Hotel Lapad

Hotel Lapad occupies a handsome building with a Victorian-style facade on Lapadska obala, the waterfront promenade on the Lapad side of Gruž bay. Construction began in 1912 and the hotel officially opened in March 1914, making it one of the older hotels in Dubrovnik. Today it is a four-star property with rooms split between a superior wing and a classic wing.

The setting is quieter and more local than the Old Town. The promenade outside looks across the water towards Gruž, the city's main port, where ferries, catamarans and yachts come and go, and it is a pleasant place for an evening stroll. The hotel offers breakfast and dinner, and a massage service from Studio Balans for guests who want to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out until 11:00.

The Old Town is about three kilometres away, a short trip by city bus or taxi, so the hotel suits travellers who are happy to commute into the centre in exchange for more space, lower prices and a calmer neighbourhood. Its position near Gruž is especially convenient if you plan day trips by boat to the Elaphiti Islands or onward ferry journeys along the coast, as the port is close at hand. The hotel also offers a transfer service; give your flight details when booking to confirm it.

Mid-range prices make the Lapad a good-value option for couples and families, and it is worth asking about the differences between the wings when you book, and request a room facing the water for views of the bay.

The hotel's homepage does not say whether it opens year-round, so check dates directly if you plan to travel in winter. Allow time each day for the trip into the Old Town. For guests who prefer a quieter evening, the waterfront promenade outside the hotel offers a simple way to end the day after the busy Old Town. The hotel's long history, dating back to before the First World War, also gives it a sense of character that many newer properties lack, and its sales team can help with group bookings and special requests.