11 Best Hotels In Dubrovnik Old Town

We were truly awed when we first set our sights on the beauty that is Dubrovnik Old Town, with its ancient stone city walls, baroque structures, and the shimmering blue Adriatic Sea serving as the backdrop. Equal parts otherworldly and romantic, this pedestrian-only neighborhood lies within the world’s most recognizable medieval fortifications – Game of Thrones was filmed here. What’s more, the gorgeous, paved streets are lined with grand Baroque churches, secretive monasteries, aristocratic stone palazzi, and dreamy stays. In fact, the best hotels in Dubrovnik Old Town turned magical after dark, with their outdoor cafés and restaurants peppered with candlelit tables. The best bit is that they lie across a wide range of budgets, so travelers of all kinds could definitely consider staying here. Plus, they had a laundry list of amenities and comforts for us to enjoy a memorable vacation.

Dubrovnik Old Town, one of the world’s most impressive walled cities, is a wonder not just in the city but all over Croatia. So, here’s a staying guide in this historic city center, which we’re sure will stay with you long after you’ve gone back home.

Scalini Palace

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We begin with a hotel that’s as historic yet comfortably modern as it gets. Behold Scalini Palace, a modern four-star in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, sitting in a renovated 16th-century Croatian manor. On the inside, the hotel was thoroughly contemporary and offered us all the creature comforts we possibly wanted.

Firstly, we had a choice of many units, all of which differed in size and layout. However, they were all air-conditioned and furnished with mod-cons such as kitchenettes with kettles, microwaves, and stoves, and even a dining table right next to it. Plush bedrooms aside, they all came with slick bathrooms and complimentary bath products. If that wasn’t enough, Wi-Fi was free across the property, allowing us to stay connected. The best bit? Some units, like ours, even had furnished balconies with superb views of the Old Town.

It’s hard to find a place with room service nowadays, but Scalini Palace did have it. That’s how we found continental breakfast spreads being delivered to our rooms every day. Finally, the staff was warm and welcoming, helping us with everything ranging from tips to explore Dubrovnik, places to eat, excursions to explore, and things to see.

Bed&Breakfast Andio

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Sitting two lanes from the Museum of War Photography in the Old Town of Dubrovnik is Bed&Breakfast Andio. When we stayed here, we were close to everything: Dubrovnik Old Town’s major sights and landmarks, the ancient walls, the port, the sea, and the beach.

Choose from a bunch of airy and bright rooms and suites, all of which boast a polished vibe. While some have more traditional, moody furnishings and hues, the others, like our room below, were thoroughly contemporary. Nevertheless, they all have coffee/tea-making facilities, minifridges, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi, with the suites also adding exposed beam ceilings and sitting areas. Did you know that since it’s a historical structure, some bedrooms even had sleeping lofts? Yes!

Our days here began with sumptuous breakfast spreads which were served in a cozy dining area, complete with exposed-stone walls. After a long day, we’d unwind in the shared TV lounge. Not only were pets welcome here for no fees (but prior notice), but they’d also arrange airport shuttles for a fee at the front desk.

La Vita e Bella

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We wanted the freedom of staying in apartments during our weeklong Dubrovnik stay, which is why La Vita e Bella suited us perfectly. Sitting a minute’s walk from King’s Landing and Buza Gate, this aparthotel sat on the fourth floor of a traditional Dubrovnik townhouse.

We had the option of seven discrete and luxurious double rooms, which were decked out in an elegant and modern style. Thanks to mod-cons such as flat-screen TVs, Bose sound systems, luxe bathrooms with complimentary Etro bath products, small fridges, Nespresso machines, and electric kettles, our stay was as comfortable as it got. If that wasn’t enough, the apartment even stocked thoughtful extras, such as a variety of teas and coffees and complimentary hats, flip-flops, and slippers. Not only were the apartments air-conditioned, but the beds were also comfy, and the Wi-Fi was free and fast. The best bit? We took the biggest room, the Marojice Kaboge 8, which even had a self-standing bathtub right in the room!

Despite it being a self-service aparthotel, we received a warm welcome when we arrived, and we were given the keys and all the information we needed to know for a great stay.

The Byron

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It was Lord Byron who hailed Dubrovnik as “the pearl of the Adriatic.” So, this charming Croatian city could at least name a hotel after him, right? Behold The Byron, which sits in a historic 17th-century townhouse that exhibits charming signs of age. The hosts were very welcoming and hands-on, and provided us with tons of tips for exploring the neighborhood and the city. Even though the hotel was too small to have its own restaurant, we were spoilt for choice when it came to eateries around, especially with the hosts and concierge pointing us in the right direction.

We had the choice of four comfy yet stylish rooms with minimal-chic decor and Molton Brown bath products in the sleek bathrooms. What’s more, the smallest of the lot, the Loft, even featured kitchenettes. Not only were the digs air-conditioned, but they also came with free Wi-Fi, coffee and tea-makers, and terraces/balconies with city/garden views. Did we mention amenity kits, robes, slippers, fluffy towels, and hair dryers in every room? Yep.

Heritage Villa Nobile

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Sitting just outside Pile Gate, Heritage Villa Nobile is a worthy addition to this list. This adults-only hotel was the best of both worlds — historic yet modern and secluded yet central. Formerly home to the affluent, notable, and intellectual pianist, Maria Rubricius, and her family, the hotel was renovated into its current high-end boutique version by current owners Stipe and Tina Milisic. In fact, the family’s personal effects sit on small display cabinets throughout the property.

“We might be just outside Old Town, but the location with the gardens was absolutely worth it!”

WOW Travel

Choose from six bedrooms, all of which are an ode to the pianist, her family, and their friends, with names such as Artist’s, Doctor’s, and Captain’s Rooms. What’s more, they boasted state-of-the-art tech such as Nespresso coffee machines, minibars, touch lights, and heated floors. Moreover, the restored antique furnishings, mottled glass mirrors, natural stone walls, and white and pale grey hues add to the character. Our ground-floor room, the Musician’s Room, even had a piano, which is where Maria and her husband, Dr Pugliesi, would host their regular Monday night soirées!

Our days began with scrumptious breakfasts that were served in the lovely oasis of a front garden, complete with old Japanese Sago Palms and orange trees. Meanwhile, evenings were reserved for the informal wine reception. What more could we ask for?

Hotel Stari Grad

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Best boutique hotel. Old-world charm meets 21st-century creature comforts at the boutique Hotel Stari Grad. Sitting close to Pile Gate, the hotel sits in a main structure in a narrow stone alley off Stradun, with another annex and structure right across it. Staying at the four-star hotel was a true boutique experience, as it sits in a romantic 17th-century stone structure but with “boudoir-chic” designer interiors — think lots of silver gilt-framed mirrors and velvet upholstery.

The highly personalized service from the attentive, friendly, and warm staff was the highlight here, but the amenities were no less impressive. For instance, the tiny rooftop restaurant, Above 5, with potted olive trees and a retractable roof, is stunningly romantic. What’s more, it serves delicious cooked-to-order breakfasts, which we’d enjoy with scenic Dubrovnik views. Since the restaurant also serves dinner, which is very popular, you need to reserve in advance. When we wanted to unwind, the Icona Thai Spa sat right across the alley, providing aromatherapy and Thai massages. Finally, the small reception café-bar serves all-day drinks and even breakfasts when it’s raining.

Rooms were up a steep stone staircase across four floors in the main structure, which had eight rooms in classic contemporary décor. Think sweeping curtains, quality fabrics in beiges and greys, super-comfy king-sized beds, high ceilings, and wooden floors. Modernity came in the form of spanking clean modern bathrooms with L’Occitane bath products, kettles, and desks. Moreover, the annex structure rooms and suites have more of an Art Deco vibe, but they have the same creature comforts. However, the best of them all is the two-level rooftop Junior Suite, which boasts a spiral staircase that leads to a wonderful private furnished terrace.

Old Town Hostel

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Best hostel. Historic setting and social mingling don’t get any better than this. Welcome to Old Town Hostel, which sits in a historic 16th-century structure on a narrow, cobbled alleyway just off the main thoroughfare of Stradun. We loved staying at this lively hostel, which seemed to radiate the same amazing and lively energy of Old Town, with most of the top things to do in Dubrovnik a stone’s throw away.

You might think that the rooms here would be small and cramped, but we were delighted to find them not only airy but with tons of natural light. What’s more, we had the choice of mixed and female-only dorms, all of which had shared but immaculately kept bathrooms, reading lights and lockers for every bed, and free Wi-Fi. Since it’s a historic structure, some dorms featured balconies, while others had murals and original stone walls.

Downstairs, communal areas like the shared kitchen, the TV lounge, and the patio were perfect for mingling with other travelers and swapping stories. Moreover, freebies included guided tours during the day and parties at night, language lessons, karaoke, and dance sessions, and tea, coffee, two containers of cereal/muesli, and milk for breakfast.

Bota Palace

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Bota Palace has a prime location right on the main thoroughfare in Old Town Dubrovnik, Stradun. This modern version of the 18th-century Caboga Palace is baroque on the outside and a thoughtful balance of old and new on the inside.

We had the choice of just five individually designed rooms that had wooden floors and original stone walls that complemented the striking and modern local artwork. While two of them had bathtubs, our attic studio even had a small kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven. Nevertheless, they all had thoughtful touches such as Nespresso machines, well-stocked minibars, refillable Rituals amenities, and in-room hair straighteners.

Breakfast was delivered to our door every morning – think choices between classic continental spreads, omelettes, French toasts, and Dalmatian toasts. Did we mention that they even had cherry brandy bottles in the communal area for late-night drinks? Yep.

St Joseph’s

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Tucked on a narrow street in Dubrovnik Old Town is the 400-year-old townhouse-turned-hotel St Joseph’s, which made us feel like we were staying with a friend. Despite a tasteful renovation, original 16th-century features – timber beams, stone walls – still remained, blending beautifully with 21st-century comforts and elegant décor.

Choose from eight suites in the main structure or rooms at the guesthouse at St, Joseph’s Cottage a few steps away. While the former have spacious and sleek bathrooms, deep bathtubs in the King Suites, and discreet kitchenettes in all of them, the self-contained cottage is more secluded with just three ensuite, traditional bedrooms dripping with period charm.

In the former main structure, full breakfasts are served right in the room, while it’s a communal affair in the cottage, served in the open-plan kitchen. Either way, they’re extremely indulgent, with the cottage also offering guest-only lunches and dinners. However, we were absolutely blown away by the family team that owns and runs the guesthouse. Not only were they exceptionally warm and welcoming, but they even gave us tons of information about Croatian customs and heritage, and could arrange for anything from guided tours to restaurant reservations.​

Villa Sigurata

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Best value for money. Dubrovnik Old Town is famous for being noisy during summer, but Villa Sigurata sits in a peaceful side alley. So, we could get a good night’s sleep with no complaints. Comprising two renovated historic stone structures, the hotel’s rooms are divided between Stulina Street (close to the seaward walls) and Čubranovićeva Street (close to Pile Gate).

On the inside, décor is identical across both properties, with a narrow wrought-iron balustraded marble staircase leading to the upper floors. Additionally, huge gilt-framed mirrors sit everywhere, as does Baroque-inspired furniture, and white, gold, and burgundy-red hues. The warm and welcoming owner and host, Nikolina, is a lifelong and generational “Dubrovčanka” (female resident of Dubrovnik). Not only did she know the city inside out, but she even gave us a map and told us about the best places to eat and things to do. Moreover, she also organized a ton of extras, such as private excursions, airport shuttles, etc. Even though there wasn’t a restaurant, we could make our own tea and coffee.

Choose from 16 air-conditioned rooms – a single and many twins, doubles, and triples – all of which were small but extremely comfortable. What’s more, they all featured tiled floors, wood-beamed ceilings, exposed stonework, and mod-cons like wall-mounted TVs, small fridges, and kettles. They might be small, but the bathrooms were functional with great water pressure.

Pucić Palace

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Best overall. Pucić Palace is the former home of the aristocratic Pucić family, a cultured coterie of artists, politicians, and poets. Immersing ourselves in history was our main motto in Dubrovnik, and this Baroque palazzo allowed us to do that. Also, this is one of the few hotels that stays open throughout the year. So, in the colder, quieter months, the experience is all the more authentic and peaceful.

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There were just 18 rooms to choose from, making staying here intimate and exclusive. What’s more, they all radiated old-world charm with copper slipper baths, writing desks, drinks cabinets, antique telephones, and original timber beams. Moreover, luxurious touches included Bulgari bath products, Nespresso machines, and Dammann Frères teas. While the first-floor suites have stone balconies overlooking the Jesuit stairs and Gundulić Square, the Deluxe Suite even has an in-room jacuzzi.

What made the experience all the more special was the staff, all of whom hail from Dubrovnik and know it inside and out. So, they did everything from sharing stories and tips to curating personal walking tours and booking transfers. During sun-kissed days, we’d dig into Adriatic fare at Restaurant Lucijan, which spilled out onto the square. Romantic dinners were reserved for Restaurant Magdalena on the alfresco terrace. Finally, free Wi-Fi rounds up the amenities.

Our Verdict!

Staying in Dubrovnik Old Town was an experience like no other. If these amazing hotels have you scratching your head as to where to stay, here is a specialized list to help you choose.

• Best overall: Pucić Palace
• Best value for money: Villa Sigurata
• Best hostel: Old Town Hostel
• Best boutique hotel: Hotel Stari Grad

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik Old Town?

The Old Town is Dubrovnik’s best neighborhood, whether it’s for first-time visitors, culture vultures, or history seekers. Not only is the location central, but it’s also home to a boatload of historical sites and landmarks. 

Even within this medieval walled neighborhood, there are multiple nooks and corners near the major gates you can choose to stay in. If you want to stay close to transport links, then staying near the western Pile gate is an excellent option. It also has a high concentration of landmarks and sights around. The eastern and north Ploče and Buza gates are perfect for accessing the iconic Dubrovnik walls and for luxury stays. Finally, there’s the coastal part of Old Town, which is not only home to the 19th-century pier, Porporela, the Maritime Museum, and Stara Luka, a.k.a. the Old Port of Dubrovnik.

Which hotel in Dubrovnik’s old town has an elevator?

Most stays within Dubrovnik’s Old Town sit in historic structures, so most lack elevators, especially the smaller ones. However, one exception is the Pucic Palace, which does have an elevator (please reconfirm with the hotel too).

Is it better to stay in Old Town, Dubrovnik, or outside?

Staying in Dubrovnik Old Town is an experience not just in the city, but all of Croatia.