If Dubrovnik could talk, it would have some serious stories to tell. Known as ‘the pearl of the Adriatic’, it dates back to the seventh century, when the city became a transport and economic hub of the Byzantine Empire, later coming under the rule of the Republic of Venice. Having survived a devastating earthquake, multiple state rulers, the Croatian War of Independence and numerous conflicts, it has emerged into the 21^st century as one of Europe’s premier holiday destinations, combining history with hedonism, and culture with cuisine. 

Must-see spots in the UNESCO-listed city include the gothic-renaissance Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace (the oldest building to survive the 1667 earthquake), St Blaise’s Church, adorned with the city’s patron saint, and museums dedicated to commemorating those lost in recent conflicts. Elsewhere, climb the city’s high walls to be rewarded with a picturesque birds-eye view of Dubrovnik’s terracotta roofs or take the cable car 778 metres up for yet another undisturbed, astonishing panorama. 

Fancy a splash in the Adriatic? Join the locals diving from the citadel walls and bathing on the beaches, or explore the azure bays of the Elaphiti Islands. Hugging the west coast of Croatia, the archipelago comprises 13 islands – Šipan and Koločep among the largest of them – and speedboats can whizz you to sparkling swims at sandy inlets and stops at the island of Lopud for a true taste of the Dubrovnik Riviera. 

Sound like your type of holiday? We thought so. Read on for our pick of the best luxury hotels in Dubrovnik. 

Hotel Excelsior

One of 12 in the Adriatic Luxury Hotels portfolio, Hotel Excelsior is one of Croatia’s most famous establishments. Just a 10-minute walk from Ploče Gate, this six-storey property dates back to 1913 and boasts unrivalled views across Dubrovnik’s fortress and a panoramic perspective of the Adriatic Sea that envelopes it, with the pine-clad island of Lokrum directly in its sightline. Impeccable service starts as soon as you walk through the glass doors – the kind which has also catered for royal and celebrity guests such as Queen Elizabeth II and Elizabeth Taylor – while sleek and stylish interiors feature in all 158 bedrooms. 

Exceptional, locally-sourced food is the raison d’être for Hotel Excelsior’s three restaurants. Start your day at Salin’s terrace, boasting vistas towards the fortresses of the Old Town, and wind down at the Abaskus piano bar, where you can fuel on delectable cocktails and snacks after a day out on the town. Fine dining fare comes courtesy of Prora – helmed by chef Peter Obad, and served in the romantic, stone enclave tucked beneath the hotel – while Sensus is the spot to sample baked scallops in butter and sheep’s cheese, locally-sourced fish with olives and dried tomatoes, and Katafi prawns with grilled chicken and parmesan. 

From £250 per night. 

Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik

Housed in an historic edifice that wouldn’t look out of place in Lake Como, Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik opened in 1897 as the city’s first purpose-built hotel catering to the cruise ship crowd. It fringes the Old Town, situated close to Pile Gate, the Lovrijenac Fort, and Šulić beach, and after a day exploring the sites, there are few addresses in the city where you can relax and unwind in such sumptuous style. With a starry clientele including international royalty and politicians – King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson stayed during the summer of 1936 – book here to experience the height of old-school Dubrovnikian glamour. 

The hotel really comes alive in its restaurants. If the sun is shining, head to the verdant Imperial Terrace, where executive chef Julija Bašić and her team showcase their love for Dalmatian flavours via tasting menus. Elsewhere, the more laidback Imperial Bar and Lounge is home to a signature afternoon tea, as well as grazing plates of salads and snacks. Looking to rejuvenate? Head to the intimate but exclusive spa, where you can take cover in the indoor pool. 

From £460 per night. 

The Pucić Palace

Images: The Pucić Palace

Situated in the heart of Dubrovnik’s storied Old Town, The Pucić Palace takes its name from its former life as an opulent residence for the Pucić family – once the most aristocratic clan in the region, whose first mention in the city’s archives dates back to the 13^th century and whose influence spanned all sectors of society, from politics to art. Today, the five-star hotel remains grand enough for any lord or lady, having weathered changes brought by new owners, natural disasters and, most recently, the 1990s Homeland War, before its grand opening to the public in 2002. 

More than two decades on, the property remains the first port of call for many well-heeled Croats. It describes itself as a living museum, which certainly isn’t a bad thing when interiors feature antique furniture and preserved paintings, as well as original architectural accents including olive-wood flooring, Baroque staircases and classic beamed ceilings. There are only 19 rooms to choose from, but we recommend opting for one with a clear eyeline of Gundulić Square and the historic cathedral dome, before dining at either Restaurant Magdalena – named after noblewoman Magdalena Pucić and offering fine dining – or Restaurant Lucijan. Named for Dubrovnik senator Nikola Lucijan Pucić, whose wife countess Elena Pucić Sorkočević was the first female Croatian music composer, this is the place to soak up the Old Town’s atmosphere while dining on Dalmatian cured meats and Adriatic seafood. 

From £400 per night. 

Hotel More

Cave Bar More. Images: Hotel More

Stunning sea views of the Lapad peninsula combine with sophisticated seafood and serene accommodation at Hotel More. Just a stone’s throw from the sea, and now in its 18th year, this five-star, adults-only hotel is perfect for those seeking a peaceful, romantic retreat. Choose from 77 elegant rooms or eight suites – all boasting forward-facing panoramas towards leafy Lokrum Island – or, for longer stays, opt for one of the apartments operated by the hotel. We love the carefully-curated Palmotta Palace apartments found in two renovated stone townhouses fringing Stradun, Dubrovnik's vibrant main street. 

Foodies can indulge at three restaurants, including the namesake More, which boasts a Mediterranean-inspired menu served on the sun-drenched terrace, and Tramuntana specialising in Dalmatian cuisine – think cuttlefish salad with baby tomatoes, black Adriatic squid risotto and the signature ossobuco: slow-cooked veal shank, mashed potatoes, and red wine sauce. Don’t miss the Cave Bar More: dubbed ‘the coolest place in Dubrovnik’, this unique bar spans three levels inside a natural cave where you can enjoy coffees at dawn and cocktails at dusk. 

From £225 per night. 

Hotel Bellevue

Another Adriatic Luxury Hotel, Hotel Bellevue emerged from a thorough top-to-toe renovation in 2019. The perfect choice for those who don’t want to be among the hustle and bustle, Bellevue is perched on a high cliff overlooking Miramare Bay, therefore boasting some of the most spectacular panoramas of the Dalmatian coast, but is also just a 10-minute walk down to the mesmerising medieval city centre. Quiet beaches are pretty hard to come by on this craggy coast, but at the base of Bellevue’s cliffs is a pebble beach where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun. 

Carved into a cliffside, with floor-to-ceiling windows revealing the vast Adriatic, the 91 rooms ooze elegance and calm, dressed in a neutral palette that lets the views do the talking. Downstairs, discover the open-air, seafront-facing Spice Lounge stocking more than 180 wines, the atmospheric Nevera restaurant nestled inside a candlelit, man-made cave for the ultimate romantic dinner experience, and Michelin Guide-recommended Vapor. Here, chef Mate Matić serves an array of signature dishes, ranging from lamb rump with confit sweet potato and celery, to lobster tail with clam veloute and lemon gel. 

From £250 per night. 

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