Review Author

Joey Skladany

Contributing Writer

Traveler tested, Lannister approved. Dubrovnik’s Hotel Excelsior is a property fit for kings and queens, boasting unobstructed views of Old Town and staking its claim as the Pearl of the Adriatic’s premier hotel offering. And while the coastal country of Croatia is so much more than the backdrop of Game of Thrones’ most iconic scenes, this uncontested crown jewel of hospitality certainly touts the amenities fit for historical fiction royalty. 

The 139-room, 19-suite architectural gem sits on the Dalmatian Coast, complete with a luxe spa, private ocean access, expansive decks, and an indoor lap pool surrounded by Turkish and Roman baths, a dry sauna, steam room, and jacuzzis. Rooms exude understated elegance with wood-paneled walls, cream-toned furniture, and blush accents—each bathed in natural light from private balconies.

Guests can also take full advantage of the hotel’s three restaurants, including Sensus, its fine dining option with fresh-caught Mediterranean cuisine, enjoyed by floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the splendor of the sea and the Baroque-style buildings that literally jut into its glistening horizon. 

The location is also ideal—secluded away from the hustle and bustle of Dubrovnik’s trademark walls that swell with troves of tourists and cruise ship passengers, yet only a five-minute walk for those brave enough to venture into town during peak sightseeing times of late morning and early afternoon. Banje Beach, a local staple, is also a quick stroll for icy dips and unobstructed glimpses of boats that melodically meander through the seemingly always-busy harbor. 

Whether you’re seeking a sanctuary after a long day of exploration or looking for a staff that will cater to practically every need, Hotel Excelsior is the place to call home for a night, a week, or however long your travels may take you to southeast Europe. 

Fast Facts

Location: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Address: Ul. Frana Supila 12, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia

Rating: Five-Star

The Vibe: Sleek and modern, yet surprisingly unpretentious, the Excelsior excels at maintaining a cozy yet elevated look and feel with its minimalist design concept. Its contemporary, clean-line finishes are constructed to let the landscape and its desirable locale do all of the talking. 

Food + Drink: The on-site restaurants are worthy of a visit, but be sure to venture off-property for other culinary highlights. Sister Hotel Bellevue touts one of the most talked-about, Michelin-recommended restaurants, Vapor, featuring an inspired tasting menu of Croatian classics reimagined through molecular gastronomy. For more authentic and humble eats, feast on a peka menu of flame-kissed lamb, veal, potatoes, and vegetables from Konoba Dubrava that will have you embrace the region’s open fire cooking traditions. A trip to Konavle Valley’s picturesque vineyards is also a must, with a tasting at family-owned and operated Winery Botaro, and no stop in wine country is complete without a hearty meal, where riverside and ancient mill-adjacent Konavoski Dvori Eco Green Restaurant stuns among its forest-like setting, especially in the summer. 

Amenities: Spa; gym; pool; sauna area; patio; on-site restaurants; free breakfast; piano bar

Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Hotel Excelsior effortlessly blends into its natural surroundings while offering some of the best vantage points of Old Town and the Adriatic Sea. Guests will crave their return after a long day of exploration, where eyes and legs will inevitably be weary after taking in Croatia’s emerald mountains and lapis beaches. 

5 Nearby Attractions: City Walls; Cultural History Museum at the Rector’s Palace; Ethnographic Museum; Buza Bar; Lokrum

Any Personal Neighborhood Recs?: Book a tour through Adriatic Luxury Services. The company can curate any type of itinerary, whether it’s a historical saunter through Old Town, a culinary experience through Pelješac Peninsula (including Ston oyster farm and lunch at beloved Kapetanova kuća), or a foray into cultural finds like silk-making workshops and local artwork at AR Atelier. Guide Sonja is a wealth of knowledge and conveys information in a way that’s thought-provoking, yet easily digestible. 

Pricing: Rooms start at $324/night

Closest Airport: Dubrovnik Airport Ruđer Bošković (DBV)