The Hotel Excelsior in Dubrovnik is a true landmark of the Adriatic. Originally built in 1913 as a royal villa and designed by Otto Rehnig, it has stood the test of time, serving as a sanctuary for royalty, world-famous actors, and artists like Elizabeth Taylor and Pablo Picasso for over a century.
What makes the hotel particularly special is its clever blend of history and modernity. Guests can choose between the classic, elegant atmosphere of the original Villa Odak or the sleek, contemporary style of the newer Tower addition. The entire property is meticulously laid out to frame the stunning panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the ancient city walls.
The location is unbeatable for those looking to explore. Just a five-minute walk from the medieval Ploče Gate, you are perfectly positioned to wander through the UNESCO-protected Old Town. You can easily access the famous city walls, the Rector’s Palace, or take a quick boat trip to the lush, peaceful nearby island of Lokrum.
Beyond the views, the hotel offers a unique sensory experience. Whether you are relaxing in the Turkish and Roman baths or enjoying a quiet drink at the Abakus Piano Bar, where the walls are lined with photos of legendary past guests, the history of the place is palpable. It is a fantastic home base for anyone wanting to soak up the culture and glamour of Dubrovnik.
Expert reviews
“Reopened in May 2017 after an extensive renovation, the iconic 104-year-old Excelsior has 158 rooms and suites, all redesigned with king beds, soft color tones and light oak floors. A new restaurant, Sensus, serves elevated Croatian and Continental fare, with an emphasis on seafood. What hasn’t changed: the stunning views of Old Town.”
Shortlisted in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
“A historic five-star hotel, with fantastic views of Dubrovnik’s medieval walls rising from the sea. It has 158 contemporary rooms, a stone-paved bathing area, a spa with an indoor pool, three restaurants (including romantic waterside tables at Prora) and a snazzy lounge-bar.”
What guests liked
- Sea views
- Perfect location
- Friendly staff
- Boutique style
- Excellent Wifi
- Comfortable beds
Location
Recent guest reviews
25 September 2025
Overall, loved it. Will be back for sure.
Staff and location were excellent.
The fitness room was disappointing. Not much to like there.
9 September 2025
They upgraded my room to a better location facing the water. Everyone was so kind and accommodating. Great location.
Clean. Amazing service. Location.
Breakfast food can be improved. No outdoor pool area.
5 September 2025
I would recommend Excelsior to anyone who would like to visit Dubrovnik.
A large hotel with the right amenities, unbeatable views and direct access to the ocean. Beautiful view over the ocean and the Old Town. Great breakfast. The whole reception/front of house team was super.
The bed linen was clean but needs an upgrade.
30 August 2025
Amazing location with private beach, 2 min from the public beach, 5 min from old town
Location and ambient, great view at the sea and old city, hotel is just on the sea with private beach
All was good
12 August 2025
We were blown away by the location, view, staff helpfulness and breakfast.
Staff super friendly & helpful, bed and room very comfortable, breakfast excellent, views incredible. Location easy for old town exploring.
More staff to provide food & drink service by the sea beds. More water dispensers and bins around hotel an idea.
10 August 2025
Great hotel in an even better location. Highly reccomend.
Beautiful hotel in a superb location. Breakfast was exceptional overlooking the old town and the sea. The lounge area by the water was very cool and the indoor pool and different saunas was a nice touch. Would definitely stay here afain.
It would have been nice if the hotel had some float toys or even a pad in the water to swim up to. But this was only minor. Hotel was a very nice experience.
7 August 2025
Amazing hotel with exceptional views
Beautiful location with wonderful facilities and amazing private beach. Within walking distance to old town centre. Staff were friendly and very accommodating. Beautiful food at the amazing hotel restaurants.
Nil
28 July 2025
Perfect stay combined with some amazing art performance during the Dubrovnik Summer festival .
This is one of the most beautiful hotels in Dubrovnik offering perfect views of the famous Old Town medieval walls.Staff is very attentive and always around to help.
2 excellent restaurants with very creative chef. Beautiful spa and very clean rooms.Even when it’s for a short period every stay in Excelsior is memorable experience.
Highly recommended.
10 July 2025
Top 5 hotels in World!
Very comfortable hotel with great facilities in close proximity to Old town!
1 July 2025
Amazing , will come back here, made Dubrovnik one of my favorite place to relax and enjoy life
The vue from the balcony… worth every penny
A couple walked naked by the pool to go to the sauna, nothing scary but was surprising
8 June 2025
Loved it would go again and again
The view and the breakfast was great
Lunches upstairs was fair not brilliant and pricey for a ceasar salad which was pretty basic
1 May 2025
Amazing, definitely coming back
Great location, lovely room with a stunning view and really helpful and attentive staff
Nothing
1 May 2025
I would recommend this hotel without hesitation.
Location and view was fantastic. Breakfast was excellent and the staff worked hard to please.
The spa services were disappointing and the prices for dinner were a bit high considering all of the food restaurants in the area.
30 April 2025
Fantastic hotel in incredible location
Beautiful location and superbly clean. Food was excellent , staff were friendly and helpful
Nothing
20 April 2025
Wonderful location, great views!
Wonderful location, a short 10 min walk to Old Town! The main floor with the lounge and restaurants is quite comfortable and beautiful. Service was quick and front desk made an effort (despite some things to note in the room). NaturaBisse amenities worked wonders for skin
Our room was in the older section of the hotel, so the plumbing is older and can smell stale. Front desk made an effort
18 April 2025
Great hospital to explore Dubrovnik. The facilities are great including the pool and spa. Easy walk to the city
The facilities are amazing
People are very nice
24 February 2025
A memorable stay. Would love to come back.
A very lovely hotel. I stayed in Villa Odak with terrace and stunning sea view. The hotel is very close to the old town. The room was super spacious and very clean and classy. Staff were very polite and friendly. Breakfast was amazing. You get to order what you like from a menu plus other food on buffet. On the day of check-out, we had to leave very early. But the breakfast was all ready that early waiting for just the two of us.
Nothing really. Everything was perfect.
10 January 2025
Amazing location and beautiful views.
Location is amazing. Beautiful common spaces and restaurants.
Spa could use an upgrade. Also the bathroom in bedroom and spa had sewage smell.
2 December 2024
It was amazing
Very clean and smells amazing. 10 min walk to Old Town. Breakfast was amazing with different choices. Staff very friendly specially Dario he takes the time to give recommendations and advise on what to do around town.
21 November 2024
Relaxing, excellent facilities and location
Location room with sea view and terrace
Nothing really except chairs on terrace were a little basic and could have been upgraded for comfort and style to match interior furniture elsewhere
30 September 2024
Superb, relaxing and just perfect!
Superb location so near to the Old Town. Breakfast choices are amazing. The hotel is immaculate throughout and we love being able to swim in the sea from the lower patio area.
It was all perfect for us.
26 September 2024
Wonderful staff who made our stay very enjoyable
Location. Proximity to the old town and sea
17 September 2024
A wonderful stay great service
Everything
Shout out to MARIO OUR DRIVER
4 September 2024
The stay was okay, nothing exceptional but nothing really bad either.
It’s really close to the old town
An extremely large hotel which you can easily get lost in
1 September 2024
Relaxing wellness getaway.
Clean, amenities were great, staff is friendly, well located
Bathroom window needs more privacy as it faced the street. Should be a black glass that lets light in but people cannot look right in. Also the room was billed to for 3 but the cot made it difficult to move around the room
13 August 2024
Everyone was extremely friendly and pleasant
Location
Everything was good
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Barber/beauty shop
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
- - Airport shuttle (additional charge)
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities
- - Business centre
- - Fax/photocopying
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Currency exchange
- - Tour desk
- - Luggage storage
- - ATM/cash machine on site
- - Concierge service
Activities
- - Sauna
- - Fitness centre
- - Spa & wellness centre
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- - Indoor pool
- - Indoor pool (all year)
- - Beachfront
- - Beach
Outdoors
- - Terrace
Entertainment & family services
- - Babysitting/child services (additional charge)
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
Pool and wellness
- - Swimming pool
Miscellaneous
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Thermometers for guests provided by property
- - Face masks for guests available

More photos

2 November 2025
Relaxing, restful with the added bonus of beautiful weather!