Despite its small footprint, Dubrovnik is bursting at the seams with exceptional hotels. If you want to immerse yourself in the Renaissance and Baroque beauty of its Old Town, choose one of the 16th-century palaces that have been converted into a stylish B&B.
When things get a bit too hectic in the centre – which they often do in Croatia’s popular cities during the summer – opt for one of the grand hotels overlooking the Adriatic Sea just south of the city walls.
For a laidback Dalmatian beach experience, you can’t beat the sprawling resorts that line the coasts of the Lapad and Babin Kuk peninsulas north of the Old Town. Or perhaps you want an intimate guesthouse near the ferry port of Gruž. To help you decide, we’ve written a list of the best hotels in Dubrovnik for your next city break.
For the best boutique hotels, best family hotels, and best beach hotels in Dubrovnik, see our other guides.
Get to the know the increasingly trendy district of Gruž and its buzzing bars by staying in friendly family-run Bokun Guesthouse. This 400-year-old stone house has three apartments as well as two guest rooms to go with a serene, spacious garden, which features a pool, large terrace and barbecue. It’s only about 10 to 15 minutes from here by bus to the Old Town, and while the restaurant serves only breakfast, there are a few great restaurants in Gruž to check out.
Address: Obala Stjepana Radića 7, Dubrovnik
Price: From £107
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This classy 16th-century stone villa is a handy spot to bed down at if you want proximity to the beaches of Babin Kuk, Lapad Bay and Gruž’s bars across the harbour. Behind creamy stone walls is an attractive garden and outdoor pool. Hotel Kazbek’s 13 luxurious rooms are pleasingly traditional, with dark wood furniture and heavy fabrics. Enjoy the views of the harbour from the terrace, and dine in either the stone-vaulted restaurant or sunny courtyard terrace. There’s even a hotel speedboat to hire if you want to explore nearby islands.
Address: Lapadska Obala 25, Dubrovnik
Price: From £181
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You get the best of both worlds at the Hotel Excelsior – just a 10-minute walk south from the Old Town, but you’re in a peaceful spot to take in superb views of the old port and city walls. It’s really two hotels in one: an elegant 1913 stone villa merged with a gleaming 1970s addition – all with smart modern decor. Soak up the sun on the hotel’s bathing platform when you’re not in the large spa with its indoor pool, dining in its three restaurants, or lounging in the piano bar.
Address: Ulica Frana Supila 12, Dubrovnik
Price: From £213
Read more: Best family hotels in Dubrovnik
On the gently rising hillsides below Mount Srd is the immensely inviting Palace Natali, the former summer home of the aristocratic Natali family back in the 16th century. Come for the fabulous views of the city below, stay for the tranquil Renaissance-style gardens, outdoor pool, hot tub, chic contemporary rooms and excellent restaurant. Splash out on one of the prestige suites that come with a private sauna, or go for the garden suite with its own pretty terrace and sea views.
Address: Privežna 21, Dubrovnik
Price: From £308
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If you love beaches and vivid sunsets, head to the western end of the Babin Kuk peninsula and relax in one of the modern rooms at the sleek Dubrovnik President Valamar Collection. Although there are nearly 300 rooms, all of them come with terraces and sea views, which also include vistas of the Elaphiti Islands. It’s about a 15 to 20-minute bus ride to the Old Town, but there’s plenty to keep you occupied here: a large stretch of pebbly beach, outdoor pool, spa, two restaurants, a gym and a diving centre. Walk around the peninsula to visit more beaches at Cava and Copacabana.
Address: Ulica Iva Dulčića 142, Dubrovnik
Price: From £142
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In a prime spot right on Lapad Bay, all of Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik’s 173 rooms come with terraces, most of which have sea views. Everything is arranged to make the most of these vistas, from the large terrace with an outdoor pool and poolside bar to the rooftop Zenith Bar, which is the ideal place for a sunset cocktail. The buffet restaurant spills out on to the large terrace in front, and the neighbouring beach has sunloungers reserved for Hotel Kompas guests.
Address: Ulica Kardinala Stepinca 21, Dubrovnik
Price: From £82
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It’s all about the light at Rixos Premium Dubrovnik. This luxurious 1970s hotel is cut into a hillside overlooking a bay north of the Old Town, and has floor-length windows everywhere to capture the sun and sparkle of the Adriatic. Its 310 rooms make use of the light, with terraces and sea views. Relax on the enormous terrace by the outdoor pool and lounge bar, or follow the stone steps to the rocky beach. The spa is just as huge, with multiple indoor pools, hot tubs and saunas including areas specifically for children. You’ll dine very well in the excellent fish restaurant and Dubrovnik’s only teppanyaki restaurant.
Address: Liechtensteinov put 3, Dubrovnik
Price: From £119
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Down a quiet street in the heart of the Old Town are the two 16th-century stone houses that make up St Joseph’s, one of the most elegant B&Bs you’ll ever come across. The main house has six quietly luxurious suites, which come with kitchenettes and a style akin to that of a very upmarket French country cottage. Breakfast is brought to your door at whatever time of the morning you choose. Across the marble lane are three more rooms in a stone house with a large shared kitchen and dining table.
Address: Ulica Svetog Josipa 3, Dubrovnik
Price: From £343
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Seemingly in its own world but on a direct bus route to the Old Town, Hotel Dubrovnik Palace is spread across a peninsula in Lapad and has plenty to keep you occupied. This includes two outdoor pools, a dive centre, tennis courts, a massive spa, plus a poolside bar with great cocktails, and a series of rocky and pebbly beaches. Behind the hotel there’s a lush pine forest with trails that make a perfect running track. Overlooking the sea, the Maslina Tavern is one of the most romantic dining spots in town.
Address: Masarykov put 20, Dubrovnik
Price: From £105
Read more: The best beach hotels in Dubrovnik, for rooms with views along the rocky coastline
Like its neighbour Rixos Premium Dubrovnik, Hotel Bellevue sits snugly under a cliff in front of sheltered Miramare Bay with a pebble and sand beach that’s accessed via a lift. While all of its 91 sophisticated rooms and suites have sea views, it’s worth upgrading to one with a balcony to enjoy the feeling of pampered serenity. Breezy contemporary decor makes the most of floor-to-ceiling windows, adding to an overall atmosphere of understated luxury. When not on the beach, head to the light-filled spa with its freshwater pool behind massive windows. Feast on Croatian and Mediterranean cuisine in the hotel’s fine dining Vapor Restaurant facing the sea.
Address: Pera Čingrije 7, Dubrovnik
Price: From £186
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The hotels featured in this list have been carefully selected by The Independent’s expert travel writer Mary Novakovich who has a deep knowledge of Croatia. Our hotels contributors either live in the locations they cover or visit frequently, ensuring a personal and informed perspective. When picking which hotels to include, they consider their own experience and evaluate location, facilities, service and all the other details that make for an exceptional stay for all types of traveller.
When is the best time of year to visit Dubrovnik?
Sunseekers should head to Dubrovnik between June and August. However, this is when the city is at its most busy. Heading to the city in the spring or autumn will deliver sunny days and fewer crowds.
What currency do I need?
Dubrovnik uses the euro (€).
How can I save money?
Most travellers book flights and hotels separately when visiting Dubrovnik, as it can often work out cheaper than package deals. Low cost airlines such as easyJet and Ryanair regularly run sales, making it possible to find affordable flights to Croatia, especially if you book in advance or travel outside of peak season.
For accommodation, comparison sites including Booking.com, Expedia and Hotels.com make it easy to browse a wide range of Dubrovnik hotels and apartments to suit different budgets. These platforms often have seasonal sales, flexible rates and promo codes, such as our exclusive codes below, helping you secure better value for your stay.
