Best Hotels in Dubrovnik

Not sure where to book your stay in Dubrovnik? Start with the area first. The “best” hotel depends on whether you want to be steps from the City Walls, close to beaches and resorts, or based somewhere practical for ferries, day trips, and better-value rooms.

This guide helps you choose quickly with an area comparison and hand-picked hotel recommendations by travel style. If you’re visiting for the first time and want maximum sightseeing time, focus on Old Town, Pile, or Ploče. If you want beaches, promenades, and a wider choice of modern hotels, look at Lapad and Babin Kuk. If you care most about convenience and price, Gruž is a smart base with great transport connections.

Useful links while you plan: Dubrovnik travel guide, hostels in Dubrovnik, luxury villas in Dubrovnik, beaches in Dubrovnik, parking in Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik hotels: where to stay + best areas

Dubrovnik is compact, but the experience can feel completely different depending on where you sleep. Staying in or near the Old Town gives you the classic "walk everywhere" Dubrovnik, but it can come with stairs, limited vehicle access, and a premium price tag. Lapad and Babin Kuk are better if you want swimming spots, resort facilities, and a more relaxed evening scene. Gruž is the most practical choice for many travellers: it’s close to the ferry port and Main Bus Station, usually offers better value, and connects easily to the Old Town by local bus.

Use the next sections to choose your ideal base, then scroll to the hotel picks by style and by neighbourhood. If you’re booking for peak summer dates, start early and prioritize location first (Old Town access or beach access), then narrow down by amenities like breakfast, air conditioning, elevator access, and parking.

Quick picks: best Dubrovnik hotels (by travel style)

If you only read one section, use this shortlist. It covers the most common Dubrovnik hotel decisions: walkable Old Town access, sea-view luxury, beach-and-resort comfort, family-friendly facilities, and a convenient value base for transport.

• Best luxury near Old Town (Ploče): Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik (Ploče) - iconic seafront luxury with standout views and an easy approach to the Old Town without staying inside the walls.
• Best classic hotel by the walls (Pile Gate): Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik (Pile) - ideal for first-timers who want quick Old Town access with full-service hotel comfort.
• Best boutique stay inside the Old Town: The Pucic Palace (Old Town) - a heritage-style boutique option for travellers who want to wake up in the heart of the historic centre.
• Best design-forward luxury close to town: Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik (Boninovo/Miramare Bay) - cliffside setting, sea views, and a "retreat" feel while still being relatively close to the Old Town.
• Best beachfront-style hotel in Lapad: Hotel Dubrovnik Palace (Lapad) - strong choice if you want sea views, on-site facilities, and a calmer base than the Old Town.
• Best resort feel in the city (Babin Kuk): President Hotel, Valamar Collection (Babin Kuk) - great for couples and families who want a quieter peninsula setting with sea views and resort amenities.
• Best family resort near Dubrovnik: Sun Gardens Dubrovnik (Orašac) - best for families who want a self-contained resort experience, more space, and lots to do on-site (note: it's outside central Dubrovnik).
• Best convenient base for ferries and day trips: Berkeley Hotel & Day Spa (Gruž) - smart pick if you're arriving by ferry/bus or planning frequent excursions and want a good-value location.
• Best modern Lapad pick: Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik (Lapad Bay) - a modern, stylish option close to Lapad's promenade and beaches, with straightforward connections into town.

Pick the right area in 30 seconds

Use this quick comparison to choose a base that matches your trip. In Dubrovnik, location affects everything from how often you use buses to how easy it is to reach your hotel with luggage.

Quick reality check: if you are staying in or very close to the Old Town, expect limited vehicle access in the historic zone at certain times and seasons, plus stairs and short walks with luggage. If you prefer easy drop-offs and more space, Lapad, Babin Kuk, and Gruž are often simpler choices.

Map & transport basics (how to get around from your hotel)

Dubrovnik is easy to navigate once you understand two key points: the Old Town is pedestrian-first, and most visitors enter via the Pile or Ploče gates. Where your hotel sits (Old Town, Pile, Ploče, Lapad, Babin Kuk, Gruž) determines whether you will walk everywhere or rely on buses and short taxi rides.

• Pile and Ploče are the main Old Town access points. Pile Gate is the most common entry for buses, tours, and day-to-day sightseeing, so it is a useful landmark when choosing where to stay. See Pile Gate for orientation and practical tips.
• Expect limited vehicle access around the Old City in season. The official Dubrovnik Tourist Board notes that vehicle access to the historic city zone (including areas from Pile to Boninovo) is restricted under specific conditions during the busier part of the year, so drop-offs can be limited and you may need to walk a short distance with luggage. Read the official vehicle access rules.
• Use the city bus network for Lapad, Babin Kuk, and Gruž. These neighbourhoods are well-connected to the Old Town area, and most routes effectively funnel you toward Pile. Use our practical resources to plan routes and stops: Dubrovnik city bus map and Dubrovnik bus guide.
• Arriving by ferry or coach? Dubrovnik’s main ferry port and the main bus station are in Gruž, which is why many travellers choose Gruž for a practical base and often better value. Start here: Dubrovnik ferry port and Dubrovnik main bus station.
• Driving and parking: if you are coming by car, plan your parking before you book, especially if your accommodation is near the Old Town. If you are staying inside the Old Town, confirm with your hotel in advance whether parking is available and whether it is included or charged separately. See parking in Dubrovnik, including Iza Grada, public garage, and Gruž port parking.

Tip: If being able to walk back after dinner matters to you, prioritize Old Town, Pile, or Ploče. If you prefer more space, easier logistics, and beach time, Lapad and Babin Kuk are usually a better fit, with simple bus connections into town.

Best Dubrovnik hotels by area

Use these neighbourhood picks if you already know what kind of Dubrovnik you want. Each area has a different feel: Old Town for pure atmosphere, Pile and Ploče for fast access with easier logistics, Lapad for beaches and dining, Babin Kuk for resort-style stays, and Gruž for value and transport convenience.

Old Town (inside the walls)

Best for travellers who want to step outside and be immediately in the historic centre. The trade-off is practicality: expect stairs, cobblestones, and limited vehicle access close to the walls. If parking matters, confirm with your hotel in advance whether it is available and whether it is included or charged separately.

• Hotel Pucić Palace - boutique Old Town stay for couples and first-timers who want maximum atmosphere.
• Prijeko Palace - a smaller Old Town option if you want to be close to Stradun and the main sights.

Pile and Boninovo (closest access without staying inside the walls)

Best for first-timers who want quick Old Town access and easier hotel logistics than staying inside the walls. Pile is the main gateway area, while Boninovo and nearby zones offer a slightly calmer feel with sea views in places.

• Hotel Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik - classic full-service stay right by Pile Gate, ideal for walking everywhere.
• Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik - stylish luxury feel with a dramatic coastal setting, good if you want a retreat vibe close to town.
• Hotel Rixos Premium Dubrovnik - five-star beachfront comfort within reach of the Old Town, with resort-style facilities.

Ploče (best for views and luxury near the Old Town)

Ploče sits on the eastern side of the Old Town and is a top choice for sea views, higher-end hotels, and a short coastal walk into the historic centre via Ploče Gate.

• Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik - iconic Dubrovnik luxury with standout views and an easy walk to the Old Town.
• Hotel Villa Dubrovnik - top-tier choice if you want privacy, sea views, and a quieter luxury feel close to the walls.
• Grand Villa Argentina - elegant, garden-like setting near the Old Town with classic Dubrovnik views over the sea and Lokrum.

Lapad (beaches, promenade, restaurants)

Lapad is the best all-round base if you want beach time, evening dining, and a wider choice of modern hotels. You will usually use the bus (or a short taxi ride) to reach the Old Town, but many travellers prefer Lapad for the relaxed pace.

• Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik - modern Lapad Bay favourite near the promenade and beach.
• Hotel Uvala - comfortable Lapad base if you want a calmer hotel close to the sea.
• Grand Hotel Park - popular Lapad choice with good access to restaurants and the promenade.
• Hotel Lapad - classic Dubrovnik hotel style, good for travellers who prefer traditional charm.
• Hotel More - great if you want a scenic peninsula feel and a more romantic, sea-facing stay.

Babin Kuk (resorts, pools, family-friendly stays)

Babin Kuk is the resort zone on the Lapad peninsula. Choose it if you want pools, beach access, on-site facilities, and quiet evenings. The trade-off is distance from the Old Town, so plan to commute by bus or taxi.

• Hotel Dubrovnik President - strong choice for sea views and a resort-style setup.
• Hotel Royal Princess - suite-style comfort on the peninsula, popular for couples and families.
• Royal Palm - good-value resort option if you want Babin Kuk facilities without going ultra-luxury.
• Hotel Neptun - easy resort pick for travellers who prioritise pools and beach time.
• Hotel Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik - solid all-round resort base with a wide range of amenities.
• Hotel Argosy - a quieter Babin Kuk option with a relaxed, holiday feel.

Gruž (port, bus station, best value base)

Gruž is the most practical base if you are arriving by ferry or coach, planning lots of day trips, or simply want better value. It is less “scenic” than Old Town or Lapad, but it can be a smart choice for logistics.

• Hotel Berkeley - excellent for transport convenience and a clean, straightforward stay.
• Boutique Hotel Kazbek - boutique luxury in Gruž Bay if you want privacy with easy access to Lapad and town.
• Hotel Adria - good-value option if you want a practical base for exploring.
• Hotel Petka - budget-friendly choice for travellers who care most about location convenience and price.

Best hotels near Old Town Dubrovnik (quick list)

If your priority is being close to the City Walls without dealing with the practical downsides of sleeping inside the Stari grad (Old Town), focus on Pile, Ploče, and nearby Boninovo. These areas keep you within easy reach of the main entrances like Pile Gate, while offering more full-service hotel options and simpler arrival logistics.

• Best near Pile Gate (fastest access): Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik - ideal for first-timers who want to step straight into the Old Town for sightseeing, dinners, and early tours.
• Best near Ploče Gate (luxury + classic views): Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik - a top pick for sea views and a high-end stay that still keeps the Old Town within easy reach.
• Best views + walkable (calmer base close to town): Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik - great if you want a quieter, more "retreat" feel while staying close enough to visit the Old Town frequently.

Booking tips for Dubrovnik hotels

Dubrovnik hotel prices and availability change dramatically by season, and the Old Town (Stari grad) comes with unique logistics like stairs, limited vehicle access, and tight parking. Use these tips to avoid common booking mistakes and choose a hotel that fits your trip.

• Book earlier for June to August: summer is the busiest period in Dubrovnik, with higher prices and fewer rooms left in the most popular areas (Old Town, Pile, Ploče). If you want a specific hotel or sea-view room, secure it well in advance.
• Consider shoulder season for better value: many travellers prefer May, early June, September, and October for fewer crowds and often better prices, while still getting great weather.
• Choose your area first, then the hotel: Old Town, Pile, and Ploče maximise walkability; Lapad and Babin Kuk suit beach time and resort facilities; Gruž is practical for ferries, buses, and value.
• Old Town warning (stairs and access): if you stay inside the walls, expect steps and cobblestones. Ask the hotel about luggage assistance, the easiest arrival point, and the walking distance from drop-off.
• Parking is not automatic: if you are travelling by car, confirm whether parking exists, whether it is included, and how far it is from the property (especially in the Old Town and near the walls). Start with parking in Dubrovnik.
• Check for air-conditioning and elevator access: summer heat is real, and many buildings (especially smaller Old Town properties) may have stairs and limited lift access. Confirm before booking if mobility is a concern.
• Know what “beach access” really means: Dubrovnik beaches are often rocky platforms and stairs to the sea. If “beach” is your priority, Lapad and Babin Kuk usually offer the easiest swimming setups.
• Look at cancellation terms for peak dates: July and August bookings can have stricter cancellation policies and minimum stays. If your plans might change, choose flexible rates early.
• Tourist tax may be charged separately: in Croatia, tourist tax applies to stays in registered accommodation. Depending on the property and booking channel, it may be included in the price or paid at check-in. If you want the official overview, see tourist tax (gov.hr).
• Arriving by ferry or coach? consider staying in Gruž for simple logistics, then use buses to reach the Old Town. See Dubrovnik ferry port and Dubrovnik main bus station.
• Use the bus map to sanity-check location: if you stay in Lapad, Babin Kuk, or Gruž, confirm how easy it is to reach the Old Town using Dubrovnik city bus map.

Alternatives to hotels

Hotels are not the only good option in Dubrovnik. Depending on your budget, group size, and how long you are staying, you might get a better experience (and better value) with a hostel or a villa style stay.

• Hostels (budget and social): best for solo travellers, short stays, and anyone who wants to meet people. Start here: hostels in Dubrovnik.
• Luxury villas (space and privacy): ideal for families and groups who want multiple bedrooms, outdoor space, and a quieter base away from the crowds of the Stari grad. Browse options here: luxury villas in Dubrovnik.
• Apartments and rooms (flexible local-style stays): great if you want a kitchen, more space, or a residential neighbourhood feel in areas like Lapad, Babin Kuk, or Gruž. Many apartment and rooms listings are included across our Dubrovnik accommodation coverage, so use the area sections above to choose the right base first, then shortlist properties by location.

If you are booking outside hotels, pay extra attention to practical details Dubrovnik is known for - stairs, parking, and vehicle access near the Old Town. Always confirm check-in logistics (especially late arrivals) and where you can realistically leave a car if you are driving.

How we choose hotels (so you can trust the picks)

This page is designed to help you book smarter, not just list places to stay. Our recommendations are based on what matters most in Dubrovnik: location trade-offs (Old Town access vs beaches vs transport), day-to-day logistics (stairs, parking, vehicle access), and the basics that most travellers care about once they arrive.

• Location fit first: we prioritise hotels that make sense for how people actually visit Dubrovnik, then group them by the areas travellers search for most (Stari grad, Pile, Ploče, Lapad, Babin Kuk, Gruž).
• Real Dubrovnik logistics: we highlight common issues like stairs, hills, limited car access near the Old Town, and whether a location is realistically walkable or bus-dependent.
• Practical essentials: we favour properties that clearly communicate key features travellers often need in Dubrovnik, such as air-conditioning, breakfast options, elevator access, and transport convenience.
• Travel-style relevance: instead of one long list, we include shortlists for typical trips (luxury near the walls, beach-and-resort stays, family-friendly options, and a practical base for ferries and day trips).
• No fake verification claims: we do not claim to personally inspect rooms. Always confirm details that matter to you (parking availability and cost, exact room type, accessibility, late check-in rules) directly with the hotel or your booking provider.

FAQ - Dubrovnik hotels

• What is the best area to stay in Dubrovnik for first-timers? For most first-time visitors, Old Town (Stari grad) is the most atmospheric, but Pile and Ploče are often the easiest compromise because you are close to the walls with simpler hotel logistics. If you want more space and beach time, Lapad is a great all-round base.
• Is it better to stay in Old Town or Lapad? Stay in Old Town if you want to walk everywhere, sightsee early, and enjoy evenings without relying on transport (but expect stairs and limited access). Choose Lapad if you prefer beaches, a promenade, more modern hotels, and a calmer base, then use buses or taxis to reach the Old Town.
• Which area is best for beaches? Lapad and Babin Kuk are the best choices for swimming and a beach-focused trip. They have more seaside hotels and easier access to popular пляže and swimming spots than the Old Town area.
• Where can I stay in Dubrovnik on a budget? Gruž is often the best-value area for hotels because it is practical and well connected, and you can also look at hostels if you want to keep costs down. Start here: hostels in Dubrovnik.
• Where should I stay for ferries and day trips? Gruž is the most convenient base because the ferry port and main bus station are there. It is a smart choice if you are doing multiple day trips and want simpler logistics: Dubrovnik ferry port.
• How do I get from Lapad or Gruž to the Old Town? Most travellers use the city bus network, which typically brings you toward the Pile area (main Old Town gate). Use this for planning stops and routes: Dubrovnik city bus map.
• If I stay in the Old Town, can I park at the hotel? Not always. Parking is limited and some properties have no parking at all. If you are staying in Stari grad, confirm with the hotel before booking whether parking exists, whether it is included, and where you actually leave the car. See parking in Dubrovnik.

Browse Dubrovnik hotels

Below you will find a complete list of Dubrovnik hotels covered on Absolute Croatia. Use the area guide above (Stari grad, Pile, Ploče, Lapad, Babin Kuk, Gruž) to pick the best base first, then scroll the hotel listings to compare options by location, style, and facilities. Click any hotel to open the full article with practical details like distance to the Old Town, transport tips, and what to expect on arrival.