You’re standing on a balcony, and the Adriatic is so blue it actually looks fake. It isn't. That’s just the standard Tuesday morning view at the Royal Princess Hotel Dubrovnik Croatia. Most people booking a trip to the Pearl of the Adriatic make a massive mistake: they think they have to stay inside the Old Town walls. Honestly? That’s how you end up in a cramped room listening to suitcase wheels on cobblestones at 4:00 AM.
If you want the actual Mediterranean dream—the one with the pine-scented air and the sound of waves hitting the rocks—you head to the Lapad Peninsula. Specifically, you head to the Royal Hotels & Resort complex. The Royal Princess is the crown jewel of this little cluster. It’s a five-star property that leans heavily into that old-school, regal aesthetic. Think chandeliers, heavy drapes, and marble everything. It’s not "minimalist chic." It’s "I’m a Mediterranean aristocrat for the weekend," and frankly, it works.
Why the Location Changes Everything
The Royal Princess Hotel Dubrovnik Croatia isn't tucked away in a dark alley. It’s perched right on the edge of the Lapad coastline. This matters because Dubrovnik gets hot. Seriously hot. When the midday sun hits those limestone walls in the Old Town, it’s like being in an oven. Out here in Babin Kuk, you get the breeze.
You’re about 4 kilometers from the Pile Gate. That’s a 10-minute Uber or a very easy bus ride on the Number 4 line. Staying here means you get the best of both worlds. You do your morning deep-dive into Game of Thrones filming locations or walk the city walls, and then you retreat. You escape the cruise ship crowds. You come back to a place where the only thing you hear is the Adriatic Sea.
The hotel is part of a larger resort "village," which is a bit of a weird concept until you get there. Basically, five different hotels share the same coastline. This is a huge perk. You might be staying at the Princess, but you can wander over to the Royal Blue for their rooftop pool or grab a drink at the Cave Bar More nearby (which is literally inside a natural cave). It’s like having a VIP pass to the entire peninsula.
The Suites: Larger Than My First Apartment
Let's talk about the rooms. Or rather, the suites. Most "luxury" hotels in Europe give you a shoebox and call it "intimate." The Royal Princess Hotel Dubrovnik Croatia does the opposite. Most of the accommodations here are actual suites. We’re talking separate living areas, massive bathrooms, and balconies that you could realistically host a small dinner party on.
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- The furniture is dark wood and classic.
- The beds are massive.
- The air conditioning actually works (crucial for Croatia in July).
If you’re traveling as a couple, the Princess Suite is the play. It’s got that romantic, slightly over-the-top vibe that feels right for a honeymoon or a big anniversary. If you're looking for something hyper-modern with LED strips and concrete walls, you’ll be disappointed. This is about timeless elegance. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you should be wearing a linen suit or a silk kaftan.
The View Hierarchy
Not all views are created equal. When booking, you’ll see "Park View" and "Sea View." Don't be cheap here. Pay for the sea view. There is a specific kind of magic in waking up, pulling back those heavy curtains, and seeing the Elafiti Islands sitting on the horizon. The park views are fine—mostly Mediterranean greenery and pine trees—but the sea is why you’re in Dubrovnik.
Swimming in the Adriatic vs. The Pool
Most American travelers are obsessed with hotel pools. I get it. But in Croatia, the sea is the pool. The Royal Princess Hotel Dubrovnik Croatia has a series of stone "beaches." These aren't sandy stretches like you’d find in Florida. They are flat, sun-drenched stone plateaus with ladders leading directly into the deep, crystal-clear water.
It’s bracing. It’s salty. It’s incredibly buoyant.
If you’re a pool person, the resort has several. The indoor pool at the wellness center is great for those rare rainy days, and the outdoor pools scattered around the complex offer plenty of loungers. But honestly? If you don’t jump off the rocks into the Adriatic at least once, you haven't really visited. The water quality in this part of Lapad is some of the highest in the country. You can see the bottom even when it's 20 feet deep.
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Dining and the "Resort Life"
Breakfast is served at the Restaurant Zoe or La Castile, depending on the season and occupancy. It’s a massive spread. We’re talking local cheeses, Dalmatian ham (pršut), olives, fresh pastries, and made-to-order eggs. Eat outside. Always eat outside. Watching the early morning swimmers while you drink your second espresso is the peak of the experience.
For dinner, La Castile is the standout. It’s got a terrace that overlooks the sea, and the menu focuses on Mediterranean fusion.
- Get the seafood.
- Local white wine (Pošip) is mandatory.
- Don't skip the olive oil; Croatia produces some of the best in the world, and they don't hold back here.
One thing to keep in mind: prices at the resort reflect the five-star status. A beer or a cocktail by the pool will cost you more than it would at a local "pivnica" in the city. But you’re paying for the convenience and the sunset view, which, frankly, is world-class. If you want a cheaper meal, walk 15 minutes down the coastal path to the main Lapad pedestrian strip (Uvala Lapad). There are dozens of pizzerias and local konobas where you can eat for half the price.
The Logistics Most People Miss
Getting from the airport to the Royal Princess Hotel Dubrovnik Croatia takes about 30 to 40 minutes. You can book a private transfer through the hotel, but a standard Uber or the official airport shuttle bus (which drops you at the Main Bus Station in Gruz) works too. If you take the shuttle, you’ll still need a short taxi or local bus ride to get to the hotel entrance.
The hotel is built into a cliffside. This means there are stairs. A lot of stairs. While there are elevators to get you between floors and down toward the beach level, there’s still a fair amount of walking involved to navigate the different buildings in the Royal Resort complex. If you have mobility issues, let the staff know ahead of time so they can assign you a room close to the main elevators.
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What about the "Royal" complex?
It’s easy to get confused. There is the Royal Palm, Royal Ariston, Royal Blue, Royal Neptune, and the Royal Princess. They are all physically connected. The Princess is generally considered the most "upscale" and traditional in terms of decor. The Blue is the newest and most modern. The Neptune is often more budget-friendly. Because they share facilities, you never feel restricted to just one building.
Expert Tips for a Better Stay
Don't spend every night in the Old Town. One of the best things to do is walk the coastal path that starts right near the hotel. It winds all the way around the Babin Kuk peninsula. You’ll find locals jumping off rocks, tiny little bars hidden in the trees, and some of the best sunset spots in the city.
- The Spa: The Royal Wellness & Spa is shared. The massages are actually decent, not just the "light rubbing" you get at some resort spas.
- The Cave Bar: Even if you aren't staying there, walk over to the neighboring Hotel More. The bar is built into a natural cavern discovered during the hotel's construction. It's cool (literally) and a great spot for a mid-afternoon drink.
- Local Transit: Buy a Dubrovnik Pass if you plan on visiting the walls and museums. It includes bus fare, which makes getting from the Royal Princess to the Old Town effortless.
Is It Worth the Price?
Look, Dubrovnik is expensive. It’s the most expensive city in Croatia by a long shot. The Royal Princess Hotel Dubrovnik Croatia isn't a "budget" find. You stay here because you want the luxury of space and the luxury of silence.
If you’re the type of traveler who wants to be in the middle of a loud, bustling bar scene, stay in the Old Town. If you’re the type who wants to wake up to the sound of the sea, spend your afternoons lounging on a stone pier, and enjoy a room that doesn't require you to climb four flights of narrow stairs with your luggage, then this is the spot.
It’s about the "slow" version of Dubrovnik. It’s about realizing that the city is more than just a fortress; it’s a coastal retreat.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
- Check the Cruise Schedule: Before booking your dates, look up the Dubrovnik cruise ship arrivals. Aim for days when fewer ships are in port to enjoy the Old Town, then retreat to the Royal Princess when the crowds peak.
- Request a High Floor: The views improve exponentially the higher you go. Aim for the 3rd floor or above in the Princess building.
- Pack Water Shoes: The "beach" at the hotel is rocky. To get in and out of the Adriatic comfortably, a pair of cheap rubber water shoes will save your feet.
- Book Direct: Often, the Royal Hotels & Resort website offers "early bird" discounts or perks like free airport transfers that you won't find on major booking engines.
- Explore the Bay: Take the local boat from the Lapad waterfront over to the Elafiti islands for a day trip. It’s cheaper and more authentic than the private "Three Islands" tours pushed on every street corner.