Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

When you’re visiting Dubrovnik you will find there is a wide range of accommodation options in and around the city.

They range from rooms in family houses, privately-run hostels (with rooms with shared kitchens/living rooms), apartments, a wide range of hotels (from basic to luxury) to holiday villas for groups of travellers if you’re a family or in a group of friends.

Throughout the city of Dubrovnik there are numerous hotels. Some are ideal for a relaxed family holiday, some for a romantic escape and some just for enjoying the sights, the atmosphere and local cuisine.

If you prefer more comfort you will find a selection of apartments throughout Dubrovnik’s neighbourhoods. They range from basic to luxury ones. They are ideal for those who are looking for more comfort during their stay and also those who prefer to do their own cooking.

Dubrovnik's Old Town (within City walls)

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Dubrovnik's Old Town is completely car-free zone and it's surrounded with impressive walls. The space within the walls is made of numerous streets leading from both sides of Stradun, the main street.

The Old Town offers charm and you might want to stay here if you are first time in Dubrovnik. It's ideal for a romantic getaway with plenty of places to stroll around.

From here you can easily reach the nearby Lokrum island (for swimming and spending a day in the nature) or take a sea-kayaking tour from the small port next to Lovrijenac Fortress. And with plenty of dining options, you certainly won’t go hungry here.

The Old Town offers a huge choice of apartments and only a few hotels (St Joseph's, Prijeko Palace, the Pucic Palace Hotel and Boutique Hotel Stari Grad). Just be aware that hotels within City walls are on the pricey side.

Our top picks for staying in Old Town:

St Joseph's

This boutique hotel offers accommodation in six luxury rooms only a short walk from the main street - Stradun and numerous historical sights. Rooms  are spacious and tastefully decorated, most with sofas, tables and kitchenettes - great for families who need a fridge and microwave. 

There’s no restaurant but a generous breakfast of cooked options, fruit and pastries can be delivered to your room. The front desk is open 24 hours a day and offers a concierge service.

Ploce (to the east from Old Town)

Named after the Old Town's southern entrance, Ploce Gate, this neighbourhood lies on the coast, immediately south of the city walls.

Here you'll find Dubrovnik's oldest and most prestigious hotels, looking over the deep blue Adriatic towards Lokrum islet, and also capturing magnificent views of Dubrovnik's fortifications, floodlit at night. Backed by the steep and rocky Mt Srdj, Ploce lies between trendy Banje beach and Sveti Jakov pebble cove.

Hotels you can choose from here are the Grand Villa Argentina, Villa Dubrovnik and Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik.

These hotels offer great locations, amazing views, delicious local cuisine, spa facilities and their own private beach areas with pools equipped with sun beds and parasols.

If you’re looking specifically for hotels for families they are found mostly in the Babin Kuk and Lapad areas.

Both of these have green areas with car free zones with lovely footpaths, cosy restaurants, little cafés, tennis courts and children’s playgrounds, numerous beaches and of course the crystal clear sea.

There are various sport and fun activities available. You can enjoy sea-kayaks, pedal boats, jet-ski, parachute rides, diving, aqua parks and much more. 

The perfect choice for anyone looking for a luxurious stay and fine food in a unique environment is the Importanne Resort. Meanwhile the luxury Hotel Hilton is located just outside the city walls.

There are also several great hotels just a 10 minute walk from historic Old Town. The 5-star Hotel Bellevue and Hotel Rixos Libertas with their great sea views plus the 3-star Hotel Lero are splendid choices.

For those who like basic accommodation there are rooms generally available in family houses or in hostels with dorms. They are excellent choices for those travelling on a budget or those who prefer to spend most of their holiday outdoors.

For those seeking complete privacy and luxury there are beautiful villas ideal for families or groups of friends available inside the city of Dubrovnik as well in its surrounding areas.

Most villas are located in secluded locations and have outdoor areas with a pool, where you can relax and enjoy complete privacy.

Our top picks for staying in Ploce:

5-star HOTEL EXCELSIOR - This amazing hotel is situated only 5-minute walk from the Old Town and amazing Banje beach. A huge indoor pool and spa area leads to an outdoor deck from where you can enjoy stunning views of the Old Town. You'll love elegant and modern rooms offering all comfort you may need during your stay. Most rooms have sea-views.

Gruz (near ferry port)

Gruz lies 3km northwest of Dubrovnik's Old Town. The port from where you can catch ferries to the nearby Elaphite islands, Mljet and Korcula, as well as the docking area for cruise ships can be found here. 

There are plenty of affordable apartments and hostels in Gruz as well as a couple of good new hotels (City Hotel and Porto Hotel). The area along waterfront is lively during the summer, but the streets leading up to the neighbourhood offers peaceful and relaxed stay.

Along the seafront, you'll find numerous cafés, restaurants, stores and open market. Other than the port, the main attraction is the Red History Museum, highlighting design from the Yugoslav-era.

Gruz features a range of great apartments, guesthouses and hotels.

Our top picks for staying in Gruz:

4-star HOTEL PORTO - If you are catching a ferry to the islands, we recommend staying at this 4-star hotel near the port. It may be on a road, but its modern and comfy with bus stop in front (to get to the Old Town).

5-star HOTEL BELLEVUE - This hotel lies halfway between Dubrovnik's Old town and Lapad peninsular, built into a cliff above a sheltered bay with a sand-and-pebble beach. Renovated in 2019, it has summery Mediterranean-chic interiors by Portuguese designer Tereza Prego. There are two excellent restaurants (one with a sea-view terrace shaded by awnings, the other on the beach), a wine bar offering tasting, and a spa with a small indoor pool.

Lapad area

5-star HOTEL MORE - Hotel in a great solitude location in Lapad bay overlooking Petka Hill. This hotel has a private beach area consisting of concrete area equipped with sun loungers and parasols and ladders leading to crystal clear sea. Addition to this, there is a Cave Bar which offers refreshments during hot summer days.

5-star HOTEL DUBROVNIK PALACE - This hotel has a peaceful location close to the sea and surrounded by the Mediterranean forests. It offers accommodation at 308 bedrooms and suites together with VIP wing. Guests can dine at several great restaurants. The private beach below the hotel is ideal for relaxing and sunbathing. There is a scuba diving centre on the beach offering scuba diving courses.

Outside the city

SUN GARDENS DUBROVNIK - This complex makes a great base for exploring the city of Dubrovnik while staying away from city crowds. Situated right on the beach it is ideal for those who want to sunbath and swim throughout the day. Staying in this hotel is ideal choice for families with children.

If you're heading to Dubrovnik, but you're hoping to stay a little out of town to avoid the crowds, Cavtat is that sweet spot. It's famous for its quieter beaches and exclusive apartments, some of which can be surprisingly affordable. A whole studio apartment with pool will set you back by $72 (for 2 adults) this spring.

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