If you are planning your holidays in Dubrovnik but don’t know where to stay in Dubrovnik, our Dubrovnik accommodation guide is here to help. We share here the best areas to stay in Dubrovnik for every budget and travel style.
Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic Sea” this beautiful town is one of the favorites among people in love with ancient architecture, exquisite palaces, and pristine beaches! Dubrovnik Croatia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site gained even more popularity thanks to its prominent role as a primary filming location for the acclaimed series, Game of Thrones. It is hardly surprising! The city’s timeless allure is embodied in its remarkably preserved medieval walls and fortresses. What are the best places to stay in Dubrovnik? This post will help you decide!
The old town, Ploce, Pile, Lapad, Babin Kuk, and Gruz are the six main Dubrovnik neighborhoods. Each neighborhood offers a variety of accommodation choices.
Luxury hotels in Dubrovnik, scattered throughout the town, from Ploce and Pile to Babin Kuk and Lapad neighborhood, are big full-service hotels with lots of facilities, top-notch service, high-end amenities, seafront location, and amazing sea views.
Small and intimate with personalized service and attention to detail, boutique hotels in Dubrovnik are perfect places for a low-key luxurious escape.
Exposed stone walls, wooden beams, central location, lovely town views, modern amenities, and a copious breakfast, make bed and breakfast one of the best accommodation to stay in Dubrovnik.
Large mid-range 4-star hotels with over 150 rooms and tons of facilities offer the best value for money in Dubrovnik.
if you look for no-frills accommodation, there are a couple of budget hotels in Dubrovnik worth checking out.
Cavtat, Srebreno, Zaton, Slano, and Elafiti Islands are the best places to stay near Dubrovnik. Hotels Club Dubrovnik Sunny Hotel and Elaphusa in Cavtat are family-friendly hotels in Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is also a great place to spend the summer holidays by the beach, swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying other fun-under-the-sun activities.
If you want more space, a fully-equipped kitchen where you can prepare your own meals, a chance to stay with a local family, and overall more affordable rates, then renting an apartment in Dubrovnik old town or elsewhere can be the right thing to do.
In the following post, we’ll give you an overview of the town’s accommodation offers, the pros, and cons of each of them, the best neighborhoods, and other tips to help you make a savvy decision on where to stay in Dubrovnik.
Table of Contents
The best areas to stay in Dubrovnik
The old town, Ploce, Pile, Lapad, Babin Kuk, and Gruz are the six main Dubrovnik areas. If you are wondering about the best area to stay in Dubrovnik, worry not! You won’t make a mistake choosing any of them, as there is no right or wrong neighborhood to stay in Dubrovnik. Which area you will choose for your accommodation in Dubrovnik comes down to your budget, travel style, and preferences.
No time to read the entire post? No worries! Here is a rundown of the best areas to stay in Dubrovnik.
- The best area to stay in Dubrovnik for the first time – Old Town
- Best places to stay in Dubrovnik for couples – Ploce
- Where to stay in Dubrovnik on a budget – Gruz
- Where to stay in Dubrovnik for nightlife – Pile & Old Town
- Best neighborhood in Dubrovnik for families – Lapad & Babin Kuk
- A place to stay in Dubrovnik for beaches: Lapad & Babin Kuk
The old town, packed with attractions, restaurants, bars, and crowds, is the best place to stay for first-time visitors, for those staying a short time, for a day or two, and for nightlife. When staying in the old town, you are in the heart of everything, and able to easily explore the town’s main attractions.
Pile neighborhood, along with the old town, is the best area to stay in Dubrovnik for nightlife. If you are interested in staying up late and partying until the wee hours, stay in the old town or in the Pile area. The majority of popular bars and clubs in Dubrovnik are located in these two neighborhoods. Many visitors to Dubrovnik also stay in the Pile area due to its proximity to the old town.
The Ploce neighborhood, boasting wonderful views, the finest Dubrovnik hotels, outstanding beaches, and Orsula Park – a perfect place for a romantic picnic, is a favorite place to stay in Dubrovnik for couples. Ploce is also for us the best overall area to stay in Dubrovnik. It is a quiet, residential area with a couple of top-notch 5-star hotels and villas and breathtaking views over the sea and the old town.
Lapad and Babin Kuk are perfect Dubrovnik neighborhoods for sea and beach lovers, families with children, and those in search of hotels with great facilities, entertainment, and activities.
Gruz, home to the town’s main port where cruise ships and ferries dock, is the best place to stay in Dubrovnik on a budget. This busy neighborhood with a local vibe is further away from the old town and the beaches, and it lacks charm. This makes Gruz accommodation cheaper than accommodation in other areas of Dubrovnik.
The 7 top Dubrovnik accommodations
If you are on the go, have no time to read the entire post, or are simply curious to find out the top Dubrovnik accommodation, below you will find our quick list of best places to stay in Dubrovnik.
- Dubrovnik’s best luxury hotel: Hotel Excelsior
- Best hotel in Dubrovnik, Croatia for couples: Villa Dubrovnik
- Best place to stay in Dubrovnik for families: Club Dubrovnik Sunny by Valamar
- Dubrovnik’s best boutique hotel: Hotel Bellevue
- Best mid-range 4-star hotel in Dubrovnik: Valamar Argosy Hotel
- Top budget hotel in Dubrovnik, Croatia: Hotel Perla
- Best beach hotel in Dubrovnik, Croatia: Valamar President Hotel
- Top vacation rental in Dubrovnik: Dubrovnik Luxury Residence – L’Orangerie
- Best hostel in Dubrovnik: Hostel Angelina Old Town
Dubrovnik Neighborhood Guide
Dubrovnik’s old town is the main reason people visit Dubrovnik. However, the old town is not the only neighborhood to stay in Dubrovnik.
The city of Dubrovnik spreads north, northwest, east, and southeast of the old town. It includes various neighborhoods, out of which Old Town, Ploce, Pile, Babin Kuk, Lapad, and Gruz are the most popular.
You will find a variety of accommodation choices in each of Dubrovnik’s neighborhoods.
Dubrovnik’s old town offers an array of charming small B&Bs, hotels, and lovely apartments.
The hilly Ploce neighborhood with buildings carved into dramatic seaside cliffs offers accommodations with stunning sea and town views.
The accommodation in the Pile area consists of Airbnb, family-run rooms and guest houses, and the Hilton Imperial Hotel.
Babin Kuk, a posh suburb located on the northern part of the Lapad peninsula, is home to world-class hotels and resorts in Dubrovnik.
Lapad, a very lively neighborhood and a place that feels very local, features a great number of hotels, and vacation rentals within walking distance from the beaches.
Accommodation in the Gruz neighborhood, being a bit further from the old town and looking less polished than other Dubrovnik neighborhoods, is more affordable.
Old Town – Where to stay in Dubrovnik for the first time
A pedestrian-only old town Dubrovnik is surrounded by famed Dubrovnik defensive walls. The old town of Dubrovnik is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Dubrovnik’s old town is small and densely packed with historical stone houses, narrow cobblestone streets, small but lively town squares, an old port, and a great number of bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, and art galleries.
People often ask us if it is better to stay in Dubrovnik’s old town or outside. The old town is fabulous and definitely, a great place to stay in Dubrovnik. If you are visiting Dubrovnik for the first time, or if you stay in Dubrovnik for a short time like a day or two, and if you prefer historical buildings over modern ones, then staying in the old town is definitely better than outside. The old town is also a good area to stay in Dubrovnik for nightlife.
You should choose to stay in Dubrovnik old town if you:
- don’t mind paying extra for the prime location
- can’t resist all that charm regardless of a few drawbacks
- don’t mind some noise (from passers-by, street cleaners, bars, etc.)
- need no parking, or you don’t care to park away from your Dubrovnik accommodation and pay extra for it
- don’t care about extra facilities like the property’s own beach, sea views, swimming pool, etc.
- don’t have difficulties climbing the stairs as many accommodations in the old town requires that
Top 4 favorites accommodation options for Old Town Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik’s old town offers an array of charming small B&Bs, hotels, and lovely apartments.
An intimate and charming Guesthouse Forty-four features 4 spacious and modernly designed rooms with en-suite bathrooms and one studio apartment.
Comfortable, clean property in a great quiet location within the old city and a super-friendly host, makes Nije Presa Apartments one of the best places to stay in Dubrovnik’s old town.
And if you prefer to stay in small boutique hotels, both Pucic Palace and Prijeko Palace, are centrally located and housed in beautifully restored historic palaces.
Ploce
Ploce is our favorite part of Dubrovnik and the best area to stay in Dubrovnik.
This neighborhood spreads east and southeast of the old town. The easter town gate, Ploce Gate, shares the same name as the area.
The hilly Ploce neighborhood with buildings carved into dramatic seaside cliffs offers accommodations with stunning sea and town views. There are also lots of stairs to climb if staying in the Ploce neighborhood, but the views are hard to beat and worth the climb.
The Ploce neighborhood is the best part of Dubrovnik to stay in if you:
- love sea views properties
- enjoy lovely views of Dubrovnik’s old town
- like to be close to all the hustle and bustle but yet not amidst it
- don’t mind a bit of uphill walking
- need a parking
Some of the landmarks you will find in the Ploce neighborhood include Banje, St. Jakov, and Betina (or Cave) beaches, Orsula Park, Lazareti – a former quarantine, and today’s popular music club, and a lower station for Dubrovnik cable car.
Top 3 favorites accommodation options for Ploce Dubrovnik
Some of our favorite Dubrovnik hotels are located in the Ploce area.
Hotel Excelsior, Dubrovnik’s landmark hotel, hosted many celebrities in its 105-year rich history.
Villa Dubrovnik, our favorite hotel in Dubrovnik, is also located in the Ploce area.
And if you are looking for the comfort of home, the Villa Leoni apartments are clean, spacious, beautifully decorated, and very close to the old town and the beach.
Pile
The Pile neighborhood starts from the Pile Gate, the western gate into Dubrovnik’s old town, and spreads toward the northwest and west of the old town.
Pile is the home of Dubrovnik’s main transport hub. A bus stop to and from the old town, the main bus stop for coach tours, and a taxi stop are right in front of the Pile Gate.
The small Pile suburb is a great place to stay mostly due to its central location and the proximity to the old town. The accommodation in the Pile area consists of Airbnb, family-run rooms and guest houses, and the Hilton Imperial Hotel.
Pile’s main landmarks include Lovrijenac Fortress, Gradac Park, and Dance Beach.
Top 3 favorites accommodation options for Pile Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik’s oldest hotel – today’s hotel Hilton Imperial – is located in the Pile neighborhood as well as many wonderful guesthouses and apartment rentals. We like Dubrovnik Finest Apartments as well as the guesthouse Villa Anica.
Babin Kuk
Babin Kuk, a posh suburb located on the northern part of the Lapad peninsula, is home to world-class hotels and resorts in Dubrovnik.
Other facilities include parks, coastal walks, popular beaches like Copacabana and Coral Beach Club, a variety of Dubrovnik apartments, and the only camping in Dubrovnik.
Bus no. 6 connects the Babin Kuk neighborhood with the old town. The bus runs every 15 to 20 minutes throughout the day from 5.30 to midnight. The 1-hour ticket costs 1.6 € (1.7 US$), while the daily ticket costs 4 € (4.2 US$).
You can save money on public transport as well as Dubrovnik attractions by purchasing the Dubrovnik card.
Top 3 favorites accommodation options for Babin Kuk Dubrovnik
Stay in the Valamar Collection Dubrovnik President Hotel if you look for a perfect beach hotel in Dubrovnik. Spacious, modern rooms, splendid sea views, and a great breakfast draw visitors to choose the Hotel Royal Neptun for their stay in Dubrovnik. The Cosmai Residence is a comfortable, clean, and quiet Airbnb just a leisurely stroll away from many Dubrovnik beaches. Marko, the owner, is super friendly and eager to share insider tips and secrets that only a local can provide.
Lapad
Lapad is a large peninsula located northwest of Dubrovnik’s old town.
Lapad, a very lively neighborhood and a place that feels very local, features a great number of hotels, and vacation rentals within walking distance from the beaches.
The area also consists of residential buildings, some of Dubrovnik’s popular beaches like Uvala or Bellevue beach, and a forest park Mala & Velika Petka.
Lots of family houses and apartment blocks built in the 1970s make part of the Lapad setting. Today many are transformed into apartments and rooms to rent.
A few pebbly beaches aside, the coast here is mostly rocky. Lapad is a great area to stay in Dubrovnik for families with children.
Top 3 favorites accommodation options for Lapad Dubrovnik
Elegant and stylish rooms, a lovely seafront location, and friendly staff make travelers choose the Hotel Kompas for their stay in Dubrovnik.
Carved into a 30 m high cliff, Hotel Bellevue boasts spectacular sea views, direct beach access, and a lovely breakfast room overlooking the sea.
A choice of 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments in a luxury residence with onsite cinema, grocery store, and parking located only 30 m from Sunset Beach in the Dubrovnik Lapad area, make L’Orangerie a great place to stay for those looking for space and comfort.
Should you stay in Lapad or Old Town?
The most common question visitors to Dubrovnik ask is whether they should stay in Lapad or Old Town as both places offer lots of accommodation options, and seem equally popular.
Simply said, you should stay in the old town if you prefer to stay within small hotels and cozy Airbnbs located in historical buildings and medieval palaces full of old-world charm.
Gruz
Gruz neighborhood, located in a bay of the same name, is home to Dubrovnik port, a central bus station, and an open-air farmers and fish market.
Gruz port is a place where the majority of cruise ship passengers arrive in Dubrovnik, and also a place to catch a ferry to nearby islands.
Some of our favorite restaurants in Dubrovnik, Bistro Glorijet, and Orsan Yacht Club, are located in the Gruz area.
Accommodation in the Gruz neighborhood, being a bit further from the old town and looking less polished than other Dubrovnik neighborhoods, is more affordable. Gruz is a good place to stay in Dubrovnik on a budget.
Public bus no. 1 connects Gruz with the old town. The bus departs every 10 to 30 minutes from 5 am to midnight. It takes 15 to 20 minutes to reach the town depending on the traffic. The ticket costs 1.99 € (if purchased on a bus, valid for one hour), or 4 € if you buy a daily ticket.
Top 3 favorites accommodation options for Gruz Dubrovnik
A small family-run Berkeley Hotel & Day Spa offers a quiet location, comfy rooms with lovely sea views, and helpful staff.
A hilltop hotel Adria features spectacular bay views, free parking, and easy access when arriving by car.
Tara Apartments are studio apartments close to the Gruz port and Dubrovnik main bus station.
Map of the best hotels in Dubrovnik
How to budget for your stay in Dubrovnik?
Accommodation in Dubrovnik can get really expensive, especially in July and August, or during some big events taking place in the town.
Expect to pay at least 150 € a night for a double room with breakfast in July or August in a 3-star hotel, 250 € in a 4-star hotel, and 450 € in a 5-star hotel. Alternatively, the daily rental for a studio apartment in the old town will set you back 150 €.
But for instance in other areas of the town, like the Lapad neighborhood, you can find an apartment for 2 for as little as 90 € a day in high season.
If your travel dates are flexible you can price shop for Dubrovnik hotels using Google hotel search.
It helps you discover periods of low demand for Dubrovnik accommodation.
This doesn’t only mean traveling off-season, but it means looking for specific days that are simply cheaper than the preceding or the following period. How to do this?
Simply google the name of the accommodation you would like to stay in, and use Google Hotel’s search calendar to check daily prices for that particular property.
Choose dates with the lowest rates for your stay in Dubrovnik. For us, this option is available only on the mobile Google hotel search.
Luxury Hotels in Dubrovnik
Big full-service hotels with lots of facilities, top-notch service, high-end amenities, seafront location, and amazing sea views, luxury hotels in Dubrovnik are scattered throughout the town, but you won’t find any in the old town.
Dubrovnik is a Croatian town with the best choice of 5-star and luxury hotels. In total, there are 17 five-star hotels in Dubrovnik and its immediate vicinity. Some of them are luxury hotels, while others are boutique hotels.
Some 5star hotels in Dubrovnik are members of various luxury alliances like Leading Hotels of the World (Villa Dubrovnik and Sun Gardens Dubrovnik), or Small Luxury Hotels (Excelsior, Villa Orsula, and Bellevue), while others belong to Croatian (Valamar President, ALH Palace, Villa Argentina, Royal Ariston, Royal Blue) or international hotel chains (Hilton Imperial, Sheraton Dubrovnik, Rixos Libertas), or are small independent hotels (Kazbek, More).
Expect to pay 300€ a day for a double room with breakfast in the shoulder season, 450€ a day in the high season, and 200€ per day in the low season.
However, these rates are just indicative because room rates in Dubrovnik luxury hotels vary depending on the season, current demand, length of stay, booking lead time, room type, and amenities.
Hotel Excelsior, with the best location in Dubrovnik, is an iconic hotel that has hosted too many political and social celebrities to even count them all.
Further down the street from the hotel Excelsior, you’ll find Grand Villa Argentina, a 5-star hillside hotel featuring 133 rooms and suites.
Housed in a lovely historical building from the late 19th century, Hilton Imperial Hotel is just steps from the gate of the old town.
A hillside Rixos Libertas Hotel is famed for its gorgeous spa and wellness center, and it is only a 15min walk from the old town.
Guests like Dubrovnik Palace Hotel for its contemporary design, spacious rooms, and stunning sea views.
When staying at the beachfront Valamar President Hotel, the most understated luxury hotel in Dubrovnik, you get super large balconies, amazing sea views, and a half-board eating option.
A part of a resort consisting of 5 properties in the Babin Kuk area, Royal Blue Hotel has spacious rooms with huge balconies, stunning views, and great amenities.
Royal Ariston Hotel is an elegant resort property with a seafront location, big balconies, and great views.
Dubrovnik Boutique Hotels
Small and intimate with personalized service and attention to detail, boutique hotels in Dubrovnik are the perfect places for a low-key luxurious escape.
Dubrovnik boutique hotels set in historical buildings of the old town are charming and full of character, while those out of the old town boast wonderful sea views, dramatic cliffside settings, and contemporary designs. You will find Dubrovnik boutique hotels in the old town, Pile, Gruz, and Lapad areas.
The room rates vary according to the time of year, overall demand, room type, and amenities. Expect to pay similar rates in Dubrovnik boutique hotels like in the luxury hotels in Dubrovnik (200€ in low season, 350€ in the shoulder, and 500€ in high season for a double room with breakfast). But bear in mind that boutique hotels are smaller with fewer rooms and they fill up quickly. This is the reason why sometimes their rates become even more expensive than the room rates of the big luxury hotels.
A hillside hotel, a 20min walk from the old town, the Villa Dubrovnik boasts wonderful views across the Adriatic and provides a boat shuttle to Dubrovnik’s old town.
A small exclusive boutique hotel, Villa Orsula is housed in a historical villa dating back to 1931 and it features 13 spacious rooms and suites.
Set in a historic palace in the heart of the old town dating back to the 17th century, a small boutique hotel Pucic Palace features only 19 rooms and suites.
Stylish art hotel featuring a unique art collection in rooms and common areas, Prijeko Palace Boutique Hotel in old town Dubrovnik has an amazing rooftop bar and restaurant with incredible views.
A lovely 8-room boutique hotel Stari Grad has a fantastic location on a small side street right in the heart of the old town of Dubrovnik.
Hotel Kazbek, featuring 13 individually styled rooms and suites, is set in a 1573 summer villa that belonged to Dubrovnik’s noble family.
An attractive hotel carved into sea-facing cliffs, Hotel Bellevue is a perfect luxury retreat with calm interiors and lovely views.
A bayside property, hotel More has a rooftop terrace featuring a swimming pool and a whirlpool, but also a very unique Cave Bar carved into a natural cave beneath the hotel.
Best Bed and Breakfast in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is full of charming small family-run bed and breakfast properties. While you can find them all over the city, we recommend the ones in the old town.
Exposed stone walls, wooden beams, central location, lovely town views, modern amenities, and copious breakfasts, make bed and breakfast one of the best accommodation to stay in Dubrovnik.
Expect to pay 120€ in the low season, 200€ in the shoulder, and 270€ in the high season for a double room with breakfast. Book on time to secure the best available rates. The prices increase with the demand, and the last available rooms are usually sold for much higher rates than the ones stated here.
St. Joseph, a small bed and breakfast housed in a 400-year-old building in the heart of Dubrovnik’s old town, features 6 suites.
Set in a historic stone building from the 16th century, in the heart of the old town, Scalini Palace offers accommodation in 8 studio apartments.
A small 6-room bed and breakfast, Andio is one of the most affordable bed and breakfasts in Dubrovnik’s old town.
Bota Palace, set in a beautifully restored 18th-century palace, features 5 modern rooms with en-suite bathrooms and views over Stradun, the main street of the old town.
The Best Mid-range Hotels in Dubrovnik
Large mid-range 4-star hotels with over 150 rooms and tons of facilities offer the best value for money in Dubrovnik. They are located outside of the old town, and they provide facilities like an outdoor swimming pool, a buffet restaurant, a spa center, and a gym. Some also have indoor swimming pools, designated beaches for hotel guests, wellness centers, and conference facilities for business guests.
Those hotels are the correct and decent choice for a comfortable stay in Dubrovnik. Actually, mid-range Dubrovnik hotels will certainly exceed your expectations.
Expect to pay 100€ in the low season, 160€ in the shoulder season, and 250€ in the high season.
Featuring 401 rooms and suites, an outdoor and indoor swimming pool, a buffet and a la carte restaurant, a wine bar, and a wellness and spa center, the 4-star Valamar Lacroma Hotel is the largest hotel in Dubrovnik.
Guests like Valamar Argosy Hotel for its proximity to the beaches, new and modern rooms, great views, superb buffet breakfast, and a cozy courtyard garden with hanging egg chairs and comfy armchairs.
Friendly staff, a location 20min walk from the old town, and affordable rates make Hotel Lero a good hotel for a city break in Dubrovnik.
Near a town marina, across from the port of Gruz, Lapad Hotel attracts guests with its Victorian buildings, comfy, clean, and well-maintained rooms, friendly staff, and good value for money.
Budget hotels in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik has always been the most expensive town in Croatia. The town is known for pricey accommodations, attractions, restaurants, cafes, and ice cream parlors.
However, if you look for no-frills accommodation, there are a couple of budget hotels in Dubrovnik worth checking out.
Expect to pay 70€ in the low season, 110€ in the shoulder season, and 150€ in the high season.
Villa Anica is a small family-run property in the Pile area close to the old town that offers accommodation in simple ensuite rooms, a common garden to chill out, and a 12€ breakfast should you wish.
A bit outdated, but clean and spacious rooms, good breakfast, friendly staff, and great rates are reasons Hotel Ivka is one of the best budget hotels in Dubrovnik.
Hotel Perla with its modern, comfy, and air-conditioned rooms is a great place for a budget stay in Dubrovnik.
No-frills 3-star Tirena Hotel in the Babin Kuk area offers an outdoor swimming pool, proximity to the Coral Beach Club, free Wi-Fi, good buffet breakfast and dinner, and overall great value for money.
Berkeley Hotel is a small, but well-run and maintained hotel and spa with basic but clean rooms, friendly staff, and a convenient location near the central bus station and Gruz port.
Where to stay near Dubrovnik
You can also decide to stay in one of the coastal towns in the vicinity of Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik Riviera to the north, Konavle Region to the south, and Elafiti Islands to the west are three areas close to Dubrovnik. Cavtat, Srebreno, Zaton, Slano, and Elafiti Islands are the best places to stay near Dubrovnik.
Whether it is better to stay in Dubrovnik or nearby towns like Cavtat, Zaton or Slano depends on a few factors. The rates are more affordable, beaches are less crowded, and parking is cheaper to mention just a few benefits of staying in towns near Dubrovnik. On the other hand, you need to take public transport to reach the town, you can’t simply walk to Dubrovnik’s attractions.
Below we share some of the good hotels near Dubrovnik for your next stay.
A variety of accommodations, great facilities, a state-of-the-art wellness center, and a boat shuttle to and from Dubrovnik, make a 5-star beachfront hotel Sun Gardens guests’ preferred choice for their stay near Dubrovnik.
Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera, located in the village of Srebreno, 10 km south of Dubrovnik, is a contemporary hotel with spacious rooms, a nice outdoor pool, a lovely pebbly beach in front, and great bay views, especially from the higher floors.
A beautiful modern design, spacious suites and rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, and a sundeck, make One Suite Hotel one of the guests’ favorite boutique hotels around Dubrovnik.
A small family-run hotel on the island of Sipan, hotel Bozica has a stunning beachfront location, attentive helpful staff, spacious rooms, and fresh and varied breakfast.
Best family-friendly hotels in Dubrovnik
If you are traveling with children, especially with teenagers, hotel stays in Dubrovnik can get expensive. Children above a certain age are considered adults and they pay full price. This way hotels discourage families with children to stay there.
If, for example, you try to book a room for two adults and a 10 years old child, you will often be offered only suites or two double rooms which are considerably more expensive than a standard double room for two adults.
However, check with hotels directly about their child policy. Some hotels allow children up until a certain age to stay for free if using an extra bed and staying with two full-paying adults. Valamar hotels, for instance, have such a policy for children up to 12 years of age. Hotel Excelsior, for example, charges 50€ extra per day for a child sharing the room with two paying adults. This isn’t too bad of a deal either.
But while many hotels accept children, hotels Club Dubrovnik Sunny Hotel and Elaphusa in Cavtat are 100% family-friendly hotels in Dubrovnik.
In Club Dubrovnik Sunny Hotel you get 3 meals a day and unlimited selected drinks, and children up to 13 years of age stay for free.
A low-key all-inclusive 3-star hotel Epidaurus in Cavtat features a great seafront location with direct access to the pebbly beach, two outdoor swimming pools, and 312 simple but stylish rooms.
Dubrovnik beach hotels
Dubrovnik is a great place to spend the summer holidays by the beach, swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying other fun-under-the-sun activities.
So if besides history and culture, you would also like to profit from Dubrovnik beaches, choose one of the Dubrovnik beach hotels for your stay.
Some hotels, like Hotel Excelsior, Valamar Argosy, Valamar Club Dubrovnik, or Hotel Kompas are located in the vicinity of the most popular Dubrovnik beaches, like Banje, Cava Beach, Copacabana, and Sunset Beach. Some other hotels benefit from the more secluded location and their own beaches, like Villa Dubrovnik or Hotel Dubrovnik Palace.
The best Dubrovnik beach hotels are Valamar President, Villa Dubrovnik, and Hotel Bellevue.
Valamar President has a wonderful pebbly beach right in front of the hotel, with sun decks and parasols, a towel service, and a beach bar. There is an elevator from the hotel directly to the beach.
Hotel Bellevue is located above Bellevue Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Dubrovnik. The beach is natural, made of fine pebbles that feel almost like sand. It is backed by cliffs, surrounded by rocks, has an interesting sea cave to swim into, and a great beach restaurant. Hotel guests can use an elevator to get down to and up from the beach.
A beach at the Villa Dubrovnik is cemented and rocky with ladders used to access the sea. However, the beach is completely private due to the location of Villa Dubrovnik. The hotel is carved into the cliffs, and the beach can only be accessed through the hotel which keeps access limited to the hotel’s guests, and by the sea which isn’t very handy. Loungers, parasols, and beachside cocktails are all available at the beach for hotel guests.
Dubrovnik apartments
Apartments are the single most popular accommodation option in Dubrovnik. If you want more space, a fully-equipped kitchen where you can prepare your own meals, a chance to stay with a local family, and overall more affordable rates, then renting an apartment in Dubrovnik old town or elsewhere can be the right thing to do.
Fear not, long gone are shabby Airbnbs with old furniture and family photos on the walls, reminding you that you are sleeping in the owner’s very own bed. Or a bed of his mother.
Today, many Dubrovnik apartments are new, modern, and furnished by professional interior designers. In fact, many apartments look better than many hotels and often offer better amenities like an espresso coffee machine, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, etc…
Booking.com offers the largest choice of apartments in Dubrovnik. And so does Airbnb!
Just steps away from Sunset Beach, L’Orangerie Dubrovnik Luxury Residence offers accommodation in various apartments ranging from 80 to 170 m2.
A beautifully restored historical building in Dubrovnik’s old town, The Byron features 3 spacious rooms equipped with a kitchenette (plus one smaller attic room) and stocked with Molton Brown toiletries.
Just out of the city walls, in the Ploce neighborhood, Villa Ragusa Vecchia offers apartments in a fantastic location with a shared rooftop terrace, lots of character, and friendly owners.
Best hostels in Dubrovnik
Lots of backpackers visit Dubrovnik every year making it one of the most popular backpacking destinations in Croatia.
This became even more evident after Game of Thrones was filmed in Dubrovnik because so many young fans visit Dubrovnik every year to see filming locations firsthand.
And while Dubrovnik is considered one of the most expensive destinations in Croatia, you can still find affordable accommodation, especially if you don’t mind sharing a room and a bathroom with fellow travelers. However, the majority of Dubrovnik hostels also offer private rooms and bathrooms if you need more privacy and are willing to pay a bit more.
For an affordable stay in the old town check Kingslanding Old Town Hostel or check Hostel 365 For U, a top-rated Dubrovnik hostel.
Find here all the best hostels in Dubrovnik.
Villas in Dubrovnik
From old stone manors to ultra-modern hideaways, villas in Dubrovnik are a perfect choice for large groups of family or friends traveling together.
Located within the town or in the vicinity, villas offer ample space, luxurious amenities, private swimming pools, gardens, complete privacy, and often spectacular views.
Whether you are looking for a heritage home, one of many restored nobleman’s manors hidden behind unassuming stone walls and surrounded by Mediterranean gardens or you look for a lavish modern home with clean lines and spectacular views (or why not both!), you will find it in Dubrovnik.
Booking.com has a decent choice of villas in Dubrovnik, and so does HomeAway. However, you can also check some agencies that specialized exclusively in villa rental like Luxury Croatian Villas.
Further reading: VILLAS IN CROATIA
Camping in Dubrovnik
Camping Solitudo, owned and managed by Valamar Hotels & Resorts, is the only camping in Dubrovnik.
The campsite is located on the Babin Kuk peninsula within a 20-minute bus ride from the old town.
The campsite is open seasonally from April to October. It features 400 pitches and can accommodate about 1.200 people in a single day. Besides touring pitches, camping Solitudo also offers accommodation in mobile homes.
The campsite is by the sea, and guests can use facilities like an outdoor swimming pool and a children’s entertainment program at the nearby hotel.
A grocery store, a bar, and a grill restaurant are all available at the campsite.
Car Rental in Dubrovnik
If you fly into Dubrovnik airport and plan to stay in the town, you actually don’t need a car. Car in Dubrovnik can be more hustle than anything else.
Parking places are scarce, and they are expensive. Besides, streets are often narrow and jam-packed with cars. Dubrovnik’s public transport is good, cabs are plentiful, and walking is always an option. So, if you plan only to visit Dubrovnik, don’t even think about renting a car.
However, if you plan to spend just a couple of days here and then travel up the coast to Split or Peljesac, renting a car might be a good idea, and much better than using buses. A car gives you more freedom, and it’s much faster to travel by car than by bus.
You might also plan to do day trips from Dubrovnik on your own, and you will need a car. In that case, consider renting a car only for days you will actually need it.
Few tips for renting a car in Dubrovnik:
- Rent your car well in advance if you plan to visit in July and August.
- Book early in order to secure the best price available.
- The smaller the car, the easier it is to park it. And also, the cheaper it is.
You can expect to pay 80 € a day for a mini-size car in the high season. The same car you can find for as low as 20 € in the low season.
BOOK A CAR RENTAL NOW AND SAVE! or Go here to read our full guide on Car rental in Croatia!
Things to do in Dubrovnik
There are loads of things to do in Dubrovnik for everybody’s taste and budget. Whether you stay in Dubrovnik for a few days or an entire week, you won’t get bored. Below you will find some Dubrovnik tours and activities that we recommend:
- Sunset Sea Kayaking Tour with Snack
- 2-Hour Game of Thrones Tour
- 1.5-Hour Old Town Guided Walking Tour
- Mostar Full-Day Trip
- Montenegro Day Trip
- Elafiti Islands Day Cruise Onboard Karaka Ship
Further reading
- A Complete Dubrovnik Travel Guide
- Best Restaurants In Dubrovnik
- Things To Do In Dubrovnik
- Top 14 Day Trips From Dubrovnik
- How To Get From Dubrovnik To Split
- Split or Dubrovnik: Where to go first?
- Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik Beaches
- Bars & Nightlife
- Things To Do Beyond The City Walls
- Sea Kayaking, the most popular activity in the town
- Visiting Elafiti Islands
- Karaman Wine Tour
- A Visit To Sokol Grad
- D’Vino Wine Bar
- Bota, The Oyster & Sushi Bar
