The hype
Guests are obsessed with the location and the breakfast views, often calling it a 'pinch-me' experience.
Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik
$400-800/ night
Book this if You want the most iconic view of Dubrovnik's Old Town from your breakfast table without fighting the crowds inside the walls.
Why People Love It
- Direct sea access via a private stone platform (no sand, just deep blue water)
- The breakfast terrace at Salin offers arguably the best morning view in Croatia
- Walking distance to Old Town (5 mins) but feels like a secluded cliffside retreat
Quick Take: A Grand Dame that trades sandy beaches for royal history and a concrete sun deck that feels surprisingly chic.
Reviewed by @Travelsum: I honestly felt like a main character staying here. Stepping onto the balcony and seeing the Old Town right there gave me chills. It’s expensive, but for that view and the private swimming spot, it was the highlight of my entire Croatia trip.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Some travelers find the 'Tower' rooms a bit corporate and soulless compared to the historic Villa Odak wing.
- You want to swim in the Adriatic immediately after breakfast without leaving your hotel
- You appreciate historic glamour (Queen Elizabeth II and Elizabeth Taylor stayed here)
- You are okay with a 5-minute walk to dinner rather than being right in the noise of Stradun
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.5
- Housekeeping: Impeccable. Twice-daily service including turndown is standard.
- Bathroom hygiene: Spotless marble bathrooms. Rare complaints of sewage smell during heavy rains (common in old Euro cities).
- Maintenance: Excellent condition, though Villa Odak shows charming signs of age.
- Linens & towels: Plush, heavy, and crisp white. Beach towels are plentiful.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of fresh flowers and sea salt; no mustiness.
Sleepability™
8.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Traffic on Frana Supila (street side only)
- Occasional hallway noise in the Tower wing
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'beach' is deep water immediately — not suitable for weak swimmers
- Valet parking is free, which is a massive rarity in Dubrovnik
- City tax of approx. €2.65 per person/night is payable at checkout
What to pack
- Water shoes (getting in and out of the sea via ladders/rocks can be slippery)
- Dressy casual outfits for dinner (Dubrovnik dresses up at night)
- High SPF (the stone deck reflects the sun intensely)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Villa Odak Room 208 (historic, high ceilings, 'dangerously romantic' terrace)
- Deluxe Sea View Balcony in the Tower (for guaranteed unobstructed views)
Rooms to avoid
- Classic Double (often looks at a wall or street)
- Low-floor street-facing rooms (traffic noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am celebrating a special occasion and would love a room in the historic Villa Odak wing, ideally with a sea view. If not available, a high-floor Tower room with a balcony is preferred. Please avoid low-floor street-facing rooms due to light sleeping.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a real beach?
No. It is a concrete and stone platform with ladders leading directly into deep water. Great for swimming, bad for sandcastles.
How far is the Old Town?
A pleasant 5-minute walk to the Ploče Gate. You are close enough to see it, but far enough to sleep.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the indoor freshwater pool is heated. The sea is... refreshing.
Can I bring my dog?
No, the hotel has a strict no-pets policy unless it is a service animal.
Which building is better: Villa Odak or The Tower?
Villa Odak for historic charm and romance; The Tower for modern reliability and guaranteed sea views from higher floors.
Is breakfast included?
Usually yes, and it's excellent. Served at Salin with a view of the Old Town walls.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The Abakus Piano Bar has a terrace that offers the same view as the expensive restaurants for the price of a coffee.
- ✨
Ask for a 'turndown service' extra — they often leave local sweets or lavender mist.
- ✨
You can swim in the sea even late at night; the platform is lit and magical.
5 things to know before you go
💡The elevators in the Tower can be slow during peak breakfast hours.
💡The 'sea pool' is actually just a roped-off area of the ocean, not a separate structure.
💡Room service prices are significantly higher than the already pricey local restaurants.
💡The walk to Old Town is flat (rare for Dubrovnik), making it accessible for heels.
💡You might spot a celebrity; the hotel has a 'Wall of Fame' for a reason.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik is located and what's nearby.