Dubrovnik wraps its old core in nearly 2 km of limestone walls standing since the Middle Ages, and the entire Old Town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Choosing where to stay here boils down to one question: do you want to step straight onto the Stradun, or trade a short bus ride for a quieter beach and lower rates? This guide covers seven hotels we picked for a specific strength, from a cliffside five-star to a family resort in leafy Lapad. For each one you get the location, the standout amenity, honest trade-offs, and clear advice on who it suits.
Every pick sits within reach of the Adriatic and the Old Town, and each earns its place for a reason we spell out. Rates and review scores appear in the fact line under each name, so this writing focuses on what the numbers do not tell you.
The 7 best Dubrovnik hotels at a glance
- Rixos Premium Dubrovnik (best for all-in-one resort amenities). Spa, casino, and two pools a short stroll from Bellevue Beach.
- Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik (best for cliffside sea views). A top-rated five-star perched above its own cove.
- Hotel Kompas (best for beachfront value in Lapad). Modern rooms steps from a calm, family-friendly bay.
- Villa Dubrovnik (best for a boutique luxury splurge). An intimate, all-sea-view hideaway near Banje Beach.
- Valamar Tirena Hotel (best for families). Kids' club, outdoor pool, and a play-focused setup near Copacabana Beach.
- Berkeley Hotel (best for budget-minded travelers). A small, friendly base by the Gruz ferry port.
- Hotel Excelsior (best for walking to the Old Town). A historic grande dame minutes from the city gates.
| Hotel | Class | Price tier | Best for | Setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rixos Premium Dubrovnik | 5-star | Upscale | All-in-one resort amenities | Montovjerna, ~0.2 km to Bellevue Beach |
| Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik | 5-star | Splurge | Cliffside sea views | Above Bellevue Beach |
| Hotel Kompas | 4-star | Mid-range | Beachfront value | Lapad, near Lapad Beach |
| Villa Dubrovnik | 5-star | Top splurge | Boutique luxury | Ploče, ~15-min walk to Old Town |
| Valamar Tirena Hotel | 4-star | Value | Families with kids | Lapad, ~0.25 km to Copacabana Beach |
| Berkeley Hotel | 4-star | Budget | Ferry-port convenience | Gruz, ~2 km to Old Town |
| Hotel Excelsior | 5-star | Splurge | Walking to the Old Town | Ploče, ~5-min walk to Ploče Gate |
1. Rixos Premium Dubrovnik, best for all-in-one resort amenities
If you want a single address that handles the spa day, the pool afternoon, and the night out, Rixos Premium Dubrovnik delivers. This five-star sits in the Montovjerna area, roughly a five-minute drive from Pile Gate and the Old Town, with Bellevue Beach just below. The scale is genuinely resort-like: a full-service spa, an indoor pool, a seasonal outdoor pool, and the only on-site casino among these picks. Rooms lean modern, many with sea-view balconies, and breakfast is included.
Why it makes the list: it is the most amenity-dense stay here, bundling spa, casino, pools, and a beach within a couple of minutes' walk.
Key features:
- Full-service spa with sauna, steam room, and Turkish bath
- Indoor pool plus a seasonal outdoor pool (open April to October)
- On-site casino, gaming tables, and live shows
- Complimentary buffet breakfast
- Concierge, tours desk, and airport shuttle (surcharge)
Rates and value: pricing lands at the upper-upscale end, softened by the included breakfast and the sheer volume of on-site facilities.
Pros
- Everything in one place, ideal for a low-effort trip
- Steps from Bellevue Beach and a short drive to the Old Town
- Strong family and spa infrastructure
Cons
- The size can feel impersonal next to the boutique options
- Parking is paid, and pets are not accepted
2. Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik, best for cliffside sea views
Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik is the highest-scoring property on this list, and its setting explains why. The hotel is built into a cliff above its own cove near Bellevue Beach, so nearly every room faces the open Adriatic. It is a compact five-star with a personal feel, a full-service spa, an indoor pool, and two restaurants including the sea-view Vapor. The Old Town is a short drive or a scenic coastal walk away.
Why it makes the list: the cliffside position gives it some of the most dramatic sea views in the city, backed by top-tier guest scores.
Key features:
- Sea-view rooms, most with balconies
- Full-service spa, sauna, and steam room
- Indoor pool and two on-site restaurants
- Free self parking
- Airport shuttle and limo/town car service (surcharge)
Rates and value: this is a splurge tier, with breakfast charged separately, but the views and service quality are the draw.
Pros
- Exceptional Adriatic views from the rooms
- Intimate, highly rated five-star experience
- Free parking, a rarity this close to the center
Cons
- Premium rates, and breakfast costs extra
- The beach and hotel sit below street level, so expect stairs or lift rides
3. Hotel Kompas, best for beachfront value in Lapad
For a modern room a short walk from calm water without a five-star price tag, Hotel Kompas is the sweet spot. It sits in Lapad, a green, low-key neighborhood, just steps from Lapad Beach and its pedestrian promenade of cafes and restaurants. Built in the 2010s, the hotel feels fresh, with both an outdoor and an indoor pool, a spa, and sea-view balconies in the better room categories. The Old Town is a straightforward bus ride or drive away.
Why it makes the list: it pairs a genuine beachfront-adjacent location with contemporary rooms at a mid-range rate, a hard combination to find in Dubrovnik.
Key features:
- Outdoor pool plus an indoor pool and sauna
- Full-service spa and poolside bar
- Sea-view balcony rooms in higher categories
- Free self parking
- Steps from the Lapad promenade
Rates and value: this is the strongest mid-range value here, especially in shoulder season.
Pros
- Walkable to a family-friendly beach and dining strip
- Two pools plus a spa at a reasonable price
- Quieter than the Old Town at night
Ask for a higher-floor room facing Lapad Bay rather than the courtyard side. The bay-facing rooms catch the sunset over the water, while courtyard rooms are quieter but look onto the interior. Request this at booking, since sea-view categories go first.
Cons
- Not central; the Old Town needs a bus or taxi
- Fills quickly in July and August
4. Villa Dubrovnik, best for a boutique luxury splurge
Villa Dubrovnik is the one to book when the trip is the occasion. This intimate five-star tumbles down the hillside in the Ploče district, east of the Old Town, with a private jetty, a rooftop terrace, and rooms that all open onto furnished balconies with sea views. Dining centers on the Mediterranean restaurant Pjerin, breakfast is cooked to order and included, and the whole place trades big-resort bustle for calm and service. Banje Beach and the Old Town are both a short walk or shuttle ride away.
Why it makes the list: it is the most exclusive, design-forward stay here, with sea views from every room and a genuine hideaway feel.
Key features:
- All rooms with private sea-view balconies
- Rooftop terrace, indoor pool, and full-service spa
- Cooked-to-order breakfast included
- Pet-friendly (dogs and cats, with a fee)
- Free self parking and airport shuttle (surcharge)
Rates and value: this is the top splurge on the list, aimed at honeymooners and special occasions rather than tight budgets.
Pros
- Boutique scale with polished, personal service
- Sea views and a balcony in every room
- One of the few luxury options that welcomes pets
Cons
- The highest rates here by a clear margin
- Small size means it books out early in peak months
5. Valamar Tirena Hotel, best for families
Traveling with kids changes what matters, and Valamar Tirena Hotel is built around it. This four-star in Lapad sits near Copacabana Beach and leans hard into family life: an outdoor pool, a children's pool, a free kids' club, play areas, and a swim-up bar. Breakfast is an included buffet, rooms come in configurations that sleep families of four or five, and pets are welcome. It is a practical, easygoing base rather than a design statement.
Why it makes the list: few Dubrovnik properties match its kid-focused facilities and family room layouts at this price.
Key features:
- Outdoor pool, children's pool, and free kids' club
- Family rooms sleeping up to five
- Complimentary buffet breakfast
- Playground, table tennis, and on-site activities
- Pet-friendly, with beaches and pools nearby
Rates and value: a strong value pick, particularly for families who will use the on-site facilities all day.
Pros
- Excellent setup for children of all ages
- Near a lively beach with water sports
- Included breakfast and family-sized rooms
Cons
- An older building without a spa or Old Town views
- Busy and noisy with families during peak season
6. Berkeley Hotel, best for budget-minded travelers
Berkeley Hotel proves you can stay well in Dubrovnik without a five-star budget. This small, friendly four-star sits beside the Gruz ferry port and harbor, handy if you are island-hopping or arriving by boat, and within a short walk of the Gruz open-air market. Rooms are compact but comfortable, with a seasonal outdoor pool, on-site bike and boat rentals, and an LGBTQ+ friendly welcome. The Old Town is a bus ride away rather than a stroll.
Why it makes the list: it is the most affordable option here and the most convenient for ferry and catamaran travelers.
Key features:
- Seasonal outdoor pool (open June to October)
- Steps from the Gruz ferry port and market
- Bicycle and boat rentals on site
- Airport and area shuttle (surcharge)
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Rates and value: the clear budget choice, best in the warmer months when the pool and terrace are open.
Pros
- Lowest rates on this list
- Ideal for ferry connections and day trips
- Personal, welcoming service
Cons
- By the working port, not the Old Town, with no spa
7. Hotel Excelsior, best for walking to the Old Town
If your priority is being able to walk to the city walls, Hotel Excelsior wins. Open since 1913, this historic five-star in Ploče sits right on the waterfront, steps from Banje Beach and about a five-minute walk from the Ploče Gate. Rooms are individually furnished, many with sea-view balconies looking back at the walled city, and the hotel runs three restaurants, a full-service spa, and an indoor pool. Free parking is a genuine bonus this close to the center.
Why it makes the list: it is the closest luxury hotel to the Old Town, pairing a landmark location with grand-hotel service.
Key features:
- Five-minute walk to the Ploče Gate
- Steps from Banje Beach, with sea-view rooms facing the walls
- Full-service spa and indoor pool
- Three restaurants and two bars
- Free valet and self parking
Rates and value: a splurge tier justified by the location and heritage; breakfast is charged separately.
Pros
- Best walking access to the Old Town of any five-star here
- Iconic views of the walled city from the rooms
- Free parking and a central beachfront position
Cons
- Premium pricing, with breakfast as an add-on
- Some classic rooms are compact and face the courtyard
How to choose among these Dubrovnik hotels
The right pick depends on what you want your days to look like. Sort by these four factors before you book.
Location and walkability
If you plan to be in the Old Town every day, Hotel Excelsior and Villa Dubrovnik in Ploče put you closest, with the Excelsior walkable in minutes. Prefer a beach-and-promenade rhythm with quieter nights? Lapad's Hotel Kompas and Valamar Tirena win, though you will bus in for sightseeing. Arriving by ferry makes Berkeley Hotel by Gruz the logical base.
Budget and total cost
Look past the sticker rate to what is included. Rixos, Villa Dubrovnik, and Valamar Tirena fold breakfast into the price, while the Bellevue and Excelsior charge it separately. Free parking at Bellevue, Kompas, Villa Dubrovnik, and the Excelsior can quietly save you real money over a week. To weigh options side by side, compare Dubrovnik stays across every neighborhood and match them to your dates.
Travel style and who is coming
Families are best served by Valamar Tirena and its kids' club, or by Kompas for a calmer beach. Couples after romance should look to Villa Dubrovnik or the Bellevue. If you want a spa, casino, and pools without leaving the grounds, Rixos is built for it.
Season and timing
The best value comes in the shoulder months, roughly April to May and mid-September to mid-October, when the weather is mild and crowds and rates ease. July and August bring peak heat, cruise crowds, and the Dubrovnik Summer Festival (July 10 to August 25).
For a first visit built around the Old Town, book the Hotel Excelsior or, for a special-occasion splurge, Villa Dubrovnik; if you want beach-and-pool downtime at a friendlier rate, choose Hotel Kompas in Lapad, and bring the kids to Valamar Tirena.
FAQ
Where should I stay in Dubrovnik for the first time?
For a first visit, stay in or near the Old Town so you can walk to the walls, the Stradun, and the harbor. The Ploče district, home to the Hotel Excelsior and Villa Dubrovnik, offers the best walkable access. If your budget is tighter, Lapad gives you a beach base with an easy bus link to the center.
Which Dubrovnik hotels are closest to the Old Town?
The Hotel Excelsior is the closest on this list, about a five-minute walk from the Ploče Gate, followed by Villa Dubrovnik, a 15-minute walk from the Old Town in Ploče. The Rixos Premium and Hotel Bellevue are a short drive from the Pile Gate, while the Lapad and Gruz properties sit farther out.
Are Dubrovnik hotels expensive?
Prices span a wide range, from four-star value stays to top-tier five-star splurges. The Berkeley Hotel and Valamar Tirena are the most budget-friendly here, Hotel Kompas is a solid mid-range pick, and Villa Dubrovnik sits at the luxury top end. Rates are highest in July and August and noticeably softer in spring and autumn.
When is the best time to book a hotel in Dubrovnik?
The shoulder seasons of April to May and mid-September to mid-October offer the best balance of good weather, thinner crowds, and lower rates. Summer is peak, with the highest prices and busiest streets during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival from July 10 to August 25. Winter is quietest.
How far is Dubrovnik Airport from these hotels?
Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) sits about 20 km from the city, roughly a 25 to 30 minute drive, and there is no train service. All seven hotels are reachable by taxi, and most offer an airport shuttle for a surcharge. Confirm shuttle arrangements with your property before arrival.
Which hotels are best for families in Dubrovnik?
Valamar Tirena Hotel is the standout for families, with a free kids' club, a children's pool, and family rooms that sleep up to five. Hotel Kompas is a good calmer alternative, close to the gentle, shallow water of Lapad Beach. Both include or offer easy access to child-friendly facilities.
Do these hotels have swimming pools?
Most do. Rixos Premium, Hotel Kompas, and Valamar Tirena have outdoor pools, with Rixos and Kompas also offering indoor pools. Hotel Bellevue, Villa Dubrovnik, and Hotel Excelsior have indoor pools, and the Berkeley Hotel has a seasonal outdoor pool open June to October.
Can I walk to the beach from these hotels?
Yes, for most. Rixos Premium is about 0.2 km from Bellevue Beach, Hotel Kompas is steps from Lapad Beach, Valamar Tirena is near Copacabana Beach, and Hotel Excelsior is beside Banje Beach. Villa Dubrovnik has its own sea access, while the Berkeley Hotel relies on its pool rather than a nearby beach.
This guide is based on each hotel's published rates and amenities, official property information, and guest review data.
Ready to lock in your trip? Search Dubrovnik stays for your dates and compare guest reviews, hotel videos, and Best Price Guaranteed rates on HotelsOne, with no reservation fees.
Sources: Rixos Premium Dubrovnik, Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik, Hotel Kompas, Villa Dubrovnik, Valamar Tirena Hotel, Berkeley Hotel, Hotel Excelsior, Rixos Premium Dubrovnik – Old Town Area, Dubrovnik Old Town to Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik – 3 ways …, Hotel Kompas hotel | Dubrovnik | Smith Hotels, Old Town Villa Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik City | Oliver's Travels, Where to Stay in Dubrovnik, Croatia: 7 Areas and Hotels – Destinationless Travel, Villas in Dubrovnik City for Rent, Croatia Holiday Villas in Dubrovnik City, Hotels in Old Town Dubrovnik, Luxury Croatian Villas – Luxury villas in Dubrovnik region, Beach & Pool – Valamar Tirena Hotel – Dubrovnik, Croatia
