The Best Boutique Hotels to Book in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Once a 16th-century noble’s house, this atmospheric boutique hotel in Dubrovnik gets its name from the Croatian term for old town – so you know it’s going to be primely placed in the historic centre. With just eight chic contemporary rooms boasting L’Occitane toiletries, it feels like a little nest of luxury, perfect for holidaying couples. The highlight? Above 5, the rooftop restaurant serving Mediterranean food and sweeping views over the orange rooftops.

History buffs won’t do much better than this boutique hotel in Dubrovnik – it’s set within a Unesco World Heritage building overlooking the spectacular central cathedral. The hotel even rents the space directly from the Vatican. Unobstructed views of the main city piazzas make it perfect for people-watching, while clean, crisp-white interiors create a bright and airy feel. Rooms come in double, twin or studio formats, so they suit couples or small families.

If only the very best will do, book into Villa Dubrovnik. The most glamorous stay in the city has the lot, including a coastal location with views over the sparkling sea; a swimming pool and sun-drenched loungers; and 56 designer bedrooms. It’s outside the old town, so you can avoid the crowds. However, it’s still close enough to get your sightseeing fix. A breakfast of eggs, smoked salmon and hollandaise on the sunny terrace of Restaurant Pjerin is an impeccable way to start the day.

Across from the ferry terminal in Dubrovnik – super-handy if you fancy taking a day trip to local islands Korčula or verdant Mljet – Hotel Kazbek is set in a historic stone-fronted building, atmospherically clad in ivy. The interiors are classically comfortable, with wooden headboards, rich fabrics and patterned wallpapers – just the remedy if you’re bored with the modern minimalist hotel style. A sizeable outdoor pool gives you plenty of space to cool off from the heat of the steamy Adriatic summer.

Fancy a pampering session? This four-star boutique hotel in Dubrovnik is all about the spa. Multiple pools, a Finnish sauna and steam rooms are just the start; a healthy smoothie bar on a huge sunny terrace and premium Thalgo treatments mean that you can spend a whole day enjoying your relaxation here. What’s more, the hotel is right on the pebbly Uvala Lapad beach, which draws in visitors with loungers, clear swimmable waters and nearby restaurants and beach bars.

Adriatic views don’t get sweeter than those from Hotel Dubrovnik Palace. On a secluded stretch of the Lapad peninsula to the west of the city centre, the wrap-around vistas of blue define every moment of your stay, whether you’re waking up in your modern room, sunning on your private terrace or splashing in the two outdoor pools. Get bored of staring out to sea? The hotel also offers diving, tennis and woodland walks.

With its Blue Flag beach status and multi-bedroom suites, this hotel on the western peninsula in Dubrovnik is an easy choice for families who want a base with lots of activities. Once you’ve spent the requisite first day taking in the views, go ahead and get stuck in with horse riding, boat rides and tours of local vineyards. You can even book a Game of Thrones cruise, setting sail in one of the boats used for filming.