Dubrovnik is a beautiful historic city. It sits on Croatia’s rugged coastline and comes alive every summer as cruise ships, backpackers and beachgoers flock to the city. With medieval charm, a UNESCO Old Town and the shimmering azure backdrop of the Adriatic Sea, it’s no surprise that this is Croatia’s most popular city.
Although the city struggles with overtourism, it’s easy to escape the crowds and soak up local life if you know where to go (and where to stay).
I’ve visited Dubrovnik many times over the years. There are many more hotels these days than there were when I first arrived. Some are great, some not so great. To help you plan your visit, here’s my list of the best hotels in Dubrovnik:
1. Art Hotel
This three-star beachfront hotel is just a two-minute walk from the main beach in Lapad. The bright rooms are simply decorated, with light, natural tones and small colorful artwork. Rooms have balconies, some with lovely views, as well as air-conditioning, large flat-screen TVs, minibars, and a work desk. Bathrooms aren’t huge (and showers are a bit small), but they feature colorful tiles, slippers, free toiletries, and good water pressure.
The staff is fantastic, and the free continental breakfast each morning is delicious, with a varied selection of homemade local food (like burek, a type of pastry) that changes daily. The main draw, though, is the location. If you’re looking for something close to the beach, you can’t beat it!
2. Hotel Adria
This relaxing four-star hotel has two swimming pools, as well as a spa and fitness center, making it a great choice for travelers looking to unwind. Rooms here are spacious and bright, with big beds and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. Decor is minimalist, with soothing whites and browns. Most rooms have balconies overlooking the marina, as well as a flat-screen TV, desk, safe, and coffee/tea maker. Bathrooms are also bright and spacious, and showers have great water pressure.
Plus, there’s a varied (and included) breakfast buffet every morning with plenty of options (including fresh fruit, pastries, juice, cereal). If you have a car, you can use the hotel’s parking garage for free.
3. Royal Palm Hotel
This five-star hotel in the Lapad neighborhood is one of the city’s more affordable luxury options. Rooms here are a little dated (the carpet and furnishings aren’t super modern), but they’re spacious and airy, and many have great sea views. Rooms include a TV, kettle, desk, minibar, and convenient power outlets near the bed. Bathrooms are also large and bright, with stylish tile or marble, bathrobes, and free toiletries. Some even have deep soaking tubs.
The free breakfast buffet has plenty of variety, including an egg station, mimosas, and fresh pastries. There’s also a relaxing spa here, as well as a pool and gym. The beach is also nearby, but I especially like that the on-site terrace restaurant offers stunning panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea.
4. Hotel Lero
Located in the less touristy Montovjerna neighborhood, this welcoming four-star hotel is built around a relaxing outdoor pool. Rooms overlook the Adriatic Sea and are spacious, with unique decor and design elements like colorful art or murals. Rooms also include air conditioning, minibars, coffeemakers, satellite TV, and large closets.
Bathrooms are basic, but the water pressure in the showers is great, fluffy robes are included, and some rooms have both a bathtub and a shower. There are also several fantastic restaurants here, including a poolside bar, an award-winning Bosnian restaurant, and a Mediterranean restaurant that offers a free breakfast buffet daily with plenty of options for all diets.
5. Hotel More
This luxurious clifftop hotel is located right on the water. As a five-star hotel, all rooms have balconies overlooking the shimmering Adriatic Sea. As a bonus, the hotel offers the most unique bar in town: Cave Bar More. As the name suggests, it’s located in an actual cave right on the water.
The rooms here are huge, with super comfortable beds, lots of natural light, and calming tones. They’re simply but elegantly decorated, with wooden desks and a separate seating area with a sofa or armchairs. In-room amenities include a desk, flat-screen TV, coffee/tea maker, minibar, and safe. Bathrooms are also spacious, and include slippers, cozy robes, luxury toiletries, and great water pressure. A complimentary breakfast buffet is available each morning, with fresh fruit, cereal, eggs, and pastries.
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 within the walls of the Old Town. You can choose between standard hotel rooms and studio/apartment rooms. No matter what you choose, all of the rooms here are unique and feature design elements like hardwood floors, exposed brick and wood-beam ceilings, chandeliers, and antique furniture. It feels more like a B&B than a hotel. Enjoy amenities like flat-screen TVs, work desks, and coffee/tea makers. The larger rooms have kitchens and laundry facilities.
Bathrooms feature beautiful tile or marble, rain showers (some also have huge bathtubs), slippers, and fluffy bathrobes. I especially love that the complimentary a la carte breakfast is prepared by a chef and served in your room each morning. It’s a nice personal touch that really elevates the whole experience here.
Dubrovnik is a booming tourist destination and absolutely stunning. Sure, you’ll probably want to avoid visiting in the middle of summer, but if you choose one of the hotels from the list above, you’re guaranteed a wonderful stay in the heart of the Adriatic.