Known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik is a fortified coastal city in Southern Croatia. A sense of awe will greet you as you enter through the medieval walls of the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, where you can live the city’s storied past. The shimmering ocean sets an iridescent backdrop for the renaissance fountains, baroque churches, and steep cobbled lanes that are sprinkled around this eclectic city.
My favourite experiences in Dubrovnik were taking a dip in the crystal-clear Adriatic waters, embarking on a boat trip to nearby islands, and boutique window-shopping down the city’s main street, Stradun.
Dubrovnik’s hotel circuit allows travellers to take a glimpse into the city’s rich culture, with accommodations ranging from modern hip boutiques to grand ancient palaces. Here are my favourite cool and unusual hotels in Dubrovnik (in no particular order)…
1. Rixos Premium Dubrovnik – a 5-star, trendy and upscale hotel perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs
Built into a cliff above a deep blue bay, Rixos is planned around a light and airy central atrium dotted with tropical olive trees. The reception is embellished with vases of fresh roses, and contemporary Croatian & Turkish artists have created a bold and colourful aesthetic in the public spaces.
My favourite spot was the vast wooden deck down by the sea, where you can relax on a sunbed and soak up the breezy charm. From here, guests have the option to rent jet skis, or simply plunge into the shimmering outdoor pool.
The on-site Anjana Spa greeted us with a white marble Turkish hammam, an ice room, a salt room, and an indoor pool, providing us with the ultimate serenity.
2. Hotel Excelsior – one of Croatia’s best hotels offering guests an elegant, chic and stylish stay
Overlooking the azure ocean from high up a hillside expanse, Hotel Excelsior presents a cool minimalist design of grey walls and retro-chic furnishings.
Spread across two wings, the hotel’s communal spaces are filled with a vibrant synthesis of colours, as well as locally inspired artwork. I spent a lot of time relaxing on the stone terrace, which is dotted with sunbeds and parasols and has steps leading into the sea.
Guests can choose from three restaurants, which collectively cover a wide range of cultures through their eclectic culinary offerings. The guestrooms are decorated with oak-wood floors and grey walls, beautified by bright-coloured throws and misty-pink bedside rugs.
3. Valamar Argosy Hotel – a romantic, recently upgraded and trendy hotel where guests can enjoy Insta-worthy views of the Mediterranean landscape
Occupying a four-storey 70’s building looking out towards the sea, Valamar Argosy is adorned with generous public spaces and first-rate sports facilities.
Your first step into the property will land you in a wide atrium, where plenty of natural light exudes a sense of openness. You can then head either to the garden, which is dotted by palms, pines, and oleander, or the restaurant, both of which come with jaw-dropping sea views.
The on-site Wellness Zone beckons you to a moment of refined bliss, and is equipped with an indoor pool, Finnish and bio saunas, and a comprehensive range of beauty treatments. Shaded by awnings near the pool, the Mezzino snack bar is a charming boutique space offering light lunches, cocktails, and snacks.
4. Hotel Kompas – a fancy, design and new hotel neighbouring the famous promenade, perfect for partying Millennials and Gen Zs
All-white interiors, contemporary furnishings, and staggering sea views give this elegant boutique a cutting-edge aesthetic. Nearby, there is a lively pedestrian-only walkway, lined with intimate restaurants and open-air cafés.
Chic yet casual, the airy interior spaces boast wall-sized windows which welcome both the beating sun and endless ocean views. There are two pools at Hotel Kompas – a small turquoise indoor pool girdled by natural stone walls and daybeds, and an outdoor sea-view pool dotted by cosy white loungers.
If you prefer to laze by the sea, the hotel also offers sunbeds and parasols on Lapad Pebble Beach, directly across the street. The ground-floor Sphere Restaurant and the poolside Luna Bar serve crafted beverages and meals all day long.
To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Kompas
5. Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik – a bright, modern and cool hotel in close proximity to local popular attractions
Located midway between the Old Town and Lapad Bay, this slick hotel rests in a sheltered bay with its own beach. The hotel’s look is very much contemporary Mediterranean chic, with glass walls sporting exceptional bay views.
This theme of space and openness extends into the guestrooms, bars, and restaurants. The property’s cool aesthetic is dominated by glass, wood, and marble, complemented by earthy tones of cream and beige.
From your own room you can sit and relish shimmering sea views, as you take advantage of the trendsetting in-room amenities. You can also embrace mesmerising ocean views whilst enjoying a rich buffet breakfast in the morning on the Vapor Restaurant terrace.
6. Villa Dubrovnik – a stylish, chic and bright hotel within walking distance of the Old Town
Overlooking the turquoise Adriatic from a cliffside, Villa Dubrovnik invites you to indulge in life’s finer things, greeting guests with a contemporary design and state-of-the-art facilities.
As a guest, you will have access to a spa with a sauna and an indoor pool, as well as a private beach with parasols and sunbeds. A series of stone terraces around the building are softened by Aleppo pines and cypresses, offering you an unforgettable chance to relish extraordinary sea views.
The 50 rooms all boast a private sea-view terrace, as well as full-length sliding windows and modern teak furniture. The epic views extend to the restaurant, which invites guests to savour Mediterranean fare in the evening.
7. Boutique Hotel Stari Grad – a vibrant, sleek and cozy hotel where guests can experience fabulous fine dining
We were welcomed into a truly boutique experience at the four-star Stari Grad, which sits in a romantic 17th-century stone building.
Lots of velvet upholstery and gilt-framed mirrors embellish the interiors, evoking an atmosphere of chic sophistication. Steep stone stairs lead you to the 8 elegant guestrooms, where wooden floors, quality fabrics, and cream curtains create a classic contemporary setting.
Awaiting visitors on the top floor is the rooftop terrace restaurant, Above 5, which combines jaw-dropping Old Town views with an expertly curated menu. Further facilities include the blissful Icona Thai Spa, and a quaint café-bar in the reception.
8. Royal Blue Hotel – an elegant, peaceful and lavish hotel perfect for a couple’s romantic getaway
The latest gem within the Royal luxury group, this extravagant hotel adds a glamorous flair to your Dubrovnik vacation. Lying next to the beach boardwalk, connecting it with the Old Town and Lapad Bay, Royal Blue invites you to enjoy scintillating views of the Adriatic Sea and nearby reefs.
I experienced one of my best-ever sunsets at the rooftop bar ‘Blue Sky Lounge’, and there is a whole host of other bars graced by great views and vibrant atmospheres.
The rooftop outdoor pool is another majestic spot where travellers go to catch some rays and mingle in the evenings. For dinner, head to the Royal Terrace Restaurant, which serves an eclectic buffet combining global dishes and flavours.
9. Hotel Dubrovnik Palace – a unique, contemporary and 5-star hotel providing guests with gorgeous views overlooking the turquoise ocean waters
Located at the mouth of Lapad Bay and backed by the pinewoods of Petka Hill, Hotel Dubrovnik Palace impresses with a rock-and-concrete beach, a scuba diving centre, and a tennis court.
It also offers two outdoor pools and a spa with a further indoor pool. Built into a seaward slope, every corner of the property is graced by stunning Adriatic views.
The funky sofas, armchairs, and coffee tables by local designers add a quirky twist to the property’s grounds, while rosemary, oleander, and olive trees radiate a breezy atmosphere. My guestroom had a balcony with a tremendous view, and the contemporary interior features included an elm-wood wardrobe, beige carpets, and a large comfy bed.
10. Sun Gardens Dubrovnik – a quiet, modern and spacious hotel featuring spa, wellness and fitness facilities
If you’re looking for a chill-out resort which also offers sports activities, Sun Gardens will hit the spot. The property is set before an iridescent Adriatic backdrop, with each room featuring a private balcony or terrace.
Slick furnishing and bold colours lend the interiors a contemporary feel, with pines, palms, and olive trees surrounding the exterior.
Three outdoor pools, a sports centre, three clay tennis courts, and a squash court provide endless fun for families, and a vibrant shopping promenade sits right outside. The spa is acknowledged as one of Croatia’s best, and after visiting myself, I can understand why. It boasts a hydrotherapy pool with massage jets and a waterfall, as well as copious other trailblazing facilities.
11. Hotel More – an upscale, tranquil boutique hotel located in one of the most picturesque parts of Dubrovnik
Overlooking Lapad Bay from a quiet hillside, Hotel More is decorated in a discreet nautical style. Surrounding the hotel are numerous pebble beaches, and there’s a bathing platform directly in front.
Our highlight was the romantic underground Cave Bar, which is characterized by beautifully lit rocky chambers and serves all-day drinks. Another great spot is the Tramantuna, the first-floor eatery which offers tables on a sea-view terrace for breakfast.
The rooms and suites are equipped with modern fitted furniture, and accompany luxury bathrooms with hydro-massage jetted bathtubs. A quaint wellness centre on-site offers massages, beauty treatments, and a fully equipped gym, among many more high-end facilities.
To book, check prices or availability for Hotel More
12. Hotel Uvala – a family-friendly, sleek and spacious hotel moments away from the beach
Situated in the heart of greenery on the Lapad Peninsula, Hotel Uvula arouses a laid-back state of mind, and is the ideal spot for a romantic getaway.
While close to the historic centre of Dubrovnik, the quiet surroundings of crystal-clear waters and lush Mediterranean vegetation exudes total relaxation. Meanwhile, the warmth of the colours and the simplicity of the lines bring an ambient flair to your vacation.
A profound spirit of wellness permeates the property, from the refined interior scents to the healthy gastronomic offerings. I was delighted to discover an idyllic walking path nearby, where my peaceful morning stroll was accompanied by a harmonic cacophony of whistling birds and a balmy breeze.
To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Uvala
13. Boutique Hotel Kazbek – a historic, unique and charming hotel housed in a renovated 16th century residence
Renovated to its former glory, Boutique Hotel Kazbek is an idyllic summer residence for guests who want to live the storied past of Dubrovnik.
Once I arrived, I felt as if I had checked into a renaissance castle, and the standard of services and privacy certainly lived up to this. Situated on the coast in the bay of Gruž, each room is a work of art, giving a unique and individual theme to your vacation.
On-site, you can indulge in beautiful Croatian cuisine, seasoned with a pinch of modernism. This will accompany an extensive list of fine wines, leading to the ultimate gourmet experience.
14. The Pucic Palace – a classic, fancy and charming hotel located in the heart of the city
Classical beauty and modern luxury fuel together to epitomise Dubrovnik’s charm at The Pucic Palace. Set in the very heart of the Old Town, history and artwork imbue this harmonious baroque palace, flooding the interiors with elegance and style.
I truly enjoyed my evening at Restaurant Lucijan, where an irresistible Mediterranean charm pervades every corner. Restaurant Magdalena is another spectacular spot for those who want to see away the day in the backdrop of the Old Town’s gleaming roofs.
Each room and suite in the hotel boasts an individual design, but all pair modern amenities with exhibited antiques and artwork.
15. Heritage Villa Nobile – a new, themed boutique accommodation in an ideal location for exploring around the city
This 18th-century villa invites you to live in pure opulence and experience the life of a noble Dubrovnik family. Set only 100 metres from the Old Town’s main entrance, Heritage Villa Nobile offers many charming features.
The mornings here are magical – I enjoyed tucking into a delicious breakfast in the garden, amid old Japanese Sago palm trees and a bountiful array of flowers.
Inside, I felt as if I was in a museum, owing to the gracefully appointed décor which traversed many epochs in Dubrovnik’s illustrious past. For example in my room, 100-year-old furniture stood side by side with modern smart equipment, truly giving it the wow factor.
16. Scalini Palace – a modern and charming B&B with pops of vibrant color featuring an Instagrammable rooftop terrace
Located within the medieval walls of the Old Town, Scalini Palace boasts arguably the city’s most astonishing roof terrace, where you can admire the beating cityscape while tucking into a tasty snack.
The heritage of this 16th-century baroque stone house is blended subtly with the spirit of modern living, with contemporary decorations flooding the traditional interiors.
However, the stone walls and grand staircases have been preserved, resulting in a truly unique feel. I managed to land a deluxe suite with a city view, which came with authentic photographs and wooden beamed ceilings, and offered me breath-taking vistas across Dubrovnik’s Old Town streets.
To book, check prices or availability for Scalini Palace
17. La Vita e Bella IV – a cozy, newly renovated and petite accommodation surrounded by the most well known sights of the city
Set in the heart of the Old Town, La Vita e Bella IV has undergone a careful renovation to preserve the priceless historic value of the UNESCO-protected heritage. The property comprises a stunning holiday villa as well as 16 luxurious rooms and suites. Each unit has beautifully harmonized tradition and modernity and accompanies a nature-themed bathroom with a standalone bathtub. I thought this accommodation hit the spot in terms of price and value, and it provided me with a chance to conveniently engage with the pulsating cityscape while offering a tranquil haven to return to. The city’s attractions are right on your doorstep!
18. Seven Stars Accommodation Dubrovnik – a contemporary, creative and sleek accommodation steps away from the Orlando Column and Onofrio’s Fountain
Sleek and sophisticated, Seven Stars brings a dash of swankiness to your city break. The guestrooms are dressed in colourful hues, and boast wall sized murals which suffuse the space with an air of eccentricity.
The modern amenities of the rooms have been carefully curated to ensure the highest standards of comfort, and tastefully juxtapose the antique chandeliers and traditional stone walls.
The bathrooms are clad in luxury marble, with crisp towels and state-of-the-art toiletries adding a touch of class. I thought one of the best features of the hotel was its location. Whilst set on a quiet street, you can reach Stradun, the main street of the old town, within a 2-minute stroll.
19. Dominus Rooms – a hip, newly renovated and lavish accommodation with an array of restaurants and shops on the doorstep
This charming little palace lies in a tranquil location only 50 metres from Dubrovnik’s main thoroughfare, offering an abundant array of restaurants, bars, and shops within the vicinity.
Splendour is oozed from the hotel’s interiors, which are characterized by old stone walls and antique décor. Whilst a traditional feel dominates, the quirky pops of colour and the elegant comforts bring a modern feel to the in-room experience. Each unit comes with high-end amenities which include an LED TV with satellite channels, a well-stocked mini bar, and a safe.
You can wake up in your peaceful sanctuary and be greeted immediately by epic views of the neighbourhood through large windows.
To book, check prices or availability for Dominus Rooms
20. Bota Palace – a petite, beautiful boutique B&B offering guests delicious à la carte, continental or Italian cuisine for breakfast
Offering you a taste of Renaissance Dubrovnik, Bota Palaceinvites you into a former 18th-century palace, and radiates an upbeat spirit through exquisite gastronomic delicacies and epic excursion offerings.
The hotel is located on one of Europe’s most beautiful and dynamic streets, Stradun, and the interiors are inspired by the rich cultural heritage of the charismatic Old Town.
As a guest you can stay in one of five rooms overlooking Stradun, or in a stunning attic graced by breathtaking views of Dubrovnik’s rooftops. Each accommodation unit bears a historical name of a Croatian city, and invites you to bathe in opulence amid traditional stone walls and soul-soothing décor.
To book, check prices or availability for Bota Palace
Born and raised in Brazil, Gaby has always had a taste for the intriguing, the off-beat and the far flung. After travelling around most of South America, living in Spain and Italy and then moving to England, her feet have stayed continually twitchy. Studying for a degree in Spanish translation and then learning five more languages only poured more fuel onto her travelling ardor.
Gaby likes nothing better than discovering new destinations and meeting the locals, tasting the cuisine and hearing about the local stories. Her other indulgences include French cinema, boxing, photography, colourful manicures and soaking up the rays on a sun-infused beach. She counts Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Barcelona, Lisbon and Cornwall as her most favourite places in the world.
