Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik
croatia, croatia · ★★★★★
The Verdict
Worth it for your honeymoon?
Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik is the grand dame of Adriatic hospitality — a storied five-star property that has hosted royalty, heads of state, and honeymooners since the early 20th century. Its position on a private peninsula just ten minutes' walk from the Old Town walls makes it supremely well-located, and the thalasso spa using Adriatic seawater is genuinely restorative. It suits couples who want history, elegance, and direct beach access alongside easy city exploring rather than a secluded retreat.
- ✓Prioritise spa & wellness
- ✓Want direct beach access
- →Need a strictly adults-only resort
- →Prefer boutique & intimate properties
Score Breakdown
85/100
At a Glance
Room Recommendation
Which room to book
Opt for a Junior Suite with a sea terrace — these rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies directly above the Adriatic, with views stretching to Lokrum Island. The sea-view suites on the upper floors offer the best combination of space, light, and panorama, and the hotel's recent renovations have brought all rooms up to a sleek contemporary standard while preserving the building's historic character.
No Surprises
True cost breakdown — 7 nights for two
Based on mid-range rooms, premium-economy flights from Europe, full dining and signature experiences. Adjust for your actual travel profile.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Room (7 nights avg $900/nt) | $6,300 |
| Flights (2 pax, economy/premium) | $600 |
| Airport transfers / seaplane | $200 |
| Dining & drinks (beyond room) | $9,450 |
| Excursions & experiences | $700 |
| Spa / signature treatments | $600 |
| Tips & service (8%) | $1,260 |
| Total estimated | $19,110 |
Book Your Stay
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Day by Day
Your 7-night honeymoon itinerary
Arrival & Historic Welcome
Arrive and soak in the hotel's elegant lobby and sea terrace, where afternoon tea with Adriatic views is a tradition. As evening falls, walk the ten minutes along the coast path into Dubrovnik's Old Town, buy a glass of local Plavac Mali wine from a bar on the Stradun, and watch the city light up before returning along the waterfront under the stars.
Thalasso Spa Morning
Begin your honeymoon proper in the hotel's Elixir Thalasso Spa, which uses heated Adriatic seawater in its pools and hydrotherapy circuits. Book the couples' Adriatic Journey treatment, which combines sea-salt exfoliation, warm algae wraps, and a dual massage. Emerge completely renewed for a long, lazy lunch on the sea terrace.
Old Town Day
Spend the day in Dubrovnik's Old Town — walk the city walls in the morning before the crowds arrive, explore the Franciscan monastery's medieval pharmacy, and visit the Rector's Palace. Lunch in a hidden garden restaurant off the Stradun, then climb to Srđ Hill by cable car for the most dramatic panorama of the walled city and the islands stretching south.
Private Beach & Lokrum Island
Morning on the hotel's private beach, where the calm, clear water and loungers with sea service make for a blissful few hours. In the afternoon, take the ten-minute ferry to Lokrum Island — a forested nature reserve with a botanical garden, a ruined Benedictine monastery, and a saltwater lake perfect for swimming. Return for sundowners on the hotel's cliff terrace.
Elafiti Islands Cruise
Book through the concierge a day cruise to the Elafiti Islands, stopping at Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. Each island has its own character — Lopud's sandy Šunj beach is one of the finest on the Dalmatian coast. Swim in hidden coves, eat at a family konoba, and return in the early evening with salt on your skin and the glow of a perfect Adriatic day.
Culinary Croatia
Take a cooking class at a local culinary school learning to make Dalmatian specialities — brodetto fish stew, peka-roasted octopus, and honey cake with local lavender honey. In the evening, dress up for dinner at the Excelsior's flagship restaurant, which serves elevated Croatian cuisine with some of the best wine pairings in Dalmatia, pairing local Pošip and Plavac Mali with the freshest seafood.
Farewell Morning
Take a final morning swim from the private beach as the early light turns the water silver-gold. Order a long breakfast on your terrace, watching the ferries cross towards the islands. Walk back through the Old Town one last time to pick up local olive oil, wine, or lavender as souvenirs before heading to the airport.
Honest Assessment
What to know before you book
The hotel is a larger property than Villa Dubrovnik, accommodating conference groups and business travellers alongside holidaymakers, which means the atmosphere can feel less exclusively intimate during busy periods.
The private beach is pebble rather than sand, which may disappoint those expecting a classic beach experience — though the water clarity more than compensates.
Rates in July and August are significantly higher than the already substantial rack rates; the best value and atmosphere is found in June and September.
Pre-Arrival
Email to send the hotel
Subject: Honeymoon booking inquiry — Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik Dear Hotel Excelsior team, My partner and I are planning our honeymoon and are very interested in staying with you from [DATE] to [DATE] ([X] nights). We are particularly interested in: a Junior Suite or Sea View Suite with terrace Could you please let us know: - Current availability for our dates - Any honeymoon packages or complimentary upgrades - Details on your thalasso spa couples' treatments and advance booking requirements Thank you for your time. [Your names]
Send 2 weeks before arrival. Fill in names, dates, and preferences. Hotels respond to personalised requests.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik good for honeymooners?
Yes, very much so — it has a long tradition of hosting honeymooners and special celebrations. The combination of historic grandeur, a genuine thalasso spa, private beach, and proximity to Old Town makes it an excellent base for a romantic trip to Dubrovnik. The concierge team is highly experienced in arranging bespoke romantic experiences both in-hotel and around the region.
What is the best time to visit?
June and September are the sweet spot — warm enough for swimming, the Old Town is manageable, and the light is extraordinary. July and August are the hottest and most crowded months; while the Excelsior's private beach provides some escape from the city's crowds, Dubrovnik itself becomes very busy with cruise tourism during these months.
What should we book in advance?
Book your room and any spa packages well in advance for the summer season. Specifically ask about the hotel's honeymoon package when booking, which typically includes champagne, flowers, and a couples' spa treatment. Restaurant reservations at the hotel's fine dining outlet should also be made ahead of arrival.
Is it adults-only?
No, Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik is a full-service five-star hotel welcoming all guests including families. While the majority of guests are couples and leisure travellers, children are welcome and the hotel has facilities for families. Peak summer sees more families in residence.
What's the best room type for a honeymoon?
A Junior Suite or Sea View Suite with a private terrace is ideal — these offer generous space, dramatic Adriatic views, and the privacy of a dedicated outdoor area. Avoid standard rooms on lower floors, which have partial sea views. The Presidential Suite on the top floor is the ultimate splurge, with a wrap-around terrace and panoramic vistas.
How do we get there?
Fly into Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), approximately 20km from the hotel. The drive takes 25–35 minutes by taxi or private transfer, depending on traffic. The hotel can arrange a private airport transfer, which is recommended as Dubrovnik taxis can be expensive. Once in the city, the hotel is a ten-minute walk from the Old Town's Ploče Gate.
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