The best boutique hotels in Dubrovnik for 2025

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discountsGet Simon Calder’s Travel emailGet Simon Calder’s Travel emailDubrovnik has the boutique hotel scene finely honed. Within its Old Town’s narrow marble alleyways, you’ll pass stately palaces and townhouses dating from the 16th century, made of distinctive pale Dalmatian stone and adorned with colourful shutters. Behind those thick stone walls is an enticing collection of luxurious boutique hotels and upmarket B&Bs that have kept their Dalmatian character yet have all the modern touches.Their owners, some of whose families have been in the city for centuries, know Dubrovnik intimately and are a fount of information. Many will be able to help you get your luggage through the Old Town’s cobbled pedestrianised streets – a tiny downside to having all this beauty around you.Step outside the city walls and discover some of its other equally historic districts. Stay in a hillside palace beneath Mount Srđ, or a large stone villa north of the city in Lapad. To help you choose, here are some of the best boutique hotels in Dubrovnik.For the best hotels in Dubrovnik, the best family-friendly hotels in Dubrovnik and the best beach hotels in Dubrovnik, see our guides.In Dubrovnik’s Old Town, what you lose in convenience – the whole Old Town is pedestrianised, so there will be an element of luggage wheeling to get to your accommodation – you gain in character and sheer beauty.Mary NovakovichThe best boutique hotels in Dubrovnik 2025At a glance1. Dominus Little Palace Hotelopen image in galleryDominus Little Palace Hotel can be found in the heart of the Old Town (Alamy Stock Photo)You’ll be right in the heart of the Old Town and surrounded by other equally venerable stone buildings at the Dominus Little Palace Hotel, which suits its name. The four guest rooms have pleasingly delicate colours and comfortably traditional decor, but it’s worth upgrading to the top-floor executive suite if you can. The views from here are worth the climb, and the sitting room’s stone walls, beamed ceilings, polished wooden floors and soft leather furnishings add to the overall feeling of being pleasantly cocooned.Address: Od Domina 10, DubrovnikDistance to airport: 21.7km, 45-minute driveDistance to beach: 1.3km, 42-minute walk to Bellevue BeachHighlights: In Old Town, best for viewsRead more: How a trip to ‘Moomin island’ made me rethink summers in the MedBook now2. Villa Sigurata hotelopen image in galleryVilla Sigurata hotel is only a stone’s throw from some of Dubrovnik’s city walls (Getty/iStock)Villa Sigurata has been run by the same family for four generations, and this shows in the warm welcome and extensive knowledge of Dubrovnik you’ll receive. Down a narrow lane from the cathedral is the main building, a lovely stone house dating from the 17th century, with eight bedrooms set within creamy stone walls and traditional furnishings. Two smaller houses a few minutes’ walk away contain five bedrooms in total and a mini shared kitchen, which would be useful for families or groups travelling together.Address: Stulina 4, DubrovnikDistance to airport: 21.7km, 46-minute driveDistance to beach: 800m, 11-minute walk to Banje BeachHighlights: Best for families or groupsRead more: Is this mountain region Portugal’s answer to the Alps?Book now3. St Joseph’s bed and breakfastopen image in gallerySt Joseph celebrates French charm in its suites (St Joseph’s)Two 16th-century stone houses make up St Joseph’s, a quietly sumptuous B&B in the heart of the Old Town. Six suites in the main house are decked out in a French country cottage style and come with kitchenettes, although breakfast is brought to your door every morning. Across the lane in another stone house are three more bedrooms, all of which share a large kitchen and dining table. The Croatian-British owners are a wealth of knowledge about Dubrovnik and will organise whatever you need.Address: Ulica Svetog Josipa 3, Dubrovnik, CroatiaDistance to airport: 21.7km, 46-minute driveDistance to beach: 850m, 12-minute walk to Banje BeachHighlights: Friendly and helpful staff, best for Old TownRead more: The best hotels in Dubrovnik for family getaways and kids’ clubsBook now4. Heritage Villa Nobileopen image in galleryOld meets new at Heritage Villa Nobile (Heritage Villa Nobile)The Old Town’s western Pile Gate is just a few seconds’ walk from Heritage Villa Nobile, but it’s a world away from this tranquil 18th-century villa surrounded by soothing greenery. Six spacious suites mingle old-world luxury with modern convenience, all with the theme of Croatian artists, writers and other luminaries. Spoil yourself by booking one of the two-ground-floor suites that come with their own secluded terrace. Beach towels are supplied – handy for cute little Šulić Beach, which is a five-minute walk away, and breakfast in the hotel’s garden on warm days is an absolute delight.Address: Ulica Između Vrta 6, Dubrovnik, CroatiaDistance to airport: 21.8km, 46-minute driveDistance to beach: 350m, five-minute walk to Šulić BeachHighlights: Best for the beachRead more: The best hotels in Dubrovnik for Old Town views and beachside staysBook now5. Scalini Palace hotelopen image in galleryThe Old Town of Dubrovnik, Croatia, where Scalini Palace is located (Getty Images)Tucked away in one of the narrow lanes off the Old Town’s main thoroughfare, Stradun, Scalini Palace has only eight suites but they’re beautifully done, blending modern style with period features. As they should be in the 500-year-old former home of Ruđer Bošković, the celebrated 16th-century scientist after whom the city’s authorities recently renamed Dubrovnik airport. Some come with sweet little balconies, while all have kitchenettes and dining areas. Head up to the roof terrace for fantastic views of the Old Town.Address: Boškovićeva ulica 3, Dubrovnik, CroatiaDistance to airport: 19.5km, 34-minute driveDistance to beach: 700m, 10-minute walk to Banje BeachHighlights: Balconies, kitchenettesBook nowRead more: The best ways to cruise around Croatia6. The Byron Dubrovnik bed and breakfastopen image in galleryLight, bright and white is the theme at The Byron (The Byron Dubrovnik)Just a few metres away from Dubrovnik’s cathedral is this elegant boutique B&B set in a handsome 17th-century townhouse. Inside it’s light and airy, with white walls and high beamed ceilings filled with baroque-style furnishings. Six of the seven rooms have cleverly designed Culshaw kitchens and dining tables, and several of the rooms can be connected for pairs travelling together, sharing a private lounge and balcony; one even has a piano if you’re feeling musically inclined. The friendly and knowledgeable service here is exceptional.Address: Pobijana ulica 4, Dubrovnik, CroatiaDistance to airport: 21.7km, 45-minute driveDistance to beach: 700m, nine-minute walk to Banje BeachHighlights: Friendly service, adjoining roomsRead more: The most beautiful places to visit in Dubrovnik7. Pucić Palace hotelopen image in galleryThe 17th-century Baroque Pucić Palace if found in the heart of the Old Town (Pucić Palace)It’s hard to get more central than Pucić Palace, one of the Old Town’s most venerable hotels. This 17th-century Baroque palace is in Gundulić Square, where the daily food market takes place. The style in its 19 rooms is as stately as you would expect in the former home of an aristocratic family – rich fabrics, antique furnishings, beamed ceilings, free-standing copper baths. Dine in the intimate Magdalena Restaurant in its own hidden raised terrace – which includes the old family chapel, a favourite place for weddings – or at street level at Lucijan. The hotel also has reserved sunbeds on the Old Town’s main Banje Beach.Address: Ulica od Puča 1, Dubrovnik, CroatiaDistance to airport: 21.7km, 46-minute driveDistance to beach: 600m, nine-minute walk to Banje BeachHighlights: Reserved sunbeds at Banje BeachBook nowRead more: The lesser-known Croatia destinations you may not have considered8. Prijeko Palace hotelopen image in galleryArt lovers will appreciate the eclectic designs at Prijeko Palace (Prijeko Palace)Artists from around the world have been let loose on the nine rooms in Prijeko Palace, which was built in the 15th century by a noble family. The result is a wonderfully eclectic collection bursting with stylish touches. It’s on the restaurant-filled Prijeko street that runs parallel to Stradun, but you’ll want to dine in its Stara Loza restaurant. Its high-ceilinged Salon is an impressive spot, but it competes with the roof terrace and its fantastic views of the Old Town’s terracotta rooftops.Address: Prijeko ulica 24, Dubrovnik, CroatiaDistance to airport: 19.5km, 35-minute driveDistance to beach: 650m, nine-minute walk to Banje BeachHighlights: Roof terrace, best for viewsBook nowRead more: The secret heart-shaped European peninsula perfect for a foodie holiday9. Hotel Stari Gradopen image in gallerySeek out a table at on the rooftop at this contemporary stay (Hotel Stari Grad)Old meets new in Hotel Stari Grad, whose 14 understated contemporary rooms and suites are within a 16th-century former nobleman’s house squeezed into a narrow lane between Stradun and Prijeko. Its Lobby Bar is a chic place for a cocktail, but make certain you book a table at its bijou rooftop Above 5 restaurant, where the views rival the quality of the cuisine. Treat yourself to a session in the Icona Thai Spa, and splash out on a private day trip on the hotel’s own motorboat.Address: Ulica od Sigurate 4, Dubrovnik, CroatiaDistance to airport: 21.8km, 47-minute driveDistance to beach: 750m, 10-minute walk to Banje BeachHighlights: Rooftop restaurant, spa, hotel-owned motorboatBook nowRead more: The best health and wellness retreats across Europe10. Bota Palace hotelopen image in galleryFrom Paris to Scandinavia, Bota Palace’s rooms transport you to different atmospheres all the while staying in Dubrovnik (Bota Palace)The family behind the Bota Šare restaurants and oyster bars (including those in Dubrovnik and nearby Mali Ston) expanded into the hotel business with its luxurious Bota Palace just south of Stradun. There are only five stylishly decorated rooms within this 18th-century palace, each with its own theme, including one inspired by Paris and another by clean-cut Scandi design. While all come with kettles and coffee machines, some also feature fully equipped kitchens if you want to do some self-catering. You get a choice of breakfasts, all delivered to your room.Address: Široka ulica 2, Dubrovnik, CroatiaDistance to airport: 21.8km, 47-minute driveDistance to beach: 700m, 10-minute walk to Banje BeachHighlights: Best for self-cateringBook nowRead more: Why you should visit this German city packed with Cold War curiosities and oddball festivals11. Bokun Guesthouseopen image in galleryVenture to the Gruž neighbourhood for a intimate guesthouse stay (Bokun Guesthouse)In a secluded tree-shaded spot just a few minutes’ walk from the busy port at Gruž harbour, Bokun Guesthouse offers a restful base for a Dubrovnik holiday. Within the 400-year-old stone house are three apartments and two guest rooms, and the extensive gardens include an outdoor pool and dining terrace. There’s also a barbecue for grilling the fresh produce you can pick up at Gruž’s morning food market. Only breakfast is served in the restaurant, but Gruž has some excellent restaurants (including vegan options, a rarity in Croatia).Address: Obala Stjepana Radića 7, Dubrovnik, CroatiaDistance to airport: 22.9km, 49-minute driveDistance to beach: 1.2km, 19-minute walk to Bellevue BeachHighlights: Secluded, outdoor poolBook nowRead more: The best boutique hotels in Amsterdam12. Hotel Kazbekopen image in galleryAsk to hire the hotel’s private speedboat for a tour of the nearby islands (Hotel Kazbek)Handy for the beaches of Babin Kuk and Lapad Bay, Hotel Kazbek has 13 traditionally furnished rooms behind a high stone wall on the west side of Gruž port. Dating from the 16th century, this stone villa is built around an attractive courtyard garden and outdoor pool. The garden makes a pleasant place for meals, as does the stone vaulted restaurant. If you fancy a private boat tour of the Elaphiti or other nearby islands, you can hire the hotel’s private speedboat.Address: Lapadska Obala 25, Dubrovnik, CroatiaDistance to airport: 22.8km, 50-minute driveDistance to beach: 1km, 15-minute walk to Sunset BeachHighlights: Hotel’s private speedboatBook nowRead more: These are the best towns and cities to visit in Slovenia13. Palace Natali hotelopen image in galleryFor an adults-only stay, Palace Natali only allows guests 14 and up (Palace Natali)Back in the 16th century, the aristocratic Natali family built their summer home in the shadow of Mount Srđ. Now converted into a classy boutique hotel, Palace Natali has 21 rooms across three buildings above beautiful Renaissance-style gardens, an outdoor pool and a hot tub. As guests need to be aged 14 and above, there’s more of a grown-up ambience here. Enjoy superb views of the city from this hillside hotel, and if you book the garden suite, you’ll have a gorgeous terrace to go with these sea views. Another prestige suite comes with its own sauna.Address: Privežna 21, Dubrovnik, CroatiaBook nowRead more: The winter holiday perfect for a taste of Alpine glamourThe hotels featured in this list have been carefully selected by The Independent’s expert travel writer, Mary Novakovich, who has a deep knowledge of Croatia and Dubrovnik. Our contributors either live in these locations or visit frequently, ensuring a personal and informed perspective. When picking which hotels to include, Mary considered their own experience staying in the hotels in this list, and evaluated location, facilities, service and all the other details that make for an exceptional stay for all types of traveller.FAQsWhen is the best time to visit Dubrovnik?Sunseekers will want to head to Dubrovnik between June and August, however, that will be when the city is at its most busy with crowds from all over.Heading to the city in the spring or autumn will deliver sunny days and fewer crowds.What currency do I need?Dubrovnik uses the euro (€).How to get around?Wandering around the Old Town will be mostly by foot, though if you want to venture out to other neighbourhoods, you can hop on its bus system, taxi or even by boat.How to travel from the UK?Flights to Dubrovnik from the UK can take as little as two and a half hours.What is Dubrovnik famous for?The city is famous for its Old Town, which was listed as one of Unesco’s World Heritage Sites in the late 1970s due to its picturesque and well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture.Its popularity has grown over recent years due to being used in key scenes in the hit HBO series Game of Thrones, such as King’s Landing, which was filmed at Fort Lovrijenac and along the city walls.Dubrovnik’s hidden beaches, caves and idyllic landscapes have also attracted many holidaymakers.



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