Hotel Excelsior

One of the most convenient and accommodating hotels near Dubrovnik’s Old City, this large property seamlessly melds a newer, sleek wing with a converted 19^th-century villa.

• The private platform beach accessible only to hotel guests
• A sprawling terrace where cocktails can be enjoyed al fresco
• Family-friendly layouts of the hotel’s many suites

A royal villa in the early 1900s, this regal property once welcomed such illustrious guests as Elizabeth Taylor and Queen Elizabeth II. Now an elegant hotel, the Excelsior has an idyllic location just a 10-minute walk from the city center, and boasts beautiful views of the Old Town and Adriatic. Among the hotel’s additional perks is its private platform beach, located just a short walk from the hotel.

The Excelsior is large but not impersonal. The hotel consists of two buildings, the newer Towers and the Classic Building, both of which have received full renovations. Of its 159 rooms and suites, the best are the deluxe and executive options, which boast private terraces. The presidential and penthouse suites provide stately bedrooms, oversized common spaces and stunning panoramas of the Adriatic. Thanks to recent refurbishments, the interior décor feels sophisticated and sleek with appropriate pops of color throughout, such as rose-pink bed throws or canary yellow lounge chairs. All rooms are spacious, well-appointed and receive plenty of natural light.

The property features three restaurants, each with large terraces, and all offer a range of cocktails and wines (the best are the Croatian varietals). The spa and indoor pool are located on the lowest level.

Families will love the hotel’s spacious suites and connecting options, while couples will be comfortable in the deluxe rooms. If location is important to you, this hotel offers the best of both worlds, located less than a 10-minute walk from town, yet still boasting prime views of the Old City.