Dubrovnik is easily one of the buzziest places in Europe. Attracting millions of tourists each year, the ‘pearl of the Adriatic’ has plenty of feathers in its cap. For history buffs, there’s plenty to learn in a city which dates back to the seventh century and was once part of both the Byzantine Empire and the Republic of Venice. For culture vultures, the storied, UNESCO-listed city has been the backdrop for international TV shows and films, most famously playing host to the crew and cast of Games of Thrones. For sightseers, 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 the old town’s towering, walkable walls are enough to entertain. In short, it’s no wonder Dubrovnik draws even the most discerning travellers. 

With mass tourism comes a flurry of hotel openings, but one that has been a mainstay on the Dalmatian Coast for 50 years is Hotel Dubrovnik Palace. Built in 1972, it was transformed into the five-star stay it is today by Adriatic Luxury Hotels – one of Croatia’s homegrown hoteliers, which also looks after other luxury Dubrovnik addresses including Hotel Excelsior (read our review here) and Hotel Bellevue – in 2004. More than two decades later, Hotel Dubrovnik Palace reigns supreme over the city’s hotel scene. Ready to step inside? Read on for our full review. 

The location

Unlike many of the hotels which will no doubt vie for your attention, Hotel Dubrovnik Palace was designed to be away from the hustle and bustle. Built into a sun-drenched, pine tree-dotted slope perched on the most south-western point of the Lapad peninsula, it is roughly three miles outside of the old town, which can be reached via a 20-minute walk or 10-minute taxi. What it lacks in proximity it makes up for in coastal views, boasting sweeping and uninterrupted vistas of the sparkling Adriatic Sea and the Elafiti islands which make you feel like you’re a world away from one of the busiest cities in the world. 

The rooms

The USP? Every single one of the 308 rooms comes complete with a sunset-facing terrace. They do, however, range in size. While there are plenty of superior rooms and suites to choose from, all rendered in moody palettes to contrast with the bright sea views outside, Hotel Dubrovnik Palace’s best hideaways are housed in its VIP wing. Pick from the magnificent 162 square metre Presidential Suite, named Magnolija – the Croatian term for magnolia and named in homage to the verdant flora which ensconces the hotel – or the newly-designed Ambassador Suite, which has been curated as a literal home-from-home. Boasting its own entrance to offer the height of privacy, expect an en-suite bedroom, sea-facing living space, guest bathroom, and floor-to-ceiling sea views at every turn. 

The restaurants and bars

Every culinary experience at Hotel Dubrovnik Palace has been designed with a different dining experience in mind. The buffet-style Elafiti Restaurant is the place to start and end the day in a casual way, while the beachside Ponta is open just for the summer season, catering for light bites and seafood lunches until September. Poolside tipples are whipped up at the Lanterna Glorijet Bar and, to balance out the indulgence, the health-conscious Lean and Light Bar is where to go for your fix of smoothies and salads. 

The jewel in the crown? Maslina Tavern – a traditional eatery with an à la carte menu punctuated by local seafood. From octopus terrine and Ston oysters, to the signature Fisherman's Pot, featuring shrimp, shellfish, lobster, and fish braised in white wine with local herbs and plum tomatoes, make sure you go hungry. Round off the night – or get it started – with a cocktail at Sunset Lounge which, as the name suggests, is perfect for sundowners with a side of panoramas. 

The experiences

When you’re not soaking up the sights of Dubrovnik, this hotel has plenty to keep you entertained. Boasting direct access to a private, sunbed-peppered beach, as well as three freshwater infinity pools (two outdoor, one indoor), those who don’t like to rest on their laurels can use a holiday here to gain a scuba-diving accreditation from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), the world’s largest and most recognised scuba training organisation. Once completed, enjoy daily shore dives and even excursions to nearby sites like the Taranto wreck. 

Elsewhere, get the endorphins pumping at the padel court, on a run along the leafy jogging path, or with the plethora of walking routes which traverse through the picturesque woods of Petka Hill, which is situated behind the hotel. Those who would rather work up a sweat in the comfort of air conditioning, however, can do so in the hotel’s state-of-the-art fitness centre which, like the rest of the hotel, does not skimp on sea views. 

The spa

Whizz up to the 10^th floor to enjoy a slice of serenity. Complete with a steam bath, Finnish sauna, and the aforementioned pools – one of which is child-friendly – it would be remiss not to try one of the ingredient-led facials or unique massages. The Vitamin Shot facial will provide a healthy dose of vitamin C to reveal a revitalised complexion, while the 75-minute Q10 Boost hones in on the Coenzyme Q10, known for its antioxidant properties while slowing signs of ageing and reducing wrinkles. There’s no shortage of men’s treatments either, with uber-popular Men’s Ritual offering a one-stop-shop for holiday relaxation and recovery, including a triple action facial and sports massage in 90 minutes. 

From £230 per night. 

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