My Experience at Hotel Excelsior - Why I Can't Talk About Dubrovnik Without Mentioning This Hotel
/During my four-week trip to Croatia last summer, I spent a total of 18 days in Dubrovnik and for two of those nights I stayed at the Hotel Excelsior. As soon as I stepped foot on the property it was clear the place was special, and my stay there was an incredible experience. The hotel is the closest you can stay to the Old Town and still have a stunning view, all the luxury amenities, and direct access to the waterfront- and for these reasons and more- it is the absolute best option for accommodation in Dubrovnik in my opinion.
The View of The Rock Pool and Old Town Dubrovnik from Hotel Excelsior
The Location
Because the property is so lovely it really makes it hard to leave, but its location just outside the Old Town is so convenient that it is quite easy to get anywhere you would need to go. The Ploce Gate of Old Town Dubrovnik is only a 10 minute walk from the lobby of the hotel, and the views from the coastal path along the way are stunning. The street on which the hotel is located is relatively quiet and is a convenient spot to be picked up by a taxi or Uber, both of which are prevalent in Dubrovnik.
The Seaside Deck at hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik
The Rooms
The original hotel, known as Villa Odak, features newly renovated luxury suites and rooms complete with the classical charm of the historic 1913 building. The rooms located in The Tower, the more recent addition, are beautifully appointed and designed for modern comfort. I definitely enjoyed my stay in a Junior Suite in The Tower, but I personally would have preferred Villa Odak (where my friends were staying) purely because of my personal design taste and love for any historic renovation. Both ‘buildings’ are seamlessly connected within the hotel, and all guests can access the same amenities.
The Pool
The Rock Pool at Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik
The iconic outdoor rock pool is truly a highlight of the property- setting my sights on the view was definitely a ‘pinch-me’ moment, and few places have inspired such awe and happiness when I finally saw them. To be completely honest though, I felt the rock pool was more for looks than for swimming, as the water level depends on the tides- when the water is calm due to low tide the pool may only have a few feet of seawater, and when the pool is full from the high tide the water can be too rough for swimming, and its rocky floor can be quite slippery from algae.
However, the Adriatic directly in front of the hotel feels like a giant saltwater swimming pool and was my favorite spot for swimming in all of Dubrovnik. In my opinion, there is nothing better than spending the day swimming in this exact spot in front of Hotel Excelsior, or even squeezing in a quick dip before breakfast or before getting ready for dinner after a day of exploring the Old Town. If the outdoor pool or the salty sea are not for you, the property boasts a stunning indoor pool with cold plunge and hot tubs, and an award-winning spa and salon.
The Rock Pool at Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik
Dining
Because I had spent a considerable amount of time in Dubrovnik before staying at the Hotel Excelsior, I gladly took full advantage of my time there and enjoyed every meal each day without leaving the property. I felt especially spoiled by the seemingly endless options at the breakfast buffet each morning, and felt nothing short of indulgent when ordering room service with such ease from my suite’s TV screen.
Prora Restaurant at Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik
The restaurants on the property boast stunning views and exceptional menus, and come highly recommended for dining even if you are not a guest of the hotel. Prora Restaurant along the waterfront is not to be missed, and I suggest visiting for a late lunch or evening drinks so you can see the space in all its glory during daylight hours. Sensus Restaurant offers seating both inside or outside on the terrace, and its fine dining menu is best accompanied by any local Croatian wine from the hotel’s cellar.
You can’t go wrong with any menu selection from the hotel’s restaurants, but my favorites that I still crave to this day are the French fries from Prora (also available to order when lounging seaside on the deck) and the chicken Caesar salad from Sensus (also available from the room service menu). If you are a guest of the hotel or solely dining at one of the restaurants, do not leave the property without trying their lemon gelato! Trust me when I say it is the best lemon ice cream in all of Dubrovnik.
During the summer months when the weather is perfect, Hotel Excelsior really feels like heaven on Earth. High season rates can understandably spike during this time, but because the property really is that special in my opinion it’s well worth the splurge- it would be hard for me to offer any recommendation for Dubrovnik without mentioning the Hotel Excelsior. Making a reservation far in advance or visiting in shoulder season (late summer/early fall around August-September while the weather is still heavenly) are good tips for scoring a great rate. Click here to check rates on for Hotel Excelsior on Expedia.
The Seaside Deck at Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik
Have any questions about visiting Hotel Excelsior in Dubrovnik, Croatia? Leave a comment below.
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