Croatia’s Adriatic Coast has long been a favorite spot for the superyachts. Now it is also gaining its share of luxury hotels and resorts. While Zagreb is the capital, Dubrovnik is perched on the coast, famed for its red tile roofs, cobblestone streets, and fairytale charms. Its best hotels and suites are the subject of this report.
1. Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik
2. Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik
3. Hotel Dubrovnik Palace
4. Villa Orsula
5. Villa Dubrovnik
1. Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik
Forbes writes, “This landmark five-star villa built in 1913 boasts unparalleled views of Old Town Dubrovnik from its restaurants, bars, swimming platform, pools, and chic guest rooms. Plus, its prime location puts you just a five-minute walk away from city’s storied medieval walls. Get a pampering massage at the serene spa, which looks out on the sea and features a large freshwater pool, Jacuzzis, steam bath, a Roman bath, and Finnish sauna. Swing by the Abakus Piano Bar – one of the city’s best sea-view bars – to peruse the black and white portraits of royals, starlets, and other glamourous celebs the Excelsior has hosted over the years, including Queen Elizabeth II and Elizabeth Taylor.”
The Telegraph adds, “A major update prior to reopening has introduced cool minimalist interiors, grey walls, and retro-chic furnishings: sofas, armchairs and cushions in petrol-blue, misty-pink, olive-green or mustard-yellow, potted plants and artworks featuring Dubrovnik. There are two wings: Villa Odak from 1913 and the late 20th-century Tower (with a rather garish mirrored-glass exterior). Photographs of illustrious former guests, such as Queen Elizabeth II, Sir Roger Moore, and Francis Ford Coppola, are displayed in the Abakus bar.”
Presidential Suite
Entertain in grand style at the top floor Presidential Suite located in the Tower part of the hotel. Enjoy unobstructed panoramic views of the Old Town from a large balcony. Two bedrooms each have a luxury bathroom, and the large living room and dining room make it ideal for entertaining.
More suites at Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik.
2. Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik
Forbes says, “On the other side of Dubrovnik’s Old Town is Hotel Bellevue, another five-star hotel with stunning sea views. This luxury property sits perched high on a cliffside overlooking Miramare Bay. The panoramic views of the Adriatic and private pebble beach – a rare sight on the rocky Adriatic – give guests a private and secluded feel, removed from the bustling activity around the city walls. Floor-to-ceiling windows and stylish, airy interiors in tasteful neutrals add to the serene vibe. But whenever you’re ready to explore, just stroll to the famed Pile Gate to enter the walled city.”
Conde Nast Traveler adds, “One of Adriatic Luxury Hotels’ very smartest properties, Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik firmly re-established itself as one to watch when it reopened in spring 2019 after a series of refurbishments. The hotel is set on a 30m-high cliff on Miramare Bay, with a pebbled beach below for lazy afternoons of swimming and sunbathing. Magnificent floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies in many of the suites, and even the spa pool all open to sweeping panoramas of the sea and the jagged cliffs of the Croatian coastline. The 91 rooms, including 14 suites, are light-filled odes to casual, contemporary design and refreshingly fuss-free and unpretentious. Local, seasonal dishes are served in Vapor restaurant, which is lauded in the Michelin Guide.”
Lovor Presidential Suite
The fifth-floor Lovor Presidential Suite offers separate living and dining areas opening onto a spectacular 115-sq.ft. terrace. Stretching the length of the suite, the furnished terrace gives views of the crystal-clear Adriatic. Inside, the marble-tiled master bathroom is twined with a separate bathroom with a shower. Two adjoining Superior rooms may be used to form a private VIP wing.
More suites at Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik.
3. Hotel Dubrovnik Palace
Conde Nast Traveler writes, “There’s no such thing as a bad room in Hotel Dubrovnik Palace. Every one of the 308 contemporary rooms and suites features a private balcony facing the blue Adriatic and Elafiti Islands, a detail that’s very much in keeping with the brand’s promise to make every guest feel like royalty. By car, it’s just a few minutes from the city, but the pines surrounding it make it feel a million miles from anywhere, and you could spend an entire holiday without ever venturing further than the forest and shore. Dream the days away on the beach, work up a sweat on the tennis court, walk or hike woodland trails on Petka Hill, or tap into your adventurous side beneath the waves with the PADI diving center. The hotel champions colorful Croatian dishes, with traditional beachfront restaurant Maslina Tavern elevating Dalmatian classics such as fresh seafood and local cheeses, while the Sunset Lounge takes guests on a tour of the country’s extensive (and excellent) wines. After a day of activities, ease aching muscles at the stylish Energy Clinic Spa with an indulgent massage or a session in the Finnish sauna, and end with a dip in one of the two infinity pools.”
Presidential Suite Magnolija
The 1,815-sq.ft. Presidential Suite Magnolija is hidden away in the exclusive VIP Wing. A large living and dining space provide room to relax. The master bedroom features a Jacuzzi tub. The large furnished terrace offers vistas of the Mediterranean coast.
More suites at Hotel Dubrovnik Palace.
4. Villa Orsula
The Telegraph writes, “This romantic boutique retreat, set in a 1930s white stone villa, is much loved by travelers who like to splurge. It offers discreet luxury, impeccable service, and sublime sea views towards Dubrovnik’s old town walls, and has just 13 rooms, a chic restaurant with tables on a vine-draped terrace, and a secret beach.”
Royal Suite
The 795-sq.ft. Royal Suite comprises a stone fretwork corner balcony with views of Dubrovnik’s historic harbor, the Adriatic, and lush Lokrum Island. Situated on the second floor, it has its own hallway and entrance that give the impression that you are in your own private wing. Leading off the master bedroom is a walk-in dressing room and the entrance to the luxury bathroom featuring a bathtub and a walk-in shower. The spacious living space leads directly onto the fully furnished balcony through an original arched doorway.
More suites at Villa Orsula.
5. Villa Dubrovnik
The Telegraph writes, “A sophisticated but relaxed five-star retreat in Dubrovnik with a spa and indoor pool that looks out onto the turquoise Adriatic. Built into a cliff, the sea views are out of this world: rooms have private terraces, and there’s a terrific rooftop bar. The fabulous spa offers beauty treatments, massage, yoga, and an indoor pool with more views of the turquoise Adriatic. An indulgent cooked-to-order breakfast is served below the pines on the Restaurant Pjerin terrace. In the evening, the menu switches to creative Mediterranean fare.”
Royal Suite
The Royal Suite offers panoramic views of the Adriatic and the Old Town of Dubrovnik. It has two large bedrooms and a 1,230-sq.ft. teak wood terrace with a private outdoor Jacuzzi. The spacious living room and dining area are a perfect place to start and end your day.
More suites at Villa Dubrovnik.
