It is basically impossible to talk about the Adriatic coastline without someone mentioning the Excelsior Hotel Dubrovnik Croatia. You’ve probably seen the photos. Those jagged stone bathing platforms, the saltwater pool that looks like it’s carved right out of the cliffside, and that specific, terracotta-roofed view of the Old Town that feels like a movie set.
But here’s the thing.
When a place has been around since 1913, it picks up a lot of baggage—mostly the good kind, but still. It’s hosted everyone from Queen Elizabeth II to Elizabeth Taylor and Francis Ford Coppola. It’s not just a hotel; it’s a landmark. Yet, travelers often get confused about what they’re actually booking because the property is split into two very different worlds: the historic Villa Odak and the ultra-modern Tower.
The weird architectural split of the Excelsior Hotel Dubrovnik Croatia
Most people don't realize that the Excelsior is a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde situation.
If you want the "Grand Dame" vibes, you stay in the Villa Odak. It’s the original 1913 building. Think high ceilings, classic stone architecture, and a sense of gravity that only comes with a century of history. Then you have The Tower. It was renovated heavily around 2017 and feels like a sleek, minimalist glass box. If you walk into a Tower room expecting old-world European charm, you’re gonna be disappointed. It’s all light wood, grey tones, and floor-to-ceiling glass.
Both are great. They’re just different. Honestly, the view is the great equalizer here. Because the hotel sits just outside the Ploče Gate, every single guest gets that iconic "King’s Landing" silhouette of the Old Town.
Why the location actually matters (and it's not just the view)
Dubrovnik is crowded. Like, "can't-move-your-arms-on-the-Stradun" crowded during July and August.
The Excelsior Hotel Dubrovnik Croatia sits in a bit of a sweet spot. You are a five-minute walk from the city walls. You can walk to the gate, realize there are three cruise ships in port, and immediately retreat back to the hotel’s private beach. That’s the real luxury. You aren't trapped in the humid, narrow stone alleys of the Old Town when the sun is beating down. You have air, space, and a direct ladder into the sea.
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The "beach" isn't sand, by the way. If you’re looking for a Caribbean-style shoreline, you're in the wrong country. This is a paved stone plateau. It’s very Mediterranean. You jump off a ladder into deep, crystal-blue water. It’s refreshing, a bit salty, and 100% better than any sandy beach when it comes to clarity.
Eating at Sensus vs. Prora
The food scene at the Excelsior is surprisingly nuanced.
Prora is the one you see on Instagram. It’s the beachside restaurant. Tables are tucked under stone arches, and you’re inches from the water. It’s romantic. It’s expensive. You’re paying for the sound of the waves.
Then there’s Sensus.
Sensus is the fine-dining spot where things get a little more experimental. The chefs there do some wild things with local Croatian ingredients. Think Adriatic bluefish, Pag Island cheese, and truffles from Istria. Is it worth the price tag? If you’re a foodie, yes. If you just want a decent pasta, maybe stick to the smaller konobas (taverns) a bit further up the hill away from the water.
The breakfast situation
Let's be real: hotel breakfasts can be a hit or miss. At the Excelsior, the terrace is the star. Eating eggs while looking at the Lokrum Island ferry chugging across the bay is a vibe. The spread is massive—local cured meats, fresh figs, honeycomb, and plenty of sparkling wine if you're leaning into the vacation lifestyle.
One pro tip? Don't sleep on the Croatian coffee. It’s strong. It’ll wake you up faster than the dip in the Adriatic will.
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The Spa and "That" Indoor Pool
The Energy Clinic spa at the Excelsior Hotel Dubrovnik Croatia is often cited as one of the best in the region.
It’s about 850 square meters of pure silence. There’s a freshwater pool, two hot tubs, and a sauna area. But the real reason people go is for the treatments using local Mediterranean herbs. If you’ve spent the day hiking the city walls in 30°C heat, the "refreshing" treatments are a lifesaver.
Interestingly, the indoor pool area is one of the few places in the hotel where the modern aesthetic actually feels cozy rather than clinical. The lighting is dim, the stone is cool, and it’s a perfect escape when the midday sun gets too aggressive.
What most people get wrong about staying here
The biggest misconception is that the Excelsior is "too formal."
Sure, it’s a five-star hotel. Yes, there are valets and people in crisp uniforms. But it’s also a seaside resort in Dalmatia. The vibe is actually pretty relaxed once you get past the lobby. People are walking around in linen cover-ups and sandals. It’s not stuffy. It’s just... polished.
Another thing? The "walking distance" claim.
While it is technically a five-minute walk to the Old Town, Dubrovnik is a city of stairs. If you have mobility issues, the walk to the Ploče Gate is relatively flat, but exploring the rest of the city will be a challenge. The hotel itself has elevators everywhere, so you’re fine on-property, but just keep the "Pearl of the Adriatic" topography in mind.
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The price of the view
You are going to pay more here than at almost any other hotel in Croatia, save for maybe its sister property, Hotel Villa Dubrovnik, or the Bellevue.
Is it overpriced?
In the height of summer, everything in Dubrovnik feels a bit overpriced. But you aren't just paying for a bed. You’re paying for the convenience of being able to walk into the Old Town at 7:00 AM before the crowds arrive, and being back in your room by 9:00 AM for breakfast. That access is worth a lot.
Logistics and the nitty-gritty
- Parking: It’s a nightmare in Dubrovnik. The Excelsior has valet parking, which is a godsend. If you’re driving a rental car from Split or Montenegro, just let the hotel handle it. Don't even try to park on the street.
- Airport Transfers: The hotel can arrange a private car from Čilipi (DBV) airport. It’s about a 25-minute drive. It’s more expensive than a taxi or Uber, but seeing your name on a sign after a long flight is a nice touch.
- Wi-Fi: It works. Everywhere. Even down by the rocks at the beach. You can take your Zoom calls with the Adriatic in the background if you absolutely have to work, though I wouldn’t recommend it.
The Verdict on Excelsior Hotel Dubrovnik Croatia
The Excelsior isn't trying to be the trendiest hotel in the world. It’s leaning into its legacy.
It’s a place that knows it has the best real estate in the city and uses it well. Whether you’re in the historic Villa Odak or the modern Tower, the experience is defined by the horizon. If you want to feel like a movie star from the 1950s—or just want to be close enough to the Old Town to smell the salt air—it’s the place to be.
Actionable steps for your stay
- Book the Villa Odak Sea View: Specifically ask for this if you want the high ceilings and the classic balcony. The Tower is great, but the Odak is the soul of the property.
- Go to the Old Town at sunrise: Walk out of the hotel at 6:30 AM. You’ll have the Stradun to yourself. It’s the only way to see the city without the crushing weight of ten thousand other tourists.
- Use the ladder, not the stairs: If you're going for a swim, use the ladders on the far end of the stone plateau. The water is deeper and clearer there.
- Skip the hotel dinner once: Walk five minutes up the road to Victoria Restaurant (at Villa Orsula) for a different perspective, or head into the hills for a "Peka" (meat or octopus cooked under a bell) for a more authentic Dalmatian meal.
- Check the cruise ship schedule: Use a site like "Cruiseto" to see how many ships are in port. On high-volume days, plan to stay at the hotel’s beach or take a boat to the Elafiti Islands instead of going into the Old Town.
The Excelsior is a splurge. There’s no way around that. But for a milestone anniversary or a first-time trip to Croatia, it provides a sense of place that’s hard to replicate anywhere else on the coast. It’s the classic choice for a reason.