If you are looking for the best places to stay in Dubrovnik with family, you have clicked the right article!
One of my favorite coastal cities, Dubrovnik, endlessly charms its visitors with its picturesque Adriatic setting, characterful old city walls, beautiful sandy beaches, and delectable cuisine and wines.
It was featured in the famous TV series Game of Thrones and, overnight, became a tourist sensation. Travelers, especially GoT fans, flock here to visit the GoT filming locations.
Though I loved the city, the massive crowds affected the overall experience. We were jostling for space while exploring the Old Town, and that’s not a good thing. We visited in July, which is a peak month, so I always suggest everyone visit during the shoulder months to drink in the beauty Dubrovnik offers fully.
Another mistake I made was dedicating only a day to Dubrovnik, not realizing the city needs at least 3 days to explore, especially when kids are in tow.
Nevertheless, whether you have a day or more in the town, it’s crucial to choose the right accommodation to enhance your experience. So, I’ve put together this guide to where to stay in Dubrovnik, including the best areas and outlining which type of traveler each is perfect for. I’ve also recommended the best family hotels in each region.
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Best Areas to Stay in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik Old Town
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Town is Dubrovnik’s beautiful historic core, surrounded by iconic city walls. When you stay here, you are in the heart of action, so it’s easy to get around and explore. If you are a first-time visitor, short on time, or someone who loves history and architecture, then Old Town is your place.
To the west of the Old Town is a bustling area of Pile, and on the opposite side is the peaceful and upscale area of Ploce. Pile and Ploce are the historic entrance gates to Dubrovnik’s Old Town. The accommodations are a bit pricey here; however, many boast terraces and windows that frame postcard-perfect views of Old Town and the endless blue of the sea.
Lapad
A lush green peninsula, Lapad is where you can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing stay while soaking up the beauty of the Adriatic coast. The Babin Kuk on the Lapad Peninsula is full of luxury waterside hotels and resorts. If you are looking for a luxurious stay, Lapad is your best bet.
Gruz
Just about 3 km (1.8 miles) from the center, Gruz is Dubrovnik’s main port. You can catch ferries to the nearby islands, such as Elaphiti islets, Mljet, and Korčula, from here. The cruise ships also dock here, meaning it can get super busy in the summer when thousands of cruise passengers descend on Dubrovnik every day. If island-hopping is on your mind, you’ll want to stay in Gruz.
Mlini
It’s a quaint coastal village tucked between Dubrovnik and Cavtat. It’s an ideal choice for you if you want to enjoy a relaxing holiday away from the madness of Dubrovnik. It’s about 11 km (6.8 miles) from the Old Town. For a peaceful beach vacation, choose Mlini.
Dubrovnik Old Town
For me, the Old Town remains the best place to be in Dubrovnik. Maybe because I’m less into beaches and more into art, history, and culture; however, I’m sure, even if you prefer sandy shores, you’d still be charmed by the magic of the Old Town.
As you enter through the Pile Gate and step on the shining limestone streets (Stradun is ♥) sprinkled with timeless architectural marvels, it feels like stepping back in time.
Walking through the massive city walls is like reading a history book while drinking in the stunning views of the city hugged by the bluish-blue ocean.
After sunset, the Old Town transforms into a fairytale setting as charming cafes and restaurants come alive with the chatter of tourists, and the street performances fill the atmosphere.
If you ask me, I’d choose to stay in the Old Town every time I visit Dubrovnik.
Best Places to Stay in Dubrovnik Old Town
Believe me when I say that there are an endless number of accommodation options just in the Old Town. Here are the ones I found the most appealing and distinctive:
The Pucic Place
Right in the heart and soul of the town, the Pucic Palace is an 18th-century baroque palace turned 5-star hotel. The guests have exclusive access to Banje Beach, just 600 meters from the property.
The travelers go ga-ga over its elegant rooms, extensive buffet breakfast, excellent service, and prime location. With a perfect score of 10 out of 10, it’s one of the most family-friendly hotels in Dubrovnik.
Boutique Hotel Stari Grad
Located within the ancient city walls yet away from the hustle and bustle, Stari Grad is a 16th-century residence that has been converted into a boutique hotel. It has nine rooms, all equipped with modern amenities.
The highlight of the hotel remains its rooftop terrace restaurant, where guests can savor a diverse breakfast menu while enjoying panoramic views of the Old Town, the Adriatic Sea, and the nearby islands.
Dominus Little Palace
150 steps away from the beautiful Stardun, Dominus Little Palace is a cute little (as in the name) bed & breakfast accommodation featuring just four rooms and one suite.
All the rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated. The private suite is perfect for small families. It affords a fantastic view of the Old Town.
What’s unusual is that even though it’s a bed & breakfast, it doesn’t serve breakfast. From my perspective, it’s an excellent opportunity to explore the breakfast menu of the cafes and restaurants in the Old Town.
Dubrovnik Old Town Apartments
Dubrovnik Old Town Apartments is an apartment complex with several units, some with private entrances and others with terraces. There’s also a restaurant specializing in Mediterranean cuisine.
Many of the famous beaches are close to the apartment complex, like Porporela Beach and Buza Beach, which are just 500 metres away, while Beach Sulic and Banje Beach are 600 metres away.
Hotel Excelsior
A beachfront 5-star luxury property, Hotel Excelsior has artsy rooms designed by Croatian artists that ooze the authentic vibe. Most rooms afford ocean views. There’s also a luxurious spa and three on-site restaurants.
Travelers love its outdoor pool carved into a cliff with direct access to the sea. Families rated it highly (9.8) for family-friendly accommodations.
Villa Dubrovnik
Villa Dubrovnik is luxury at its best. Located by the sea, this 5-star property offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, the historic city walls & Lokrum Island.
All the rooms and suites in Villa Dubrovnik come with a sea-view terrace or balcony.
Lapad
Lapad is well-known for its beautiful beaches and stunning bay. From luxurious resorts to cozy guesthouses, Lapad offers accommodation options for every kind of traveler, allowing them to enjoy a picturesque, relaxed holiday. The Babin Kuk, a part of Lapad, is famous for its luxiuorous seaside resorts and hotels.
You can sunbathe, swim, or indulge in watersports on its many beaches, enjoy an evening stroll at Lapad Promenade, or take on the walking trails – Lapad is a fun place to stay. In fact, it’s well-connected by public transport to the Old Town, so you can easily explore the famous landmarks while staying away.
Best Places to Stay in Lapad
Hotel Dubrovnik Palace
One of the best family hotels in Dubrovnik, this beachside luxury hotel features rooms with minimalist decor, each with a balcony offering views of the Elaphite Islands.
It also boasts a scuba diving center. There are four on-site restaurants, including a beachside one, a pool bar, a spa with an indoor pool, a fitness studio, and jogging paths.
Villa Malo More
Villa Malo More offers fully functional apartments with sea-view terraces. The guests have access to the villa’s outdoor swimming pool.
They serve an exceptional buffet breakfast at their (Hotel More) restaurant just across the street.
Hotel Kompas
Settled in Lapad Bay, overlooking the sea, Hotel Kompas offers contemporary, spacious rooms with balconies and ocean views.
The hotel features an outdoor pool, a restaurant, two bars (Luna Bar next to the outdoor pool is the highlight), and a spa and wellness center with an indoor pool. The private beach is a short walk away.
Tantina West
Featuring bold, luxurious, distinctive, and artsy décor, along with a beautiful outdoor space, this guest suite is located in Babin Kuk.
It’s a few minutes walk from the beach, bars, restaurants, supermarket, and bus stop, and an easy 15-minute bus or Uber ride to the Dubrovnik Old Town.
Gruz
Home to a bustling harbor and open-air fresh produce market, staying in Gruz gives you an authentic taste of local life.
The harbor is super busy, especially during the peak season, as all the ferries and cruise ships dock here.
From the accessibility point of view, the area is excellent as the central bus station and the dock are located here. You can easily explore the Old Town, the nearby towns, the nearby islands, and attractions outside of Dubrovnik while staying here.
Most of the accommodations here, in fact, offer more value than those in other areas.
Best Places to Stay in Gruz
Berkeley Hotel
Located at Gruz harbor, this cozy, family-owned 4-star boutique hotel features 25 stylishly designed rooms with balconies. It features an outdoor pool with a sundeck area, a spa, an on-site restaurant, and a bar.
Their buffet breakfast is rated highly by guests.
Aquamarine Deluxe Apartment
Located just above the Gruz harbor, Aquamarine is a spacious apartment with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a balcony with sea views. It also has an outdoor dining area.
Mlini
Not far from Dubrovnik, the tiny coastal village of Mlini is known for its lush greenery, historic mills (thus, the name), clear springs, and traditional Dalmatian architecture (those charming stone houses are love). If you seek a rustic and peaceful retreat, it’s where you should be.
Its beautiful pebble beach is perfect for swimming and water sports. There are many cozy cafes and restaurants along the beach where you can enjoy local food while looking out over the sea.
Best Places to Stay in Mlini
Villa Sunset
Villa Sunset features spacious apartments with sea views. Some units come with a terrace.
The property also gives its guests access to the outdoor pool. The beach is just about 600 meters from here.
Maistra Select Mlini Hotel
Part of the Astarea-Mlini Complex, Maistra Select Mlini Hotel is a beautiful beachfront property surrounded by beaches and promenades dotted with ancient plane and oleander trees. It has elegant rooms and suites that afford views of the ocean and the nearby islands.
The property features four restaurants, including a bistro, a pizzeria, and a beachfront bar where you can enjoy performances by local bands, two swimming pools, a children’s playground, and a fitness and wellness center. Just about 100 meters away, you’ll also find a diving center.
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