking for a comfortable, wellness-oriented stay near the centre.
See Hotel PalcichFenomen Plitvice
Plitvica Selo 81, Crikvenica, Croatia
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Sauna
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereFenomen Plitvice is a 4-star property 7.7 km from the centre of Rakovica, rated 4.6 out of 5 from 273 reviews. Archery and badminton are on offer, along with a games room and a garden, and family rooms are available. Free car parking and free wifi are included. It suits active guests and families who want outdoor activities and space in a rural setting away from the busiest spots.
See Fenomen PlitvicePlitvice Holiday Resort Campsite
Grabovac 102, Rakovica, Croatia
Best for: Pool and spa · Business trips
- Kids pool
- Spa
- Beach Volleyball
Why stay herePlitvice Holiday Resort Campsite is a 4-star resort 0.8 km from the centre of Rakovica, with a 4.5 out of 5 rating from 1477 reviews. An outdoor pool and kids pool, a playground and table tennis keep children busy, and there is a restaurant and spa for adults. Free wifi is available. It suits families and longer stays, with plenty on site and the centre within easy reach.
See Plitvice Holiday Resort CampsiteLyra Hotel Plitvice
Licko Petrovo Selo 52, Rakovica, Croatia
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Pool bar
Why stay hereLyra Hotel Plitvice is a 4-star hotel 10.8 km from the centre of Rakovica, rated 4.5 out of 5 by 440 guests. An outdoor pool with pool bar and a fitness centre are the main draws, and pets are allowed, which helps guests travelling with a dog. A restaurant is on site, with free car parking and free wifi. It suits travellers who want a full-service hotel and accept being further out.
See Lyra Hotel PlitviceEtno Garden Exclusive
Plitvica Selo 62, Rakovica, Croatia
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Pool bar
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereEtno Garden Exclusive is a 4-star property in Plitvica Selo, 8.4 km from the centre of Rakovica, rated 4.5 out of 5 from 408 reviews. A sauna, a garden and a playground sit alongside archery and table tennis, and pets are allowed. There is a restaurant and pool bar on site, with free car parking and free wifi. It suits families and guests who want an activity-filled rural stay.
See Etno Garden ExclusivePlitvice Palace
Grabovac 103, Rakovica, Croatia
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay herePlitvice Palace is a 4-star hotel 0.7 km from the centre of Rakovica, rated 4.3 out of 5 by 247 guests. An outdoor pool and a playground make it practical for families, and a restaurant and terrace are on site. Free car parking and free wifi are included, and bicycle hire is available. It suits travellers who want a simple, well-placed base near the centre with a pool for the children.
See Plitvice PalaceEthno Houses Plitvica Selo
Plitvica Selo 66 1, Zadar, Croatia
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Pool bar
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereEthno Houses Plitvica Selo is a 4-star property 8.2 km from the centre of Rakovica, rated 4.1 out of 5 from 973 reviews. A games room, darts and mini golf sit alongside archery and badminton, and there is a garden and lounge. Free car parking and free wifi are included. It suits groups and families who want plenty of on-site recreation in a rural village setting.
See Ethno Houses Plitvica SeloRanch Jelov Klanac
Jelov Klanac, Rakovica, Croatia
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
Why stay hereRanch Jelov Klanac is a 4-star property 4.9 km from the centre of Rakovica, with kitchen and kitchenette facilities in the units. Canoeing, fishing and skiing are among the activities on offer, and pets are allowed, plus a shuttle service. Free car parking and free wifi are included. It suits guests who want a self-catering, outdoors-oriented stay in the Rakovica countryside.
See Ranch Jelov KlanacApartments Pavlić
Rakovica 151, Rakovica, Croatia
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
Why stay hereApartments Pavlić is a 4-star apartment property 2.4 km from the centre of Rakovica. Kitchen facilities, a fireplace and a games room give it the feel of a self-contained base, and family rooms are available. Free car parking and free wifi are included, and pets are allowed. It suits families and groups who want to cook and settle in rather than stay in a conventional hotel.
See Apartments PavlićVilla Cancar
Grabovac 235, Rakovica, Croatia
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereVilla Cancar is a 4-star villa 0.3 km from the centre of Rakovica, the closest of these properties. An outdoor pool and swimming pool, a sauna and a spa are on offer, and kitchen facilities allow self-catering. Free car parking and free wifi are included, plus a shuttle service. It suits families and groups who want space and privacy within walking reach of the centre.
See Villa CancarPlitvica Lodge
Plitvica Selo 71 3, Rakovica, Croatia
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Free car parking
- Breakfast in room
- Pets allowed
Why stay herePlitvica Lodge is a 4-star property in Plitvica Selo, 8.2 km from the centre of Rakovica. A fireplace and a garden give it a cosy rural character, and there is a restaurant on site. Bike rental service and canoeing are available, along with free car parking and free wifi. It suits couples and small groups who want a quiet lodge base near the Plitvice area.
See Plitvica Lodge
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Homes Camping Plitvice | ★★★★★ | – | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 3.8 km |
| Hotel Degenija | ★★★★ | 4.8 | 668 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 2.5 km |
| Pansion Breza | ★★★★ | 4.8 | 358 | Yes | – | – | – | 8.7 km |
| 16 Lakes Hotel | ★★★★ | 4.7 | 499 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 0.6 km |
| Hotel Palcich | ★★★★ | 4.6 | 305 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 1.5 km |
| Fenomen Plitvice | ★★★★ | 4.6 | 273 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 7.7 km |
| Plitvice Holiday Resort Campsite | ★★★★ | 4.5 | 1,477 | – | – | Yes | – | 0.8 km |
| Lyra Hotel Plitvice | ★★★★ | 4.5 | 440 | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | 10.8 km |
| Etno Garden Exclusive | ★★★★ | 4.5 | 408 | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | 8.4 km |
| Plitvice Palace | ★★★★ | 4.3 | 247 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 0.7 km |
| Ethno Houses Plitvica Selo | ★★★★ | 4.1 | 973 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.2 km |
| Ranch Jelov Klanac | ★★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | – | Yes | 4.9 km |
| Apartments Pavlić | ★★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | – | Yes | 2.4 km |
| Villa Cancar | ★★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | Yes | – | 0.3 km |
| Plitvica Lodge | ★★★★ | – | – | Yes | Yes | – | Yes | 8.2 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
16 Lakes Hotel has a playground and an outdoor pool with pool bar; Hotel Palcich adds family rooms, an indoor pool and a spa; Plitvice Holiday Resort Campsite has a kids pool, playground and table tennis; Etno Garden Exclusive offers a playground, table tennis and family rooms. All four are rated 4.5 or better by guests.
16 Lakes Hotel · Hotel Palcich · Plitvice Holiday Resort Campsite · Etno Garden Exclusive
Top guest ratings
Degenija is a 4-star with a fitness centre, jacuzzi and bike rental; Breza is a quieter 4-star with a garden, terrace and picnic area.
Closest to the centre
Villa Cancar is 0.3 km from the centre, 16 Lakes Hotel 0.6 km and Plitvice Palace 0.7 km. All three are in Grabovac, so they keep you close to local amenities and the road while the national park is a short drive away.
With a pool or spa
Mobile Homes Camping Plitvice, 16 Lakes Hotel, Villa Cancar and Plitvice Holiday Resort Campsite all list an outdoor pool; Hotel Palcich has an indoor pool and sauna. Plitvice Holiday Resort Campsite and Villa Cancar also list a spa, and Mobile Homes Camping Plitvice adds a jacuzzi and kids pool.
Mobile Homes Camping Plitvice · Hotel Palcich · 16 Lakes Hotel · Villa Cancar · Plitvice Holiday Resort Campsite
Where to stay in Rakovica
Grabovac
A village near the entrance to Plitvice Lakes National Park, Grabovac has several hotels and campsites, making it a practical base for park visitors. 16 Lakes Hotel, Plitvice Holiday Resort Campsite, Plitvice Palace and Villa Cancar all stand here, so you are within a few kilometres of the lakes in either direction.
Our picks here: 16 Lakes Hotel · Plitvice Holiday Resort Campsite · Plitvice Palace · Villa Cancar
Plitvica Selo
A small village close to the park's northern entrance, Plitvica Selo offers accommodation in a quiet rural setting. Pansion Breza, Etno Garden Exclusive and Plitvica Lodge are all here, giving guests a peaceful night within easy reach of the park gates.
Our picks here: Pansion Breza · Etno Garden Exclusive · Plitvica Lodge
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Rakovica is accessible by car via the D1 state road, which connects Zagreb to the north and Split to the south. The nearest airport is Zagreb Airport, approximately 100 kilometers away. Buses run along the D1 corridor, with stops in Rakovica and nearby villages. For local travel, a car is recommended to reach the national park and surrounding areas, and taxis are available but limited. Parking is available at the park entrances.
When to go
The best time to visit Rakovica is from May to September, when the weather is warm and the national park is fully accessible. July and August are the busiest months. Spring and autumn offer fewer crowds and mild temperatures. Winter can be cold, with snow, and some facilities may be limited; the park is open year-round, but some trails may be closed in winter.
Questions, answered
Which of these hotels is closest to the centre?
Villa Cancar is 0.3 km from the centre and 16 Lakes Hotel 0.6 km; both are in Grabovac. Plitvice Palace follows at 0.7 km and Plitvice Holiday Resort Campsite at 0.8 km, while Lyra Hotel Plitvice is the furthest at 10.8 km.
Which hotels have free parking?
Free car parking is listed by most properties here, including Mobile Homes Camping Plitvice, Hotel Degenija, Pansion Breza, 16 Lakes Hotel, Hotel Palcich, Fenomen Plitvice, Plitvice Holiday Resort Campsite, Lyra Hotel Plitvice, Etno Garden Exclusive, Plitvice Palace, Ethno Houses Plitvica Selo, Ranch Jelov Klanac, Apartments Pavlić, Villa Cancar and Plitvica Lodge.
Which hotels allow pets?
Pets are allowed at Lyra Hotel Plitvice, Etno Garden Exclusive, Ranch Jelov Klanac, Apartments Pavlić and Plitvica Lodge. None of the other hotels on this shortlist list pets among their facilities, so check before booking if you travel with an animal.
Which hotels have a pool or a spa?
Hotel Palcich has an indoor pool, sauna and spa. Outdoor pools are listed at Mobile Homes Camping Plitvice, 16 Lakes Hotel, Plitvice Palace and Villa Cancar, which also lists a sauna and spa. Plitvice Holiday Resort Campsite lists both an outdoor pool and a spa.
Which hotel is best for families?
16 Lakes Hotel lists family rooms, a playground, a games room and an outdoor pool with pool bar, and is rated 4.7 from 499 reviews. Plitvice Holiday Resort Campsite adds a kids pool, playground and table tennis, while Etno Garden Exclusive offers family rooms, a playground and table tennis.
Which is the highest-rated hotel on this shortlist?
Hotel Degenija and Pansion Breza both score 4.8 out of 5, from 668 and 358 reviews respectively. Both are 4-star: Degenija has a fitness centre, jacuzzi and bike rental, and Breza has a garden, terrace and picnic area.
Do the hotels serve breakfast?
Breakfast is listed at Mobile Homes Camping Plitvice, Hotel Degenija, 16 Lakes Hotel and Fenomen Plitvice. Breakfast in room is available at the first three of those and at Plitvica Lodge, so early starts for the lakes are possible.
How far is Rakovica from Plitvice Lakes National Park?
Rakovica is just a few kilometres from the park's entrances, with the exact distance depending on where you stay in the municipality. Grabovac and Plitvica Selo sit close to the park's northern side, and the D1 road links the villages to the entrances.