Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik Review: Private Beach & Old Town Steps

Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik has welcomed guests since 1913, combining a waterfront position with immediate access to the city’s UNESCO-protected Old Town. This review draws on the official property site, booking platforms, and guest reviews to clarify what the hotel actually offers and where its reputation stands today.

Last checked: 2026-07-27

Hotel class: 5-star · Location: Just steps from Dubrovnik Old Town · Amenities: Private beach, indoor pool, spa, fitness centre · History: Original villa built in 1913

What is Hotel Excelsior known for?

Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik is known for its century-old heritage and its position overlooking the Adriatic Sea, just east of the Old Town. The property was originally a private villa built in 1913 and later became a hotel that has hosted royalty and Hollywood stars. It belongs to the Adriatic Luxury Hotels collection and is also listed with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, which underscores its 5-star positioning.

What are the key features of Hotel Excelsior?

Beyond the private beach (discussed in the next section), the hotel offers an indoor pool, a spa with a wellness programme, and a fitness centre. The property has 158 rooms, 19 of which are suites, according to Mr & Mrs Smith. Many rooms face the sea, and the hotel’s restaurant, Restaurant Panorama, serves Mediterranean cuisine with views of the city walls.

What is the history of Hotel Excelsior?

Built as a villa in 1913, Hotel Excelsior was fully renovated in 2017, according to Audley Travel. The hotel’s guest list has included British royalty and Hollywood actors, though specific names are not consistently recorded in the sources reviewed. The building’s original architecture blended with modern upgrades gives it a reputation for old-world elegance.

Does Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik have a beach?

This question generates the most confusion among travellers. The official listing from Small Luxury Hotels of the World states “direct access to a beach.” Hotels.com lists the property as “On the beach” and notes beach umbrellas, sun loungers, and beach towels. However, guest reviews on TripAdvisor and TravelCodex clarify that the hotel does not have a traditional sand beach.

Is there a private beach?

According to TripAdvisor reviewers, the water access consists of a “patio that edges to the sea wall … but no real beach.” TravelCodex similarly describes “a deck covered with paving stones, and a roped off swimming area in the Adriatic sea.” Booking.com states the nearest beach is 650 feet from the hotel. So while the hotel offers private waterfront access with loungers and towels, it is a paved deck and rocky swimming area, not a sandy shoreline.

What beach amenities are available?

Hotels.com lists beach umbrellas, sun loungers, and beach towels as amenities. The hotel also has an indoor pool and, according to some sources, an outdoor seawater or rock-pool swimming area. The spa and fitness centre are additional indoor options.

“There isn’t a sand beach at the hotel, rather just a deck covered with paving stones, and a roped off swimming area in the Adriatic sea.”

— TravelCodex reviewer

The bottom line: if you expect a sandy beach, you may be disappointed. But if you are happy with a private sunbathing deck and direct sea access, the arrangement works well.

How far is Hotel Excelsior from Old Town?

Hotel Excelsior sits on the seafront east of Dubrovnik’s historic core. Audley Travel says the hotel is a five-minute walk from Ploče Gate, the main entrance to the Old Town. Booking.com also notes that the nearest beach is 650 feet away, but the Old Town is even closer.

Walking distance to Old Town

The walk from the hotel entrance to the Ploče Gate is roughly 400 metres along the waterfront promenade. This means guests can reach the Stradun, the main street, and all major sights within 10 minutes on foot. The hotel’s location is a key selling point for culture tourists who want to be steps away from the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Nearest transport connections

Dubrovnik Airport is about 20 kilometres away; the hotel can arrange a private transfer or guests can take a taxi or shuttle bus. The main bus station (Gruž) is about 3 kilometres west. Within the city, the Old Town is pedestrian-only, so most guests rely on walking.

Is Hotel Excelsior a luxury hotel?

Yes, Hotel Excelsior is classified as a 5-star property. It is part of the Adriatic Luxury Hotels collection and also listed with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, which imposes strict quality standards. The hotel’s amenities—spa, indoor pool, fine dining, private beach access—align with the luxury segment.

What is the star rating?

Multiple sources, including Booking.com and Expedia, list the hotel as 5-star. The SLH affiliation further supports this classification.

What luxury amenities are offered?

The hotel’s spa offers treatments and a wellness programme. The indoor pool is open year-round. The fitness centre is equipped with modern machines. The restaurant and bar cater to fine dining. Guests consistently mention the attentive service and the quality of the sea-view rooms.

“Direct access to beach and a tranquil spa providing plenty of relaxing ways to fill your time.”

— Small Luxury Hotels of the World

The trade-off: some guests feel the 5-star status is justified by the service and location, while others note that the beach area is not what many expect from a luxury seaside hotel.