Dubrovnik’s Finest: A Guide to Ultimate Luxury Stays
Introduction
Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” offers an extraordinary collection of luxury accommodations that match its UNESCO World Heritage splendor. From historic palaces within the ancient walls to clifftop retreats overlooking the azure Adriatic, these carefully curated properties represent the finest hospitality Croatia has to offer. For discerning travelers seeking opulence, exceptional service, and unforgettable experiences, these top recommendations promise stays as magnificent as the city itself.
TOP 10 LUXURY HOTELS IN DUBROVNIK
Price: €350-€800/night
Built in 1913 as the royal Villa Odak, Hotel Excelsior has hosted luminaries from Queen Elizabeth II to Elizabeth Taylor. This 5-star landmark features 158 rooms across the historic villa and modern Tower wing, all designed by Franić-Šekoranja studio with understated elegance. The property offers three restaurants including the waterside Prora, an indoor pool with Jacuzzi, and direct beach access. As a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, it maintains impeccable eco-credentials with Travelife Gold certification.
Best season: May to October
Insider tip: Request a room in Villa Odak for original 1913 architectural details and the most romantic Old Town views. The Excelsior Signature Suites offer uninterrupted views from freestanding bathtubs.
Book Now: Official Website | Hotels.com | Booking.com | Expedia
Price: €400-€1,200/night
Designed in 1961 by architect Mladen Frka and perched dramatically on cliffs above Sveti Jakov, Villa Dubrovnik is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. The 55 rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, Brazilian designer styling, and private balconies with views of Lokrum Island. The heated indoor pool opens onto a terrace with panoramic sea views, while the Pjerin restaurant serves exceptional Croatian cuisine. A complimentary car transfer to Old Town and 24-hour concierge service complete the experience.
Best season: May to September
Insider tip: Book the Amor Suite for a private Jacuzzi on the terrace, or request Room 216 for the best Old Town views. The hotel’s speedboat transfers offer a stylish arrival alternative.
Book Now: Official Website | Hotels.com | Booking.com | Expedia
Price: €300-€700/night
Housed in an 18th-century baroque palace on Gundulić Square, The Pucić Palace offers just 17 rooms and 2 suites, each named for famous Dubrovnik citizens. Original antiques, Murano glass chandeliers, olive wood parquet floors, and 16th-century reliefs create an atmosphere of refined heritage. Restaurant Lucijan overlooks the square, while Magdalena serves Mediterranean cuisine on the rooftop terrace. Guests receive complimentary access to exclusive Banje Beach with towel, parasol, and lounger.
Best season: April to October
Insider tip: Request an upper-floor room for enchanting views of Gundulić Square’s morning market. Be aware that Dubrovnik has 24 active church bells—light sleepers should bring earplugs.
Book Now: Official Website | Hotels.com | Booking.com | Expedia
Price: €300-€750/night
Set dramatically on a 30-meter cliff above Miramare Bay, this 5-star boutique property underwent complete refurbishment in 2019. The 91 rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, Croatian artwork, and private balconies with sweeping Adriatic views. The Michelin Guide-recommended Vapor restaurant serves innovative Mediterranean cuisine, while Nevera offers intimate beachside dining in a converted cave. The Wine Bar features 180+ Croatian and international selections.
Best season: May to October
Insider tip: Book the Lovor Presidential Suite for a 10 sq.m terrace with panoramic views. Take the elevator directly to the private pebble beach for morning swims before breakfast.
Book Now: Official Website | Hotels.com | Booking.com | Expedia
Price: €250-€600/night
This 254-room luxury lifestyle hotel cascades dramatically down to the sea, just 1.5 km from Old Town. The 2,000 sq.m Anjana Spa features Turkish hammam, indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and an igloo room. Dining options include Turquoise Restaurant for Mediterranean buffet, Umi Teppanyaki for show-cooking Japanese cuisine, and Libertas Fish Restaurant on the beachfront. The property also houses Dubrovnik’s only casino.
Best season: June to September
Insider tip: Book the newly renovated Presidential Suite for ultimate privacy with a large private terrace. Don’t miss the Turkish Hammam’s traditional foam and scrub treatment—an authentic rejuvenating experience.
Book Now: Official Website | Hotels.com | Booking.com | Expedia
Price: €200-€500/night
This boutique hotel on Lapad Peninsula is renowned for the extraordinary Cave Bar More, a natural cave discovered during construction and named by CNN as one of the world’s six best subterranean bars. The elegant rooms feature classic wooden furnishings and first-class fabrics, many with private Jacuzzis on terraces overlooking stunning sunsets. Restaurant Tramuntana serves acclaimed Dalmatian cuisine, while the wellness studio offers beauty treatments and modern fitness facilities.
Best season: May to October
Insider tip: Book a suite with terrace Jacuzzi for the ultimate private sunset experience. The Cave Bar is open April through October—arrive at golden hour for champagne as the sun sets over the Adriatic.
Book Now: Official Website | Hotels.com | Booking.com | Expedia
7. St. Joseph’s Boutique Hotel
Price: €250-€550/night
Lovingly restored from a 16th-century townhouse, St. Joseph’s offers just six exquisite rooms within the UNESCO-protected Old Town walls. Original stone walls and wooden beams blend with modern amenities including rain showers, flat-screen TVs, and kitchenettes. Breakfast is sourced locally each morning and can be served in-room. The location on a quiet street near Stradun is accessible without steps from either Pile or Ploce Gate—a rarity in hilly Dubrovnik.
Best season: April to June, September to October
Insider tip: Request the King Suite for an inviting bathtub and twin sinks. Let the concierge arrange private boat tours to the Elafiti Islands—their local contacts offer exceptional experiences unavailable to walk-in tourists.
Book Now: Official Website | Hotels.com | Booking.com | Expedia
Price: €280-€700/night
A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, this expansive 22-hectare resort in Orašac offers 201 rooms, 231 suites, and 207 self-contained residences overlooking the Elaphiti Islands. The 3,000 sq.m spa includes a hydrotherapy pool, 18m lagoon pool, saunas, hammam, and private couple’s suites. Three outdoor pools (including adults-only Marina Pool), a private pebble beach, and 16 restaurants and bars ensure endless options. The resort holds Green Key and LHW Sustainability Leader certifications.
Best season: May to October
Insider tip: Book a Club Room for access to the exclusive top-floor lounge with panoramic sea views and premium amenities. Take the resort’s boat excursion to the car-free Elaphiti Islands for a perfect day trip.
Book Now: Official Website | Hotels.com | Booking.com | Expedia
Price: €180-€450/night
This redesigned 1960s property from Adriatic Luxury Hotels features 173 minimalist rooms styled by Croatia’s leading interior designers, with Saša Šekoranja’s textile motifs adding artistic flair. Overlooking Lapad Bay’s beachfront promenade, the hotel offers both indoor and outdoor pools, a Finnish sauna, steam room, and yoga classes. The rooftop Zenith Bar provides five-star Adriatic views, while Sphere Restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine on a large sea-facing terrace. Hotel beach loungers are complimentary.
Best season: May to September
Insider tip: Book a Premium corner room for two large balconies with panoramic bay views. Take the evening promenade walk along Lapad Bay—the hotel is perfectly positioned for Dubrovnik’s most scenic sunset stroll.
Book Now: Official Website | Hotels.com | Booking.com | Expedia
Price: €250-€650/night
Winner of World Travel Awards for Croatia’s Leading Hotel and Leading Spa Resort, this 308-room property sits between Petka’s pine forest and the Adriatic. The 10th-floor Energy Clinic Spa features an indoor pool with panoramic sea views, Finnish sauna, steam bath, and VIP treatment rooms with private Jacuzzi. Four restaurants include beachside Maslina Tavern serving traditional Dalmatian specialties. The “Magnolija” Presidential Suite offers the ultimate in space and luxury.
Best season: June to August
Insider tip: Book a spa treatment early morning for the best views and quietest atmosphere. Walk the forest trails of Petka Hill, then return for a refreshing dip in the infinity pool overlooking the Elaphiti Islands.
Book Now: Official Website | Hotels.com | Booking.com | Expedia
Expert Travel Tips
1. Early Booking Essential: Dubrovnik’s top hotels book months in advance for peak season (June-August). For best rates and room selection, reserve 3-6 months ahead, or consider shoulder season (May, September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
2. Currency Update: Croatia adopted the Euro (€) on January 1, 2023, making payments seamless for European visitors. Credit cards are widely accepted at all luxury hotels.
3. Beyond the Walls: While Old Town is essential, explore beyond—rent a car for the stunning Konavle Valley, take a boat to the Elaphiti Islands, or visit Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor (2-hour drive). Many hotels arrange private excursions.
4. Dining Strategy: Reserve Michelin-recommended restaurants like Vapor at Hotel Bellevue well in advance. For the best experience, request terrace tables at sunset. Hotel concierges have direct relationships with top restaurants.
5. Beat the Cruise Ships: Dubrovnik can host 3-4 cruise ships daily in peak season. Visit Old Town early morning (before 9am) or after 6pm when day-trippers depart. Hotels outside the walls offer peaceful retreats from crowds.
FAQs
Q: What is the best way to get around Dubrovnik?
A: Old Town is pedestrian-only and easily walkable. Local buses connect Lapad and other areas to Old Town (€2 per ride). Taxis and Uber are readily available. Many luxury hotels offer complimentary shuttle services and can arrange private transfers or speedboat arrivals.
Q: Can luxury hotels accommodate dietary restrictions?
A: Yes, all featured hotels accommodate dietary requirements with advance notice. Croatian cuisine naturally offers excellent Mediterranean options including fresh seafood, local vegetables, and olive oil. Communicate specific needs when booking or contact the concierge before arrival.
Q: Which hotels are best for families with children?
A: Sun Gardens Dubrovnik excels for families with kids’ pools, children’s programs, and residence options with full kitchens. Hotel Kompas offers a child-friendly beach and interconnecting rooms. The Pucić Palace welcomes families with a two-bedroom family room configuration.
Q: Should I stay inside or outside Old Town?
A: Old Town properties like The Pucić Palace and St. Joseph’s offer unmatched atmosphere and walkability to sites. Hotels in Lapad (Kompas, Hotel More) or clifftop locations (Bellevue, Excelsior) provide beaches, pools, and peaceful retreats with easy Old Town access. Consider combining both for longer stays.
Conclusion
Dubrovnik’s luxury hotel scene offers extraordinary diversity—from intimate Old Town palaces to expansive seaside resorts. Whether you seek the historic grandeur of Hotel Excelsior, the clifftop serenity of Villa Dubrovnik, the boutique intimacy of St. Joseph’s, or the comprehensive amenities of Sun Gardens, each property delivers world-class hospitality against the backdrop of one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. With thoughtful planning and early booking, your Dubrovnik experience will be as magnificent as the Pearl of the Adriatic itself.
