Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik

From the street side, the unassuming facade gives you no idea what’s in store for you. But the dramatic Adriatic views from the very contemporary lobby are just the first hint of the superlative experience to come. The hotel is actually three sections- two buildings that house guest rooms and a connecting link that contains the lobby, the sleek bar and patio. They connect seamlessly but to afford privacy and security, the configuration means two elevators or sets of stairs for most activities. The set up also made for an unbelievably quiet and restful environment in which to relax and sleep. Our rooms were in the original building which was repurposed to a hotel from a very grand villa. The hotel obviously has updated these rooms relatively recently. Decor was fresh and the color palette, combined with the spectacular unobstructed views and the generous patio made for a tranquil, almost retreat-like feeling. Service was what one would expect in a hotel of this caliber-attentive and unobtrusive with some focus on little details. When we set up airport transport for a very early pick up (5AM), the front desk’s next question was how many box breakfasts and coffees we would like for the trip. We received similar attention with the concierge, bar and restaurant as well. The hotel has a patio that edges to the sea wall (so it’s easy to put your feet in and say you experienced the Adriatic) but no real beach. There also is a fitness room that overlooks a beautiful indoor pool; the room was quite compact but the equipment modern. The hotel is a short (5-10 minute) and easy stroll into the old city but avoids all the noise and frenzied activity one encounters there. A great solution.

I stayed at Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik and, honestly, I left feeling really disappointed and ripped off by the whole package deal. I’m a travel agent, so I book and recommend hotels regularly, and I do understand that Dubrovnik commands premium prices, but this did not feel like good value or a true 5-star experience. I visited Dubrovnik last year and stayed at Dubrovnik Palace, which I thought was okay for a girls’ holiday. We had a balcony and, although we had to get taxis into town, the stay was fine overall. This time I chose the Excelsior expecting a much higher standard and a more special experience, but unfortunately it felt hugely overpriced for what we received. Our first room was on the heritage side and was dark, dingy and quite suffocating. It didn’t feel luxurious or welcoming at all, so I asked to be moved to a more open, airy room. The hotel itself has amazing potential and the views are beautiful, but the experience didn’t match the price point. There also appeared to be construction work next door, which didn’t help the overall feel of the stay. Breakfast was average at best, certainly not what I would expect from a hotel charging these rates. The spa was also disappointing. The door to the ocean side was left open constantly, and during our stay the weather was stormy and around 19 degrees, so the whole spa area felt cold rather than relaxing. Again, not what you expect from a luxury 5-star hotel. The biggest issue was the housekeeping. My parents’ room was not cleaned and they didn’t receive fresh towels for two days. Apparently, a small exterior light or button had been pressed by accident, which meant the “do not disturb” sign was showing on the door, but nobody informed us or checked. In a hotel of this standard, you would expect staff to notice, call the room, or at least follow up. On top of that, coffee cups were left dirty, pods were not replaced, fresh water was not replenished, and then we were charged for water. These are basic details that should be handled properly in a hotel claiming to be 5-star. Overall, the views and location are great, but the service, room quality and attention to detail were nowhere near the level expected for the price. As a travel agent, I would be very hesitant to recommend this hotel based on my stay. It felt overpriced and underwhelming, and sadly not the luxury Dubrovnik experience I was expecting.

A wonderful stay in a special place like the Excelsior Hotel is a pleasure in every sense. The exceptional friendliness of the staff, the uniqueness of the gastronomic offer, relaxation in the spa area and sunbathing on deck chairs right by the sea with a view of the Dubrovnik walls are just some of the things that make every moment of your stay delightful. However, special praise and gratitude to the hotel director, Mr. Željko, for his attention, dedication to guest satisfaction and truly what makes this kind of hospitality special and your stay unforgettable. Dear Željko, thank you once again!

What a beautiful Hotel. Clean and the most pleasant and courteous staff. Very well presented and excellent facilities.

clean, good location Management very attentive