Dubrovnik, Croatia

Approximately 0.5 km from Dubrovnik Old Town

Exceptional

9.6 /10 Expedia guest score

Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik is a five-star seafront hotel best suited to travelers who want Adriatic and Old Town views without staying inside the historic centre. The hotel is near Ploče Gate, around a five-minute walk from Dubrovnik's city walls, making it one of the most conveniently located luxury hotels outside the pedestrian Old Town.

The property combines the historic Villa Odak, originally built in 1913, with the more contemporary Tower building. Its main advantages are the setting, direct sea access, indoor pool, spa, restaurants and proximity to Dubrovnik Old Town. The main trade-off is price: rooms with the best sea and Old Town views generally command a significant premium.

Best for: Couples, luxury city breaks, sea views and travelers who want to walk to the Old Town.

Consider another hotel if: You want a low-cost stay, a sandy beach, extensive children's facilities or accommodation inside the Old Town itself.

Room-selection tip: Check the exact view and building when booking. Entry-level and road-facing rooms do not offer the same experience as sea-facing rooms and suites.

View of Dubrovnik Old Town and the Adriatic Sea from Hotel Excelsior

Is Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik worth it?

Hotel Excelsior is worth considering when location and views matter more than finding the lowest room rate. Few Dubrovnik hotels combine a seafront position, spa facilities and a short walk to Ploče Gate as effectively.

The hotel is particularly appealing for couples and first-time visitors who want to explore the Old Town on foot but prefer the space and facilities of a full-service luxury hotel. It offers a quieter setting than accommodation inside the historic centre while keeping Dubrovnik's main attractions within easy reach.

Advantages

  • Excellent Old Town and Adriatic views
  • Short walk to Ploče Gate
  • Direct access to the sea
  • Indoor pool and full-service spa
  • Multiple restaurants and bars
  • Suitable for a car-free stay

Things to consider

  • Premium prices for sea-view rooms
  • Room views vary considerably
  • Not located inside the Old Town
  • Limited child-focused resort facilities
  • Rocky and platform-style sea access
  • Some walking routes involve slopes

Rooms and suites

Hotel Excelsior has 158 rooms and suites divided between the historic Villa Odak and the newer Tower building. The accommodation ranges from classic rooms to larger sea-view rooms and luxury suites.

The most important booking decision is the view. Some categories face inland or offer only a partial sea view, while higher categories may include balconies and broad views across the Adriatic, Lokrum Island and Dubrovnik Old Town. Read the room description carefully rather than assuming that every room has the hotel's signature panorama.

Villa Odak or the Tower?

Villa Odak is the historic part of the hotel and is the more distinctive choice for travelers attracted by the property's heritage. The Tower has a more contemporary character and contains many of the hotel's modern rooms and suites.

Neither building is automatically better for every guest. Choose according to the exact room category, view, balcony, size and price rather than the building name alone.

Which room should you choose?

  • For the lowest rate: Compare classic and inland-facing categories, but expect a less memorable outlook.
  • For the signature experience: Choose a confirmed sea-view room, ideally with a balcony.
  • For Old Town views: Check that the room description specifically mentions the Old Town or west-facing sea views.
  • For more space: Compare executive and larger suite categories rather than relying only on the room photographs.

Room categories, names and included benefits may change. Confirm the exact conditions shown for your dates before booking.

Service & facilities

The hotel offers the Energy Clinic Spa & Wellness Centre, an indoor swimming pool, saunas, a fitness area and a range of wellness and beauty treatments. Its seafront terraces provide direct access to the Adriatic, although this is not a conventional sandy beach.

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • 24-hour room service
  • Restaurants and bars
  • Seafront swimming access
  • Concierge service
  • Parking, subject to current conditions
  • Spa and wellness centre
  • Indoor swimming pool
  • Saunas and relaxation facilities
  • Fitness centre
  • Meeting and event facilities
  • Reception and luggage assistance

Facilities and opening periods can change seasonally. Check the current hotel information before relying on a particular restaurant, treatment or outdoor service.

Restaurants and bars

Hotel Excelsior's dining venues make use of its seafront location and views toward Dubrovnik Old Town. The principal venues traditionally include Salin for breakfast, the seasonal Prora restaurant near the sea and Sensus for a more formal dining experience.

Restaurant names, menus and seasonal opening periods can change. Guests visiting outside the main summer season should check which venues will be open during their stay.

Sea access and swimming

Hotel Excelsior has direct access to the Adriatic from its seafront bathing area. Expect terraces, platforms and steps or ladders into the water rather than a broad sandy beach.

This setup suits confident swimmers who value clear water and views. Families with very young children, visitors who prefer shallow entry or guests with limited mobility should confirm the current access arrangements directly with the hotel.

Accessibility

The hotel has lifts serving its main accommodation and public areas, but its hillside and seafront setting may still create challenges. Reaching the water can involve steps, and the precise accessibility of rooms, restaurants, spa areas and sea access can vary.

Guests who require step-free access, an adapted bathroom or specific mobility support should contact the hotel before booking and request written confirmation for the selected room category.

Is Hotel Excelsior family-friendly?

Children are welcome, and the indoor pool, larger rooms and proximity to the Old Town can make the hotel practical for families. However, Hotel Excelsior is primarily positioned as a luxury city and seafront hotel rather than a children-focused resort.

Families should confirm the availability of connecting rooms, extra beds, cots, childcare and any age restrictions applying to spa or pool facilities. The stepped sea entry may be less convenient for younger children than a shallow beach.

Location

Hotel Excelsior is at Frana Supila 12, east of Dubrovnik Old Town. Ploče Gate, the eastern entrance to the historic centre, is approximately a five-minute walk away under normal conditions.

The location works particularly well for travelers who want to visit the Old Town early in the morning or return easily after dinner. It is also convenient for Banje Beach, the cable-car area and boats departing from the Old City Port.

The walk is short but not completely level in every direction. Dubrovnik also has polished stone surfaces, slopes and occasional steps, so comfortable footwear is advisable.

For planning nearby sightseeing, see our guide to the best things to do in Dubrovnik.

Getting to Hotel Excelsior

From Dubrovnik Airport

The simplest options are a pre-booked private transfer or taxi. Airport shuttle services generally stop in central Dubrovnik rather than directly at every hotel, so travelers using the shuttle may need a local bus, taxi or walk for the final part of the journey.

From Dubrovnik Main Bus Station

Dubrovnik Main Bus Station is in Gruž, on the opposite side of the city from Hotel Excelsior. A taxi or local bus connection is normally more practical than walking with luggage.

Arriving by car

Parking near Dubrovnik Old Town is limited and can be expensive. Hotel guests arriving by car should confirm current parking availability, access instructions and any charges directly with the hotel before arrival.

What is nearby?

  • Ploče Gate: The closest entrance to Dubrovnik Old Town.
  • Banje Beach: A popular public beach between the hotel and the Old Town area.
  • Dubrovnik Old City Port: Departure point for boats to Lokrum Island.
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car: Access to panoramic views from Mount Srđ.
  • Dubrovnik City Walls: The city's best-known historic attraction.

Who should stay at Hotel Excelsior?

Traveler Suitability Why
Couples Excellent Sea views, spa facilities and a romantic setting near the Old Town.
First-time Dubrovnik visitors Excellent Major attractions are within walking distance without staying inside the busy historic centre.
Luxury travelers Excellent Five-star service, wellness facilities and premium sea-view rooms.
Families Good Spacious accommodation and an indoor pool, but limited child-focused resort facilities.
Travelers with reduced mobility Confirm first Lifts are available, but the hillside setting and sea access may involve slopes or steps.
Budget travelers Limited Rates reflect the premium location, facilities and views.
Beach-focused families Mixed Direct sea access is attractive, but it is not a shallow sandy beach.

Booking advice

  • Compare the exact room view: “Sea view,” “partial sea view” and inland-facing rooms offer very different experiences.
  • Check whether a balcony is included: A sea-view room does not always guarantee private outdoor space.
  • Review cancellation conditions: Flexible and non-refundable rates can differ substantially.
  • Confirm seasonal facilities: Some restaurants and outdoor services may not operate year-round.
  • Ask about accessibility directly: Request confirmation for adapted rooms and step-free routes.
  • Book early for peak dates: Sea-view rooms can be limited during the main summer season.

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you book through this link, at no additional cost to you.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Hotel Excelsior from Dubrovnik Old Town?
Hotel Excelsior is approximately a five-minute walk from Ploče Gate, the eastern entrance to Dubrovnik Old Town. The exact walking time depends on pace and luggage.
Does Hotel Excelsior have a beach?
The hotel has a private seafront bathing area with direct access to the Adriatic. It is better described as platform and terrace access to the sea than as a conventional sandy beach.
Does Hotel Excelsior have an indoor pool?
Yes. The hotel's spa and wellness facilities include an indoor swimming pool.
Do all rooms have sea views?
No. Views differ by room category. Some rooms face inland or offer partial sea views, while higher categories may have full sea views, Old Town views or balconies.
Is Hotel Excelsior suitable for families?
Children are welcome, and the indoor pool and larger room categories can work well for families. However, the hotel has fewer child-focused facilities than a dedicated family resort.
Is Hotel Excelsior accessible?
Lifts serve the main hotel areas, but the hillside setting and seafront access may involve slopes or steps. Guests with specific requirements should confirm room and route accessibility before booking.
Is parking available?
Parking may be available to hotel guests, subject to current capacity and conditions. Confirm availability and any applicable charge directly before arrival.
Is Hotel Excelsior worth paying extra for?
It is most likely to justify the premium for guests who value sea and Old Town views, spa facilities and the ability to walk to Dubrovnik's historic centre. Travelers who will spend little time at the hotel may find better value elsewhere.

Address & contact details

Address: Frana Supila 12, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia

Official website: Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik

Last reviewed: August 2026

Hotel facilities, restaurant opening periods, room categories, guest scores and booking conditions can change. Confirm important details for your dates before booking.