The best luxury hotels in Dubrovnik, including waterside restaurants and secret beaches
Dubrovnik is one of the world’s most magnificent walled cities, overlooking the calm blue Adriatic. Once the capital of the mighty sea-faring Republic of Ragusa (1358-1808), it's now Croatia’s most upmarket destination. Historically, this diminutive republic was sophisticated, refined and cultured. Today, the pedestrian-only Old Town – packed with aristocratic palazzi and elegant Baroque churches, contained within sturdy medieval fortifications – draws a glamourous crowd. Beyond the walls, attractions include wine bars, classy seafood restaurants and suitably swish five-star hotels. The best options include legendary hotels which have been carefully refurbished, sleek modern retreats with their own private beaches and expansive spas, plus boltholes with romantic waterside dining. Here’s our pick of Dubrovnik’s finest places to stay.
Villa Orsula
Dubrovnik, Croatia
9Telegraph expert rating
This romantic retreat, set in a 1930s white-stone villa, is much loved by discerning travellers looking to splurge. Come here for discreet luxury, sublime sea views towards Dubrovnik's Old Town walls and a chic restaurant with tables on a vine-draped terrace. With just 13 rooms, Villa Orsula provides the sort of personalised service that only a small hotel can achieve – you'll be treated more as a dear friend than a hotel guest. From the garden, planted with fragrant pines and lavender, stone steps lead down to a lovely bathing platform, with sun beds, beach towels and easy access into the sea. Read expert review From £465 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
• An insider guide to Dubrovnik
Villa Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, Croatia
9Telegraph expert rating
This slick, contemporary retreat is built into a cliff, overlooking the turquoise Adriatic towards Dubrovnik's city walls. Secluded in a sea-view world of its own, it’s all about indulging in the finer things in life here, but with minimum fuss. Throughout the hotel the look is contemporary and all of the 56 rooms and suites have floor-to-ceiling sliding windows and private sea-view terraces. Around the building, a series of stone terraces step down towards the glistening blue sea and beach complete with white parasols. A spa with an indoor pool, a gourmet restaurant and cool rooftop bar complete the picture. Read expert review From £428 per night Check availability Rates provided by Mr & Mrs Smith
• The best boutique hotels in Dubrovnik
Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, Croatia
9Telegraph expert rating
The fantastic sea views from the rooms, bar and restaurant terraces are the Bellevue's main selling point. This slick, modern hotel is set midway between Dubrovnik's Old Town and the Lapad Peninsula and lies in a sheltered bay with a small sand-and-pebble beach out front (accessed from the hotel by lift). All 91 rooms and suites have sea views, but pay a little extra for a Superior room, and you'll get floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony with glass balustrades, for fantastic uninterrupted vistas. Head to Nevera by the beach for a delightful light lunch of oysters from Ston and barbecued fresh fish. Read expert review From £218 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
• The best restaurants in Dubrovnik
Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, Croatia
8Telegraph expert rating
This grande dame stands just outside the historic Old Town and was the city’s first purpose-built hotel when it opened in 1897. Throughout its history it has hosted many leading dignitaries – Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson stayed here while touring Europe in 1936. Rooms are modern, decorated in creams, teal-blues and greys, creating a fresh seaside atmosphere. Staff are welcoming and extremely professional; the hotel employs a concierge to help guests plan local trips and activities. Elsewhere, facilities include a small Beauty Line spa with an indoor pool, sauna, and steamroom. Read expert review From £270 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
• The best nightlife in Dubrovnik
Hotel Dubrovnik Palace
Dubrovnik, Croatia
8Telegraph expert rating
Enjoy a slice modern luxury at this upscale waterside resort on Dubrovnik's Lapad peninsula. The 10-floor hotel is built into a seaward slope, designed so the interior spaces get stunning Adriatic views. Facilities abound: there's a rock-and-concrete beach with a scuba diving centre, two outdoor pools, a spa with an indoor pool, and a tennis court. The 308 contemporary-looking rooms and suites all have a balcony and sea view. Of the four restaurants, Elafiti is the showstopper. For a more intimate experience, visit the beachside Maslina Tavern which serves contemporary Dalmatian cuisine. Read expert review From £171 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
• The best things to do in Dubrovnik
Hotel Excelsior
Dubrovnik, Croatia
8Telegraph expert rating
A legendary five-star hotel with fantastic views of Dubrovnik's medieval walls rising from the sea. A major update has introduced cool minimalist interiors, grey walls and retro-chic furnishings to the 158 rooms and common spaces: think misty-pink armchairs and local artworks. The hotel is home three restaurants and a snazzy lounge-bar, with the waterside Prora being the highlight (think fresh fish on a romantic covered stone terrace). Down by the sea, a terrace with sunbeds and parasols has steps into the water for swimming. The vast Wellness Spa includes a big freeform pool and whirlpools, Roman bath, Finnish sauna and theme showers. Read expert review From £325 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
