Last updated on February 17th, 2026 at 10:45 pm
Are you planning a trip to Croatia and wondering where to stay in Dubrovnik?
Beautiful Dubrovnik is just brimming with gorgeous accommodation and spectacular settings that will make you want to stay longer than you originally planned, I know firsthand because this is the coastal city in Croatia where I have spent more time than anywhere else!
Dubrovnik Old Town is the main area to stay – and it’s fantastic, one of the most atmospheric places I’ve been to – I love breakfasting on the terrace surrounded by history, romantic wine bar rooftops and wonderful boutique hotels like the lovely Stari Grad and just next door, there’s Ploce and Pile Gate for stunning coastline vistas!
I’ve stopped in all three locations, and each offers the kind of Dubrovnik accommodation you hoped to find, from heritage-listed boutiques within the ancient walls to luxury hotels with epic rooftops and restaurants – and below I’m sharing my top picks!!
Quick Picks: Best Hotels In Dubrovnik
Short on time? Here’s the best places to stay in Dubrovnik!
- Boutique Hotel Stari Grad – best overall boutique & rooftop in Old Town!
- Palace Natalie – historic boutique, pool & scenic setting!
- Heritage Villa Nobile – romantic Mediterranean style boutique!
- Villa Allure – great value boutique with rooftop pool & views!
- Hotel Excelsior – top 5-star hotel in Dubrovnik’s Riviera!
WHERE TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK – OVERVIEW
When planning where to stay in Dubrovnik, the Old Town, Ploce and Pile are the most central spots and offer the most wonderful settings and best accommodation, while being just an easy walk from the main attractions. It’s where you will spend the most time!
And after so many trips, these are still my personal favourites – the cherry on top would be a room with a balcony or hotel with a beautiful terrace to come back to after a day of exploring!
Take a quick look at the top three main areas to stay in Dubrovnik, which are within walking distance to the old town!
Where To Stay In Dubrovnik – At A Glance
Old Town – (UNESCO)
Old Town is Dubrovnik’s central and historic location, bustling and pedestrianised, with the main sights, attractions, boutique hotels, wine bars and restaurants – ideal for first-time visitors!
Ploce
Polce is an upscale ‘Riviera’ with luxury hotels – with pools, Mediterranean settings, spectacular Old Town and Adriatic views, great for couples, just a 5-10 minute walk to the harbour – it’s my favourite spot!!
Pile
Pile sits to the west of the Old Town, a charming historic and tranquil seafront spot with flatter terrain and views of Lovrijenac Fortress and a two-minute walk to the centre, best for quiet convenience.
Lapad
Lapad is a modern beach area with the only resort-style accommodation in Dubrovnik, pools and more amenities, great for a longer relaxing stay – a 15-25 minute drive to central Dubrovnik.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK CROATIA
OLD TOWN DUBROVNIK
Best area to stay in Dubrovnik Croatia for first-time visitors!
The picture-perfect UNESCO Old Town is the best place to stay in Dubrovnik for first-time visitors and for those who love history, exploring and central locations, it’s the heart and soul of Dubrovnik!
While compact in size, this is the place in Dubrovnik that people come to see, it’s full of character with ancient architecture and narrow cobbled lanes, infamous steep stairs and charming restaurants, there’s atmosphere in spades – evenings especially!
If you’re a fan of boutique hotels, you will love this location. It’s where you’ll find the majority of gorgeous suites and romantic heritage boutique hotels, even restored palaces with original stone details – including my favourite hotel, Boutique Hotel Stari Grad, one of the best hotels in Dubrovnik Old Town and the one to book for style, atmosphere, and location.
Dubrovnik Old Town is by far the most popular and bustling area in Dubrovnik, but it’s ideal if you’re visiting for the first time!
BEST HOTELS DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN
Hotels, Boutiques, Villas & Apartments!
Boutique Hotel Stari Grad
Boutique Hotel Stari Grad is the best boutique hotel right in the heart of Dubrovnik Old Town, boasting plush interiors and a stunning rooftop breakfast terrace overlooking the historic rooftops. If it’s available, grab the junior suite with balcony – it’s unbeatable.
The Pucic Palace Hotel
The Pucic Palace Hotel is a historic five-star hotel, a former Baroque Palace combining heritage and elegance with ancient ceilings and original stone walls! I’ve visited for breakfast on the charming square and it’s easily one of my favourite experiences!
Bota Palace – private rooms & suites
Bota Palace offers a beautiful selection of stylish suites and charming views! It’s rare to find such reasonably priced quality accommodation in this top location – I really enjoyed my two nights, one of the best places to stay in Dubrovnik old town!
Scalini Palace Hotel
Scalini Palace Hotel is a great-value boutique hotel set within a charming location in the Old Town, featuring a cool stone staircase! I recommend booking the top-tier balcony rooms with fantastic views over the rooftops!
Villa Lapisa – whole private villa
Villa Lapisa is a dream place to stay in Dubrovnik Old Town, it offers three bedrooms and a pretty balcony with views over the orange rooftops! Newly renovated to a high standard – every mod-con has been thought about, even a sauna!
Villa Inside The Old Town – whole private villa
Villa Inside The Old Town offers guests two-bedrooms and bathrooms, lots of space and a wonderful rooftop terrace. This villa is perfect for small groups or families looking for a quality stay in Dubrovnik and more space!
PLOCE EAST GATE DUBROVNIK
Best place to stay in Dubrovnik for luxury & views!
Ploce is the best place to stay in Dubrovnik for luxury villa-style accommodation and stunning Riviera views. I love this spot for relaxing by the sea and sunset cocktails while being just a few minutes’ walk to the Old Town’s eastern entry point, Ploce Gate.
It’s one of the most beautiful locations in Dubrovnik, when I first laid eyes on the view with its striking orange rooftops against the turquoise sea (see above left) back in 2012 en route from the airport, I was mesmerised – I think this is most visitors’ first impression!
For me, the wonderful setting is bucket list worthy, and you can enjoy it directly from your balcony, especially if you book the gorgeous Hotel Excelsior, it’s hands down the best hotel for style and views!
A stay in Ploce is more scenic and tranquil, you’ll have the best of both worlds, private sun-lounging with epic views and sightseeing nearby!
WHERE TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK PLOCE
Hotels, Boutiques & Apartments!
Hotel Exelsior
Hotel Excelsior is one of the most iconic 5-star hotels in Dubrovnik, with a stunning seafront setting, fresh-water pools and unbeatable views over the Old Town. I’ve visited for drinks and sunset on the terrace, and it’s easily one of my favourite places in the city.
Villa Allure Hotel
Villa Allure Of Dubrovnik is a gorgeous traditional stone, affordable luxury boutique hotel with a private rooftop pool overlooking the old town and sea! It’s especially popular with couples – the Premium Double Room with sea view is the one to book.
Villa Dubrovnik Hotel
Villa Dubrovnik, a modern seafront hotel offering designer rooms, a beautiful coastal setting, private beach access, top sun lounging areas and a lovely spa, making this a top hotel choice for minimalist luxury lovers!
Ragusa Seaview Apartment
Ragusa Seaview Apartment is a brand new apartment in Ploce, a cool place to stay in Dubrovnik with quality furnishings and a sunny terrace to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views – perfect if you’re looking for privacy and quiet luxury!
Villa Paulina – whole private villa
Villa Paulina, a stunning six-bedroomed elegant villa in Ploce with style in spades, plus a gorgeous private pool overlooking Lokrum Island and Dubrovnik Old Town! It’s perfect for groups, families or special occasions!
Villa T Dubrovnik – whole private villa
Villa T Dubrovnik is ideal for groups, this six-bedroomed modern villa comes with a spa, sea-facing infinity pool, terrace, bar and lounging area and a hot spring bath – there’s every amenity imaginable!
PILE GATE WEST DUBROVNIK
Best area to stay in Dubrovnik Croatia for quiet charm & Old Town access!
Pile sits on the Western entrance to Dubrovnik Old Town and comes with a few good attractions of its own, including Lovrijenac Fortress and a couple of hidden local beaches, not to mention some lovely sea views and sunsets.
It’s the best area to stay in Dubrovnik for peace and quiet along the waterfront, away from the main Old Town bustle, but only a 10-minute walk away, through the West Gate drawbridge – it’s super convenient and also pretty cool!
Many people visit this location to walk to the top of the Fortress on the hill, which is one of the major viewing points and best things to do in Dubrovnik, and you’ll be just moments away; you can even spot it from the restaurant and hotel terraces in the area!
While not overrun with accommodation, there are a couple of fantastic boutique hotel options here with gorgeous Mediterranean garden settings and sea views, like Palace Natali. This boutique hotel is idyllic – a wonderful place to stay in Dubrovnik!
WHERE TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK PILE GATE
Hotels, Boutiques & Apartments!
Palace Natali Hotel
Palace Natali is a former 16th-century aristocratic summer home turned 5-star boutique hotel oasis, complete with an outdoor pool, lush gardens, and elegant terraces For a special treat, book the Garden Double Room with terrace – it’s beautiful.
Boutique Heritage Villa Nobile
Boutique Heritage Villa Nobile is a romantic 4-star boutique hotel with individually decorated rooms, a Mediterranean-style garden and a fantastic breakfast terrace – one of the most popular places to stay in Dubrovnik for couples!
Hilton Imperial Hotel
Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik – an eye-catching hotel just outside the city walls with glam heritage details, a lovely pool and super plush interiors and spacious suites. The lobby alone is spectacular – this is where the Game of Thrones cast stayed. When I visited, I thought the atmosphere was fantastic!
Sea Rocks Residence – private suites
Sea Rocks Residence offers authentic suites with sea views situated in a peaceful spot right on the waterfront near the historic Fort – certainly a unique place to stay in Dubrovnik for privacy and views!
LAPAD & BABIN KUK
Best area in to stay in Dubrovnik Croatia for beaches & luxury resorts!
Lapad is the place for beaches and luxury resorts, it’s the best area to stay in Dubrovnik for family vacations or if you are staying for longer to take advantage of the luxuries and amenities these resorts offer – and Dubrovnik Old Town is only a 20-minute drive away for exploring!
You’ll find a selection of restaurants and shallow pebble beaches in this area, including two luxury beach clubs in secluded bays; Coral Bay and Copacabana. But unlike the cosy taverns of the Old Town with ancient stone walls, in Lapad and Babin Kuk, things are much more modern.
The fantastic resorts here are designed to be the focus of your stay, while taking a day trip to the Old Town or islands, they are equipped with everything from pools and private beaches, to multiple restaurants, spas, beautiful lounging terraces and more!
Stylish Rixos Premium Dubrovnik is the most popular resort in Lapad – and you can easily walk to Dubrovnik Old Town in 15-minutes, some resorts also offer shuttles!
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN LAPAD & BABIN KUK
Resorts & luxury hotels in Dubrovnik
Rixos Premium Dubrovnik
Rixos Premium Dubrovnik, Rixos Premium Dubrovnik is a stunning 5-star coastal resort with panoramic sea views, two pools, a spa, and several excellent restaurants and bars. For the best experience, book the Spa Suite with sea view – it’s worth every penny. Old Town is only a 15-minute walk away.
Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik
Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik is set on a spectacular cliff; this lovely 5-star hotel has wonderful sea vistas across a beautiful bay. Enjoy the contemporary design, beach restaurant, wine bar, pool and gorgeous suites! You can walk to the Old Town!
President Hotel
President Hotel offers a prime beachfront location with private sunbeds, a sunny pool, sauna, restaurants and lovely outdoor lounging areas! A top resort (the largest) near Copacabana Beach – I’ve spent hours here enjoying drinks on the cabanas, it’s easily one of my favourite spots!
Hotel Dubrovnik Palace
Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, is situated on Lapad’s private peninsula, it looks like an island and offers guests four restaurants, including a fabulous breakfast spot and two beautiful pools! Choose between a variety of sleek rooms with sea-view balconies.
Summary Of The Best Places To Stay In Dubrovnik Croatia!
Here’s a quick summary for where to stay in Dubrovnik, the options below are my absolute top picks – where I’ve stayed or visited!
LUXURY HOTELS: Hotel Excelsior, Rixos Premium Dubrovnik
TOP BOUTIQUE HOTELS: Boutique Hotel Stari Grad, The Pucic Palace Hotel, Palace Natali
MID- RANGE BOUTIQUE HOTELS: Villa Allure Of Dubrovnik, Scalini Palace Hotel
STYLISH PRIVATE ROOMS: Bota Palace
BEST BEACH HOTELS: President Hotel, Hotel Excelsior
WHERE TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK TIPS!
When To Visit Dubrovnik
The main time to visit Dubrovnik is between May and October. For the best experience, great weather and fewer crowds, consider May-June or September. Late May is my favourite as the evenings are lighter and the beaches are just opening up!
How Many Days In Dubrovnik
I highly recommend staying for a minimum of 3 days in Dubrovnik, longer if you include a day trip to the Elaphiti Islands, heritage town of Cavtat, island hopping or beach days, just a stone’s throw away!!
Best Time To Book
Booking early in Dubrovnik gets you better deals and accommodation options! Some boutique hotels have only eight rooms and maybe only one of those has a balcony, so to secure your first choice – lock it in! (If I were going to Dubrovnik in June, I’d book in January).
Know What To Expect
Dubrovnik accommodation is varied, the Old Town rooms are often smaller, but you do get original features and charm – and breakfast is always included! If you’re looking for more space and amenities, consider a suite or hotel outside the walls, such as Hotel Excelsior in Ploce.
How To Get Around Dubrovnik Old Town
Dubrovnik Old Town and most of Pile are pedestrianised areas, fairly compact and easily walkable, which is why I recommend staying in these spots. For exploring further afield, there are taxi boats in Dubrovnik harbour, and a local bus station at Pile Gate. Taxis stands are located on either side of the old own gates.
WHERE TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK: FAQ
Where to stay in Dubrovnik for first-timers?
For first-time visitors, the best places to stay in Dubrovnik are the Old Town, the Riviera (Ploce) or the waterfront of Pile Gate – these spots are attractive and convenient, within an easy walk to Dubrovnik’s main sights! Especially great if you’re visiting Dubrovnik for the first time!
Where to stay in Dubrovnik for couples?
The best areas to stay in Dubrovnik for couples are the charming Old Town, which is known for its romantic atmosphere and wonderful boutique hotels like Boutique Hotel Stari Grad or The Pucic Palace Hotel.
Where to stay in Dubrovnik with a family?
The best place to stay in Dubrovnik with families is Lapad Bay, which offers beachfront resorts with pools and more amenities, such as Rixos Premium Dubrovnik.
Where to stay in Dubrovnik for beach holidays?
The best areas to stay in Dubrovnik for beaches include Lapad, Babin Kuk and Ploce – conveniently just outside the Old Town walls, where you have the iconic Banje Beach.
Where to stay in Dubrovnik for nightlife?
The best place to stay in Dubrovnik for nightlife is the Old Town, although very low-key, you’ll find a selection of wine bars, rooftops and atmospheric squares with Jazz – the evenings are mainly centred around food!
Where to stay in Dubrovnik without a car?
The best area to stay in Dubrovnik without a car is the Old Town, including Ploce and Pile; everything you need is walkable or even pedestrianised, with great transport links for exploring wonderful places nearby such as Cavtat!
Still planning your Dubrovnik itinerary?
Planning your trip to Dubrovnik? I’ve also shared a complete what to do travel guide for first-time visitors, my favourite restaurants, and the best day trips – perfect for pulling together your ideal itinerary!
- Complete Guide To Dubrovnik – top tips & need to know for first time visitors!
- Best Things To Do In Dubrovnik Old Town – heritage sites, attractions & experiences!
- How To Spend 3 Days In Dubrovnik – top itinerary planning tips for Dubrovnik!
- Where To Stay In Dubrovnik – the best areas, boutique hotels & luxury stays!
- Day Trips From Dubrovnik – islands, bays & heritage towns worth visiting!
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Michelle Trudie, is the founder of Little Wanderblog, a luxury boutique travel site. She has travelled to over 30 countries in the last 15 years. Michelle share’s her passion for stylish and affordable luxury travel experiences in Europe and beyond! Her goal is to make travel planning easier to hidden gem places!