am planning a honeymoon to Croatia this summer.

We plan to spend some time in Dubrovnik and am torn between the Excelsior, Argentina and the new Hilton Imperial. Has anyone been to any of these hotels within the past year and,if so, what are your thoughts? I want to ensure that where we are staying has a private beach and/or deck so that we can enjoy the sun.

Also, are there any restaraunts in Dubrovnik that I must try?

Many thanks in advance.

Bringing your message back up "to the top", since you haven't received any replies yet (this adds to its "visibility&quot, and since you are new here. How doI know that? Click on your own name - - one of the most valuable tips that Fodors fails to tell you when they send you that e-mail confirming your new registration.

See also the "FAQs", listed under "HELP" (tiny little red letters, in the upper left hand corner)...

Best wishes,

Rex

Can't comment on hotels... but we have had two lovely lunches ( a year apart) at a restaurant called Proto. (I think)
Once you come in the main gate it is on one of the first side streets to the right. Has a whitish awning. If the weather is good they have a pleasant terrace on which to dine. It's not inexpensive, but we found it very satisfying. (Especially since we were cruise escapees!!)

Hi Samantha, If I were going to Dubrovnik for my honeymoon, I would <b>absolutely</b> stay at the Argentina. I stayed there and it's wonderful. My friend stayed at both the Argentina and the Excelsior and preferred the Argentina. As for a sea view room in the Villa. You will have a private balcony with a view of the old city. Just incredible.

The hotel has a wonderful pool and deck with its own access to the sea. Also an indoor pool and spa.

Make that &quot;ask for a sea view room...&quot;

I stayed at the Excelsior - room 011 (I think) - private terrace, incredible view, room was modestly appointed (the rooms at the Argentina look much nicer) - however I was there in Sept '02. The Excelsior did have a private stone deck with lounge chairs, umbrellas, waiters - and that incredible view. Dinner at the Rustica Taverna was great - and a picture perfect view of the Old Town. It would be a perfect honeymoon dinner place - go early to catch sunset. Had lunch a Portico - and thought it competent and pleasent. The outdoor patio/terrace is very nice for lunch.
There is a bar on the oustide of the Old Town walls, on the sea side, called Buza - a ramshackled little bar but enchanting. The one place I thought over rated was Nautica - an over priced tourist haunt. I remember reading an article (after my stay) quoting the Excelsior as saying &quot;they had to be the most expensive hotel in Dubrovnik and would adjust their rates accordingly&quot; - which I thought a bit arrogant on their part. And in retrospect I felt they were resting on their laurels. Though I've not stayed there - and I can't get married (yet) - I would lean towards the Argentina. I believe Grasshopper stayed there. Grasshopper, any comments?

Hi samantha

I'm going to Dubrovnik in may and did quite a lot of research on hotels and one thing i can tell you is that the hilton is a business hotel and does not have an outdoor pool so i don't imaging it would be a great 'flop' hotel. Am staying at the Argentina so glad to read all the positive comments.