Posted: April 22, 24 | April 22, 2024
Dubrovnik is a beautiful and historic city. Nestled on Croatia's rugged coast, it comes alive every summer as cruisers, backpackers and beach-goers flock to the city. With its medieval charm, UNESCO old town and sparkling blue backdrop of the Adriatic Sea, it's no surprise that this is Croatia's most popular city.
While the city suffers from overtourism, knowing where to go (and where to stay) makes it easy to escape the crowds and get a feel for the pace of local life.
I have visited Dubrovnik several times over the years. These days, there are a lot more hotels than when I first came. Some are great, some not so great. To help you plan your visit, here is a list of the best hotels in Dubrovnik:
1. Art Hotel
This 3-star beachfront hotel is just a 2-minute walk from Lapad's main beach. The bright rooms are simply decorated, with bright natural tones and colorful small artwork. Featuring a balcony, some with views, air-conditioned rooms feature a large flat-screen TV, a minibar and a desk. The bathroom is not large (the shower is a bit small) but has colorful tiles, slippers, free toiletries and good water pressure.
The staff is great and the free continental breakfast served every morning is delicious. A variety of local homemade food, e.g. burek, a type of pastry) changes every day. The biggest attraction here is the location. If you want something close to the beach, it's hard to beat!
2. Hotel Adria
This comfortable 4-star hotel boasts two swimming pools as well as a spa and fitness center, making it a great choice for travelers looking to unwind. Spacious and bright rooms feature large beds and large windows that let in lots of natural light. The décor is minimalistic in muted white and tan tones. Most rooms feature a balcony overlooking the marina, as well as a flat-screen TV, desk, safe and coffee/tea makers. The bathroom is bright and spacious, and the water pressure in the shower is very good.
Additionally, a varied breakfast buffet is served each morning with a variety of options (including fresh fruit, pastries, juices and cereals). If you are arriving by car, the hotel parking is free.
3. Royal Palm Hotel
Located in the Lapad area, this 5-star hotel is one of the most affordable luxury options in town. The rooms here are a bit dated (the carpets and decor are not very modern) but are spacious and airy and many have great sea views. The rooms are equipped with a TV, electric kettle, desk, minibar and convenient sockets near the bed. Bathrooms are spacious and bright, with stylish tiles or marble, bathrobes, and free toiletries. Some have deep soaking tubs.
The complimentary breakfast buffet offers a variety of dishes, including an egg station, mimosas, and fresh pastries. In addition to a swimming pool and gym, there is also a relaxing spa here. The beach is nearby, but we especially love the panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea from the on-site terrace restaurant.
4. Hotel Lero
Located in the less touristy Montovjerna area, this charming 4-star hotel is built around a relaxing outdoor swimming pool. Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, the spacious rooms feature unique décor and design touches, including colorful artwork and murals. Air-conditioned rooms feature a minibar, coffee maker, satellite TV and walk-in closet.
Bathrooms are simple but have excellent water pressure in the showers, plush bathrobes are included, and some rooms have both a bathtub and shower. There are several fantastic restaurants here, including a poolside bar, an award-winning Bosnian restaurant and a Mediterranean restaurant that serves a complimentary daily breakfast buffet with a variety of options to suit all diets.
5. See more hotels
This luxurious cliff hotel is located right on the water. All rooms at this 5-star hotel have a balcony overlooking the sparkling Adriatic Sea. As a bonus, the hotel boasts the city's most unique bar, Cave Bar More. As the name suggests, it is located in an actual cave above the water.
The rooms here are very spacious, with very comfortable beds, lots of natural light and soothing tones. Rooms are simply yet elegantly decorated, with a separate seating area with a wooden desk and a sofa or armchair. In-room amenities include a desk, flat-screen TV, coffee/tea maker, minibar and safe. The bathroom is also spacious and includes slippers, cozy bathrobes, luxury toiletries and excellent water pressure. A complimentary breakfast buffet is served every morning and includes fresh fruit, cereals, eggs and pastries.
If you want to enjoy luxury, this is the hotel for you.
6. St. Joseph's Hotel
Set in a historic 16th-century building near two beautiful beaches, St. Joseph's is one of the few hotels located within the Old City walls. You can choose between standard hotel rooms and studio/apartment rooms. No matter what you choose, every room here is unique and has unique design touches, including hardwood floors, exposed brick and wood ceiling beams, chandeliers, and antique furniture. It feels more like a B&B than a hotel. Expect amenities like a flat-screen TV, desk, and coffee/tea maker. Larger rooms feature a kitchen and laundry facilities.
Bathrooms feature beautiful tile or marble, rain showers (some also include walk-in bathtubs), slippers, and plush bathrobes. I especially like that a complimentary a la carte breakfast prepared by the chef is served to your room every morning. It's a nice personal touch that really enhances the overall experience here.
Dubrovnik, a fast-growing tourist destination, is truly amazing. Of course, you might want to skip your visit in mid-summer, but you can enjoy an amazing stay in the shell of the Adriatic as long as you choose one of the hotels from the list above.
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