Welcome to Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”! This stunning Croatian city, with its ancient walls, shimmering sea, and rich history, is a dream destination. But finding the perfect place to stay amidst its beauty can feel overwhelming. Are you looking for opulent luxury, comfortable mid-range value, or a budget-friendly base to explore? This guide is here to help.
We’ll navigate the diverse accommodation landscape of Dubrovnik, showcasing fantastic options across different price points. From breathtaking sea views and five-star service to charming guesthouses and wallet-friendly hostels, you’ll find curated selections to match your travel style and budget. Get ready to discover your ideal home away from home in this magnificent city.
Indulge: Dubrovnik’s Finest Luxury Hotels
For travelers seeking the ultimate pampering experience, Dubrovnik offers world-class luxury hotels. Expect stunning locations, impeccable service, gourmet dining, and lavish amenities. These havens provide an unforgettable backdrop to your Adriatic adventure.
Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik
Approx. Price Range: €450+ per night (Varies greatly by season and room type)
A legendary hotel offering arguably the best views of the Old Town and Lokrum Island. Just a short walk from Ploče Gate, it combines historic charm with modern luxury. Features include multiple fine dining restaurants, a sophisticated Abakus Piano Bar, a luxurious spa with an indoor pool, a private beach platform, and elegantly appointed rooms and suites, many with balconies overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The service is renowned for being attentive and personalized, catering to discerning guests including royalty and celebrities over the years.
Villa Dubrovnik
Approx. Price Range: €500+ per night (Seasonal variations apply)
Nestled into the cliffs just outside the Old Town, Villa Dubrovnik offers exclusivity and breathtaking sea views from every room. Known for its contemporary design and tranquil atmosphere, it provides a serene escape. Guests enjoy spacious rooms with private terraces or balconies, a sophisticated spa, an indoor pool, a private rocky beach with direct sea access, and complimentary speedboat transfers to the Old Town harbor. The rooftop Prosciutto & Wine Bar is perfect for sunset cocktails, and the Restaurant Pjerin serves exquisite Mediterranean cuisine.
Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik
Approx. Price Range: €350+ per night (Subject to season and availability)
Housed in a historic building dating back to 1897, the Hilton Imperial blends period charm with modern Hilton standards. Its prime location just outside Pile Gate offers easy access to the Old Town while being slightly removed from the busiest crowds. The hotel features elegantly decorated rooms, an Executive Lounge for eligible guests, a stylish bar, the Porat restaurant focusing on local cuisine, a health club with an indoor pool, sauna, and steam room. It’s a perfect choice for those appreciating history, convenience, and reliable upscale service.
Rixos Premium Dubrovnik
Approx. Price Range: €400+ per night (All-inclusive options may affect price)
A large, modern resort hotel offering extensive facilities and beautiful sea views, located a bit further from the Old Town (around a 20-minute walk or short bus ride). Rixos Premium is known for its impressive multi-level spa covering over 2,000 sqm, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, numerous treatment rooms, saunas, and a Turkish bath. It boasts several restaurants and bars, a casino, sports facilities, and direct access to a beach area. Ideal for guests looking for a comprehensive resort experience with plenty of on-site activities.
Sun Gardens Dubrovnik
Approx. Price Range: €300+ per night (Hotel rooms; residences higher)
Located about 11km north of Dubrovnik in Orašac, Sun Gardens is a large, self-contained luxury resort perfect for families or those seeking a longer stay with extensive amenities. It offers both hotel rooms and spacious residences with kitchenettes. The resort features multiple swimming pools (including adults-only and family pools), a large spa, a sports center with tennis courts, football pitch, gym, climbing wall, numerous restaurants and bars catering to various tastes, a supermarket, shops, and a pebble beach. While further from the Old Town, it provides a complete holiday experience on-site.
Comfort & Value: Great Mid-Range Stays
Dubrovnik’s mid-range hotels strike a great balance between comfort, amenities, and price. Often located in convenient areas like Lapad or Gruž, or just outside the Old Town, these options provide comfortable rooms, good service, and often include facilities like pools or restaurants without the premium luxury price tag.
Hotel Lero
Approx. Price Range: €150 – €300 per night
A popular choice located between the Old Town and the Lapad peninsula, offering easy access to both via a pleasant walk or short bus ride. Hotel Lero features modern, well-equipped rooms (some in a newer executive wing), a main restaurant serving buffet breakfast and dinner, an à la carte Bosnian restaurant (Taj Mahal), an outdoor swimming pool with a sun terrace, and a wellness area with sauna and massage services. Known for its friendly service and good value proposition.
Hotel Adria
Approx. Price Range: €130 – €280 per night
Situated in Gruž, overlooking the harbor and Elaphiti Islands, Hotel Adria offers fantastic panoramic views from many of its rooms and its restaurant terrace. Rooms are modern and comfortable, most featuring balconies. Amenities include an indoor swimming pool (useful outside peak summer), a smaller outdoor pool, a restaurant serving local and international dishes, and a bar. It’s well-connected to the Old Town and Lapad beaches by frequent local buses stopping nearby.
Hotel Lapad
Approx. Price Range: €160 – €320 per night
Set in a historic building with a newer wing, Hotel Lapad enjoys a picturesque location on the Lapad peninsula, overlooking Gruž harbor. It combines traditional architecture with modern comforts. The hotel boasts a lovely outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees, a restaurant with a terrace, and comfortable rooms, some with sea views. It’s close to the Lapad promenade with its cafes and restaurants, and beaches are within walking distance. The Old Town is easily reachable by bus.
Berkeley Hotel & Day Spa
Approx. Price Range: €140 – €290 per night
A family-run hotel located in the Gruž harbor area, known for its exceptionally friendly service and attention to detail. Berkeley offers modern rooms, studios, and apartments, many equipped with kitchenettes, making it a great option for longer stays or families. Facilities include a small outdoor pool, a jacuzzi, a day spa offering various treatments, and a pleasant breakfast area. Its location is convenient for ferry departures and accessing local buses to the Old Town and beaches.
Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik
Approx. Price Range: €180 – €350 per night
Located right on Lapad Bay beach, Hotel Kompas offers stunning sea views and a chic, contemporary design. Rooms are modern and stylish, most with balconies overlooking the bay or the park. The hotel features a beautiful outdoor pool area, an indoor pool, a full-service spa, a fitness center, multiple dining options including a beachfront restaurant and a rooftop bar perfect for sunsets. Its location provides direct beach access and proximity to the lively Lapad promenade, with easy bus connections to the Old Town.
Smart Savings: Affordable Dubrovnik Accommodation
Traveling to Dubrovnik on a budget is absolutely possible! The city offers a range of affordable options, including hostels, private rooms (sobe), guesthouses, and simpler hotels. These often provide basic but clean facilities, friendly atmospheres, and can be found both within the Old Town and in surrounding neighborhoods like Lapad, Gruž, or Ploče.
Hostel Angelina Old Town
Approx. Price Range: €30 – €80 per person (dorm); Private rooms higher
Located right within the historic walls of the Old Town, this popular hostel offers an unbeatable location for exploring. Housed in a traditional stone building, it provides a mix of dormitory rooms (mixed and female-only) and some private rooms, all typically featuring shared bathrooms. Common areas include a kitchen for guest use and a terrace offering great views over the rooftops. Known for its social atmosphere and helpful staff, it’s a prime choice for budget travelers wanting to be in the heart of the action. Be prepared for stairs, common in Old Town properties.
Dubrovnik Backpackers Club
Approx. Price Range: €25 – €70 per person (dorm)
Located in the Babin Kuk area, closer to the Lapad beaches than the Old Town, this hostel offers a more relaxed vibe. It’s well-connected by bus to the city center (approx. 15-minute ride). Features include dormitory rooms, shared bathrooms, a communal kitchen, laundry facilities, and often a welcoming common area or terrace for socializing. It’s a good option for travelers who prioritize beach proximity and a slightly quieter location over being directly in the Old Town hustle.
Guest House Raguz
Approx. Price Range: €60 – €120 per room
Often representative of the many family-run guesthouses (sobe) available, Guest House Raguz (or similar establishments) typically offers simple, clean private rooms, sometimes with shared bathrooms, sometimes en-suite. Located usually in residential areas like Gruž or Lapad, they provide a more local experience. Amenities are basic, often including Wi-Fi and perhaps access to a shared terrace or garden. Owners are usually locals offering helpful tips. Great for travelers seeking affordable private accommodation and don’t mind being slightly outside the main tourist center (but usually well-connected by bus).
Villa Micika
Approx. Price Range: €70 – €130 per room
Located on the Lapad peninsula, Villa Micika is often categorized as a budget-friendly hotel or a higher-end guesthouse. It typically offers simple but functional en-suite rooms, many with small balconies. While amenities might be limited compared to larger hotels (perhaps no pool or restaurant), it provides clean, private accommodation in a desirable area close to beaches, restaurants, and bus stops for easy access to the Old Town. A solid choice for budget-conscious travelers who prefer a private room over a hostel dorm.
Hostel Euroadria
Approx. Price Range: €25 – €75 per person (dorm)
Often found near the main bus station or Gruž port area, hostels like Euroadria offer convenient, budget-friendly lodging, particularly for those arriving or departing by bus or ferry. Expect standard hostel facilities: dormitory-style rooms (potentially mixed or gender-specific), shared bathrooms, lockers for valuables, a common area, and possibly a basic guest kitchen. While not in the scenic Old Town or beach areas, the location offers practicality and excellent transport links to explore the city and surrounding islands.
Beyond Your Hotel: Exploring Dubrovnik’s Magic
While finding the perfect hotel is key, Dubrovnik’s true magic lies in exploring its incredible sights, engaging in unique activities, and savoring the local flavors. Your accommodation is just the starting point for an unforgettable adventure!
Must-See Sights
- The Old Town: Get lost in the labyrinthine limestone streets, discover charming squares, and soak in the atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk the main street, Stradun, and explore the side alleys.
- City Walls: Walk the magnificent medieval walls (approx. 2km circuit) for breathtaking panoramic views of the Old Town, the Adriatic Sea, and Lokrum Island. Allow at least 1.5-2 hours.
- Dubrovnik Cable Car: Ride up Mount Srđ for the most iconic postcard view of Dubrovnik and the surrounding coastline. There’s a restaurant and museum at the top.
- Lovrijenac Fort: Known as “Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar,” this imposing fortress outside the western wall offers stunning views back towards the city. Famous as a filming location for Game of Thrones (Red Keep).
- Lokrum Island: A lush green oasis just a 15-minute ferry ride from the Old Town port. Explore botanical gardens, find peacocks roaming freely, swim in the Dead Sea (a small salt lake), and visit the Game of Thrones museum featuring an Iron Throne replica.
Unforgettable Experiences
- Sea Kayaking: Paddle around the city walls and explore hidden caves and beaches near Lokrum Island. Sunset tours are particularly magical.
- Game of Thrones Tour: Discover iconic filming locations from the hit series with knowledgeable guides sharing behind-the-scenes stories.
- Beach Time: Relax at Banje Beach near the Old Town (can be crowded), or head to the beaches on the Lapad peninsula (like Uvala Lapad Beach or Copacabana Beach) for more space and beach clubs.
- Island Hopping: Take a ferry or boat tour to the nearby Elaphiti Islands (Koločep, Lopud, Šipan) for a day of swimming, exploring charming villages, and enjoying pristine nature.
A Taste of Dalmatia
- Fresh Seafood: Indulge in grilled fish, octopus salad, mussels buzara style, or the famous Crni Rižot (black risotto made with cuttlefish ink).
- Peka: A traditional Dalmatian dish where meat or seafood is slow-cooked under a bell-like dome (the ‘peka’) with embers. Usually requires ordering in advance.
- Local Wines: Try robust reds like Plavac Mali from the nearby Pelješac peninsula or crisp whites like Pošip from Korčula island.
- Gelato: Enjoy delicious Italian-style ice cream from numerous parlors in the Old Town – perfect for cooling down on a warm day.
For more detailed official information on attractions, events, and planning your visit, check out the Dubrovnik Tourist Board website. It’s a valuable resource for up-to-date details.
Ready for Your Dubrovnik Adventure?
Dubrovnik truly offers something for everyone, and that extends to its accommodation. Whether you dream of waking up to five-star sea views, enjoying the comfort of a well-located mid-range hotel, or saving your Euros by staying in a friendly hostel or guesthouse, the perfect base for your Adriatic journey awaits.
- Book in Advance: Especially during peak season (June-September), Dubrovnik accommodation gets booked up quickly. Secure your preferred choice early!
- Consider Location Trade-offs: Staying inside the Old Town offers incredible atmosphere but can be noisy and expensive. Lapad offers beaches and a relaxed vibe, while Gruž is practical for transport. Weigh your priorities.
- Factor in Transport: If staying outside the Old Town, check local bus routes and frequency – they are generally efficient and affordable.
We hope this guide helps you narrow down your options and find the ideal place to stay in Dubrovnik. Beyond these examples, countless other hotels, apartments, and guesthouses exist, so take the time to research neighborhoods like Ploče (east of Old Town, great views), Pile (west gate), Lapad, or Gruž to find the perfect fit.
“If you want to see heaven on earth, come to Dubrovnik.” – George Bernard Shaw (attributed)
Now it’s over to you! What kind of Dubrovnik experience are you dreaming of? Are you leaning towards luxury, value, or budget-friendly exploration? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!