Hotel
Villa Dubrovnik
A luxury cliffside hotel east of the Old Town, built in the 1960s as a modernist residence, with views across the sea to the walls and…
A five-star seafront hotel in Ploče, a five-minute walk from the Old Town walls, with a private beach, spa and indoor pool and a guest list that has included royalty.
Good to know
Hotel Excelsior is Dubrovnik's grande dame, a five-star hotel on the seafront in Ploče with one of the classic views of the city: the walls and towers of the Old Town rising across the water, with Lokrum offshore. It is part of the Adriatic Luxury Hotels group, and its history goes back to Villa Odak, the original villa built in 1913, which still forms part of the hotel. Over the decades its guests have included Queen Elizabeth II and Elizabeth Taylor.
Rooms range from classic doubles to a collection of suites, including four Excelsior Signature suites at the top of the range. Rooms facing the sea and the Old Town are the ones to request. Facilities are those of a full resort: a private beach, an indoor swimming pool, a spa and a fitness centre, plus well-kept gardens. The dining line-up includes Sensus for fine dining, Salin for breakfast, the seasonal beachside Prora, open from June to October, and the Abakus Piano Bar, which is open all year round.
The location is a big part of the appeal. The hotel is about 600 metres from the Old Town, roughly a five-minute walk to the walls through the Ploče Gate, so you can be on Stradun in minutes and return to the calm of the hotel when the cruise crowds arrive. Banje Beach is on the way, and the cable car's lower station is within walking distance. The airport is about 23 kilometres away.
The Excelsior suits couples on a special trip, families who want a pool and beach close to the sights, and business travellers, as the group has dedicated meetings and events facilities. Prices are at the top end of the city's market, particularly in July and August. Seasonal venues such as Prora close outside summer, so if you are visiting in winter, check with the hotel which facilities will be open.
Booking direct through the group's reservations team allows you to request a specific room type. Ask for a sea-view room on a higher floor for the most complete view of the walls. The hotel's Abakus Piano Bar is a pleasant place for a nightcap even if you are staying elsewhere.
About 600 metres, roughly a five-minute walk to the city walls.
It is a five-star hotel.
Yes, a private beach below the hotel.
Yes, an indoor swimming pool, along with a spa and fitness centre.
Sensus for fine dining, Salin for breakfast, the seasonal beachside Prora and the Abakus Piano Bar.
Guests have included Queen Elizabeth II and Elizabeth Taylor.
About 23 kilometres.
Through Adriatic Luxury Hotels reservations by phone or at [email protected].
Bar
The better known of the bars clinging to the rocks outside Dubrovnik's southern walls, reached through a gap in the walls and famous for sunset views.
Attraction
Almost two kilometres of medieval ramparts wrapped around Dubrovnik's Old Town, walkable in a full circuit with views over terracotta roofs and the open Adriatic.
Thing to do
A four-minute cable car ride from just above the Old Town to the 412-metre summit of Mount Srđ, with panoramic terraces, a restaurant and a war…
Tour operator
A local tour company running Old Town, city walls and Game of Thrones walking tours plus daytime and sunset sea kayaking, meeting by the Pile bus…