Where to Stay in Dubrovnik Croatia (2026): Best Areas, Boutique Hotels & More!

Last updated on April 10th, 2026 at 11:44 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 rooftops and staying in wonderful boutique hotels like Stari Grad, but that’s not the only spot, there’s also Ploce and Pile offering 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 serene apartments and luxury hotels with epic terraces – and below I’m sharing my top picks!!

Quick Picks: Best Hotels In Dubrovnik

Short on time? Here’s my favourite places to stay in Dubrovnik!

• Boutique Hotel Stari Grad – best overall boutique & rooftop in Old Town!
• Palace Natalie – historic hotel, pool & Mediterranean scenic setting!
• Villa Allure – great value boutique with rooftop pool & views!
• Hotel Excelsior – iconic 5-star hotel in Dubrovnik’s Riviera!

WHERE TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK – OVERVIEW

Dubrovnik covers a large area, with many neighbourhoods and even beach resorts stretching way beyond the old town walls, and where you stay will really make a difference to your overall experience, especially on first visits!

When planning where to stay in Dubrovnik, I recommend focusing on the Old Town, Ploce-Riva and Pile, which are the most convenient, attractive and walkable areas of Dubrovnik, near the main attractions, including the walls, cable car, historic buildings, restaurants and boat excursions – it’s where you will spend the majority of your time!

Take a quick look at the main areas to stay in Dubrovnik!

Where To Stay In Dubrovnik – At A Glance

Old Town – (UNESCO)

Dubrovnik Old Town is the most central, historic location, bustling and pedestrianised, with the main attractions, boutique hotels, wine bars, and restaurants on your doorstep. It’s atmospheric and ideal for first-time visitors! Stay: Boutique Hotel Stari Grad

Ploce

Polce is an upscale ‘Riviera’ with boutique and luxury hotels, sea-facing pools, Mediterranean settings, Banje Beach and spectacular Old Town and Adriatic views, great for couples, just a 10-minute walk to Dubrovnik Old Town harbour – it’s my favourite spot!! Stay: Villa Allure

Pile

Pile sits to the west of the Old Town, a charming historic and tranquil seafront location with flatter terrain and views of Lovrijenac Fortress and is a 10-minute walk to the centre of town, best for sea views and quiet convenience. Stay: Palace Natalie

Lapad

Lapad is an upmarket beach area with resort-style accommodation in Dubrovnik, featuring larger pools and more amenities, ideal for families and longer stays – a 15-35 minute walk to Dubrovnik Old Town. Stay: Rixos Premium

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK CROATIA

OLD TOWN DUBROVNIK

Best area to stay in Dubrovnik Croatia for first-time visitors, restaurants & attractions!

Dubrovnik Old Town is picture-perfect, and the historic centre is full of old-world charm, cobbled streets, upscale restaurants and architectural gems, including the cathedral, palaces, and a monastery, making it the best place to stay in Dubrovnik for first-time visitors!

As well as being surrounded by beautiful buildings, you’ll be a short stroll from walking the walls, taking the cable car for epic panoramic views or hopping on boat trips from Dubrovnik’s pretty old town harbour to secret islands and beaches!

The UNESCO historic centre is what visitors come to see, so while the mornings are tranquil, by lunchtime, the main thoroughfare is bustling with day trippers in peak season. But there’s bags of atmosphere, especially in the evenings with romantic lantern-lit lanes and cosy wine bars!

And the best thing about it is that the area is fully pedestrianised, and boasts incredible boutique hotels, including Boutique Hotel Stari Grad, the one to book for style, ambience, and convenience!

BEST HOTELS DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN

Hotels, Boutiques, Villas & Apartments!

Where to stay in Dubrovnik Old Town: Boutique Hotel Stari Grad

Boutique Hotel Stari Grad

Boutique Hotel Stari Grad is the best boutique hotel in Dubrovnik, with a lovely ambience, plush interiors and a stunning rooftop terrace overlooking the historic rooftops. If available, grab the junior suite with balcony – it’s unbeatable and my favourite stay to date!

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!

Scalini Palace Hotel

Scalini Palace Hotel is a great-value boutique hotel set within a charming location in the Old Town, featuring authentic interiors! I recommend booking the balcony rooms with fantastic views over the rooftops!

Bota Palace – private rooms & suites

Bota Palace offers a beautiful selection of affordable luxury suites along a charming cobbled street in the historic centre, boasting larger-than-average rooms and quality furnishings, making it one of the best places to stay in Dubrovnik Old Town!

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, ample space, and an unbeatable rooftop terrace, making it just perfect for small groups or families looking for a quality stay in Dubrovnik and more space!

Top Tip! If you plan to stay in Dubrovnik Old Town, book your boutique hotel as soon as possible, it sells out fast, especially between May and October!

PLOCE EAST GATE DUBROVNIK

Best place to stay in Dubrovnik for luxury & riviera views!

Ploce is the best place to stay in Dubrovnik for luxury villa-style accommodation and stunning views, a wonderful location for relaxing by the sea while being just a few minutes’ walk to the Old Town’s dramatic eastern entry point, beautiful harbour and the iconic Banje beach.

It’s known as the Dubrovnik Riviera, where you’ll see those beautiful panoramas across the orange rooftops and turquoise sea, not to mention the best sunsets and, naturally, some of the top hotels in Dubrovnik, like the bucket list Hotel Excelsior, are located right along the shoreline!

And not only is the setting stunning, Ploce is also ideal for those looking for a tranquil and convenient area to stay in Dubrovnik in between exploring, with private sun-lounging, sunny sea-facing balconies and pools to cool off on a hot summer’s day!

BEST HOTELS IN PLOCE

Hotels, Boutiques & Apartments!

Where to stay in Dubrovnik Ploce : Hotel Excelsior

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 loved the relaxed ambience, style and location, it’s the perfect spot for summer!

Villa Allure Hotel

Villa Allure Of Dubrovnik is a gorgeous traditional stone, affordable luxury boutique hotel with a private rooftop pool and views across the water and old town, a popular choice for couples – the Premium Double Room with sea view is well worth the upgrade!

Villa Dubrovnik Hotel

Villa Dubrovnik, a modern seafront hotel just a few minutes from the historic centre, offering designer rooms and a beautiful private coastal setting with top sun lounging areas and a lovely spa, ideal for more tranquil stays and those who love minimalist luxury!

Ragusa Seaview Apartment

Ragusa Seaview Apartment is a brand new apartment in Ploce, boasting quality furnishings and a sunny terrace to relax and enjoy breathtaking views – a perfect independent place to stay in Dubrovnik if you’re after privacy and quiet luxury!

Villa Paulina – whole private villa

Villa Paulina, a stunning six-bedroomed elegant villa in Ploce, offering a stylish aesthetic and a gorgeous private pool overlooking Lokrum Island and Dubrovnik Old Town! A fantastic option for groups, families or special occasions!

Villa T Dubrovnik – whole private villa

Villa T Dubrovnik is another six-bedroomed modern villa that comes with a spa, sea-facing infinity pool, terrace, bar, lounging area and even a hot spring bath – there’s every amenity imaginable for groups to enjoy themselves!

PILE GATE WEST DUBROVNIK

Best area to stay in Dubrovnik Croatia for quiet charm & Old Town access!

Pile sits at the Western entrance to Dubrovnik Old Town and offers a few good attractions and waterfront restaurants of its own, including theLovrijenac Fortress viewpoint and a couple of hidden local beaches, not to mention lovely sea views and sunsets.

It’s the best area to stay in Dubrovnik for peace and quiet along the waterfront, while being only a 10-minute walk to the historic centre, which you’ll access through the West Gate drawbridge – it’s super convenient and also a great experience!

While not overrun with accommodation, there are a couple of fantastic boutique hotel options here with gorgeous Mediterranean garden settings and sea views, like idyllic Palace Natali boutique hotel, a wonderful place to stay in Dubrovnik!

BEST HOTELS IN PILE GATE

Hotels, Boutiques & Apartments!

Where to stay in Dubrovnik Pile: Palace Natali

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 – just a 10-minute walk from Old Town. If available, 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 and a short stroll to Old Town!

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 boutique-style 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 longer stays with pools and fantastic sea views, which is what you’ll find at Rixos Premium Dubrovnik, the best hotel in this area, offering top amenities and a short drive from the heritage town!

It’s a great option for the summer months, where you might want to spend a few hours by the waters edge or pool on a hot afternoon, and there are also two stunning beach clubs situated in scenic bays, Coral Bay and Cococabana!

Dubrovnik’s luxury resorts are far removed from cosy taverns and small boutiques, but perfect for those who prefer to split their time between relaxing and sightseeing around Dubrovnik Old Town or islands, and often there’s parking or complimentary shuttles!

BEST HOTELS IN LAPAD & BABIN KUK

Resorts & luxury hotels in Dubrovnik

Where to stay in Dubrovnik Lapad: Rixos Premium Dubrovnik

Rixos Premium Dubrovnik

Rixos Premium Dubrovnik, is a stunning 5-star coastal resort only a 15-minute walk to the historic centre, offering panoramic sea views, two pools, a spa, and several excellent restaurants and bars. For the best experience, book the Spa Suite with sea view

Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik

Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik is one of the best 5-star hotels in Dubrovnik, set on a cliff top, boasting wonderful views across a beautiful bay, with modern interiors, a beach restaurant, a wine bar and pool – you can also walk to the Old Town!

President Hotel

President Hotel offers a prime beachfront location with private sunbeds, a sunny pool and lovely outdoor lounging areas nearby Copacabana Beach – where I’ve spent a lot of time swimming and sunbathing, it’s easily one of my favourite spots!

Hotel Dubrovnik Palace

Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, is situated on Lapad’s private peninsula, it feels like a private island and offers guests multiple restaurants, including a fabulous breakfast spot and two beautiful pools, it’s one of the best places to stay in Dubrovnik for families.

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 – Sea Rocks Residence

BEST BEACH HOTELS: President Hotel – Hotel Excelsior – Rixos Premium Dubrovnik 

What is the best area to stay in Dubrovnik overall?

The best area to stay in Dubrovnik is the Old Town, home to the city’s main historic landmarks, attractions, best restaurants, wine bars and best boutique hotels, many of which are former palaces are only a short stroll from the sights! It’s ideal!

WHERE TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK -HELPFUL TIPS!

Stay Around Dubrovnik Old Town If It’s Your First Visit

The historic old town and the Riviera are the best places to stay in Dubrovnik, especially if it’s your first visit to the area, and Boutique Hotel Stari Grad is a top hotel choice, perfectly situated for reaching the landmarks, attractions, best restaurants, bars and boat trips on foot!!

Best Time To Visit Dubrovnik

The best time to visit Dubrovnik is between May and October, but for the best experience with great weather and most importantly, fewer crowds, I recommend May to early June or mid-September. Personally, I prefer the beginning of summer, when the evenings are lighter, beaches are opening up, and you can visit the Croatian Islands!

How Many Days In Dubrovnik

Many visitors arrive for a short stay before visiting the Dalmatian Islands, but really, 3 days in Dubrovnik is ideal, or longer if you want more beach days and to explore the region’s highlights like the Elaphiti Islands or coastal heritage town of Cavtat, just a stone’s throw away!!

Dubrovnik Old Town Is Compact And Walkable

Dubrovnik Old Town is compact and very walkable, with many pedestrianised areas, including the entire walled town and most of Pile area, making it a hassle-free, easy to get around and charming area to stay, just like Split Old Town, Korcula Town and Hvar Town in the Dalmatian Region!

Parking Is Limited Inside The Old Town

Croatia’s heritage towns are notoriously difficult to park in, and Dubrovnik Old Town is fully pedestrianised, so you won’t be able to park in front of your hotel. If you have a car, some hotels along Ploce, Pile and Lapad offer on-site parking; alternatively, there are some parking lots outside the old town – you’ll have to walk in with your luggage.

How To Get Around Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Old Town, Pile, Ploce and Banje beach are walkable areas, while taxis, local buses, and cheap Ubers are available from Pile Gate for visiting Lapad beaches, and if you’re exploring further afield, there are taxi boats and excursions from Dubrovnik harbour.

I’ve shared all my favourite spots, including historic gems and day trips, in my Things to Do in Dubrovnik Old Town guide!

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 around Pile Gate – these spots are attractive and convenient, within easy walking distance of Dubrovnik’s main attractions, iconic landmarks, and best hotels!

A short stroll leads you to the heritage square, cathedral, monastery, fortress, ancient walls and viewpoints, as well as upscale restaurants and cliff bars, which is what most visitors come to see!

Staying in or next to the Old Town is especially great if you’re visiting Dubrovnik for the first time and want to be central and ‘wowed’ as soon as you step out of your hotel!

What is the best hotel in Dubrovnik?

The best hotel in Dubrovnik is the luxurious Excelsior Hotel on the seafront in upmarket Ploce, a iconic hotel with stunning old town views, fabulous over-water terrace and rooms with private sea view balconies!

For those set on staying in the heart of Dubrovnik Old Town, the best luxury boutique hotel is Stari Grad Boutique, a charming and stylish place with beautiful interiors and a rooftop terrace to die for!

Where to stay in Dubrovnik for couples?

Dubrovnik Old Town feels as though it’s designed for couples, with its charming architecture, cosy wine bars and upmarket restaurants. It’s known for its romantic atmosphere and wonderful boutique hotels, including the beautiful Boutique Hotel Stari Grad right in the heart of the old town!

And the gorgeous suburbs on either side of the old town, which include Ploce, the upmarket Riviera of Dubrovnik, and Pile, are also ideal, offering a lush Mediterranean setting and private historic hotels such as the romantic Palace Natali.

Where to stay in Dubrovnik with a family?

Dubrovnik Old Town offers very little for families, especially young families; it has cobbles, steep stairs, small boutique hotels, and mostly high-end restaurants, which give it an adult/couples vibe! With that in mind, the best places to stay in Dubrovnik with families are Lapad Bay or Babin Kuk, which offer larger, more traditional beachfront resorts like Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, with family rooms, pools, amenities, and beachfront locations!

Lapad and Babin Kuk are both laid-back areas in Dubrovnik where families can relax for days on end and enjoy the hotel facilities, beachfront locations with water-based activities and the occasional day trip to explore Dubrovnik Old Town or the islands!

Where to stay in Dubrovnik for beach holidays?

The best areas to stay in Dubrovnik for beach holidays are Lapad or Ploce, there are some lovely fine pebble beaches near five-star resorts, and beach clubs such as Coral Beach Club in Lapad, a suburb of Dubrovnik and a relaxing, upmarket place to stay for a longer beach holiday!

While closer to the historic old town, the iconic Banje Beach in Ploce, right next to the old town walls, is a superb turquoise, shallow-water beach ideal for swimming amid incredible views and this area offers some of the best accommodation in Dubrovnik!

Where to stay in Dubrovnik for nightlife?

Dubrovnik doesn’t have a bar-centric nightlife; you won’t see tourists stumbling around. It’s low-key and classy, with cosy wine bars, rooftop terraces like gorgeous M’arden, and atmospheric squares with Jazz taking centre stage, especially in the charming heritage centre, which is where you want to be at night!

Overall, the best place to stay in Dubrovnik for nightlife is the Old Town, where evenings are mainly centred on great food, top restaurants, secret cliff-top bars such as  Fratellos Processco Bar and sipping local wine!

Where to stay in Dubrovnik without a car?

Dubrovnik is one of those places where you don’t need a car to get around, the old town and main sights are walkable, ideally the best area to stay in Dubrovnik without a car is the Old Town, including Ploce and Pile; everything you need is reachable on foot, with great transport links including taxi boats for exploring wonderful places nearby, such as Cavtat and day trips from Dubrovnik to islands and landmarks!

Where to stay in Dubrovnik for historic vibes?

The best place to stay in Dubrovnik for historic vibes and sightseeing is within the old town walls, where you’ll wake up surrounded by 13th-century Roman history, cathedral bells and atmospheric squares for breakfast!

And in the heart of the old town, there are historic hotels and charming boutiques to stay within former palaces, such as The Pucic Palace Hotel, a wonderful five-star historic hotel!

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!
• Top Boat Tours From Dubrovnik – Elaphiti Islands, Mljet National Park & beyond!

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