The Dalmatian coast is a captivating territory of emerald waters, rich cultures and the place where holiday-makers descend from March until September of each year. Croatia has the lion’s share of the Adriatic Sea's eastern coastline and plenty of tony vacation spots with its most popular being Dubrovnik. The Hotel Excelsior is arguably Dubrovnik’s most chic hotel, catering to jet-setters from around the world, and an ideal host to experience all that the area has to offer.
Old Town Dubrovnik is a fairytale-like village of medieval castle walls, moats, bridges and cobblestone walking streets. This stunning walled city has red terracotta roofs and narrow alleys in pristine condition, making Old Town Dubrovnik a well-deserved UNESCO World Heritage site. There are dozens of Gothic and Renaissance churches and monasteries with beautiful frescos and artifacts inside, and orate exterior facades. Its massive limestone fortresses, five-story limestone walls, and well-preserved 13th century architecture is why it’s been chosen as the backdrop for numerous blockbusters such as Game of Thrones, Robin Hood, and the latest Star Wars saga.
Just a 10-minute walk away from Old Town is the Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik. The hotel faces the Adriatic sea offering views of its cruise ships, mega yachts and recreational boats crisscrossing in front of the hilly Lodkrum Island. Just beyond are views of the ramparts and walls of Old Town, and the surreal beauty of the coastline and the sea. The property was originally a villa built for the royal family in 1913 and after its most recent renovation, has become one of the top hotels in the region.
This is an uber posh hotel with a modern and eclectic design. The lounge looks like a film set with dramatic lighting, and edgy design elements and architecture. Bartenders behind a long bar create fancy cocktails, while glamorous guests in designer resort wear clink glasses and celebrate the good life. But the main reason that guests having been frequenting the property for over 100 years is the sea. The hotel has an expansive terrace alongside the sea with rows of chaise lounges where guests can sunbathe between dips in the refreshing, azure blue waters.
The hotel exudes luxury, especially in the 154 rooms and suites with a décor of light colors, wood-panel walls, and contemporary art and furnishings. Guests will love the panoramic sea views and the natural light from the sliding doors and large windows. The suites are exquisite with plenty of space in the living room and bedroom, and offer an additional powder room, walk-in closets, and the latest high-tech electronics. The bathrooms are exceptional as well with wide open spaces, L’Occitane amenities and a contemporary soaking bathtub. The terrace is where guests will spend a lot of their time watching sunsets or taking in the mesmerizing views of the sea and coastline.
On the terrace below, sophisticated guests dine on light Mediterranean dishes under large white canvas umbrellas. It’s a very sexy scene under the stars overlooking the sea with Dubrovnik as a backdrop. This is the place to go for romantic sea-view dining and the Excelsior has several restaurants and bars that attract both guests from the hotel and visitors around the area. The Prora Restaurant has a cave-like limestone terrace where guests dine by torchlight on seafood and meat dishes. Guests will also enjoy the fine dining restaurant Sensus, which specializes in nouveau Mediterranean dishes and wine pairing with the top Croatian wines.
Aside from taking in the incredible scenery, museums, shopping, and activities of Old Town, many guests will enjoy the area’s endless water sports or the popular beaches such as the nearby Banju Beach which is popular for the 20 and 30-something crowd. For more natural pursuits, Lodkum Island, which faces the hotel, is perfect for a day of island walks, hiking or a thrilling cliff dive. For a deeper sense of relaxation, the hotel offers a complete spa experience with an indoor pool, Jacuzzis, Turkish and Roman baths and a Finnish sauna. This is a full-service spa complete with well-trained therapists offering a range of health treatments, massages and beauty services.
Dubrovnik is an unforgettable travel destination on the stunning Adriatic Sea. For those looking for the hottest hotel in Dubrovnik, look no further than the Excelsior.
