31 Best Hotels in Southern Dalmatia, Croatia

Located in a quiet bay a 10-minute walk from Korčula Town, with a large private dock perfect for sunbathing and impromptu barbecues, these homey well-equipped rooms are run by Paulina and Antonio, the most helpful couple you could hope to meet on holiday. The only thing you'll have to worry about is securing one of their four rooms; after that, they'll take care of everything. They have bikes to rent, can organize private wine- and olive oil-tasting tours or island-hopping and snorkeling excursions, and can even make reservations for you at their favorite restaurants. It is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the island away from the Korčula Town crowds.

Locals are proud of their seafaring history in Orebić, but the Mikulić family has gone the extra mile and turned their boutique hotel—one of the most elegant, charming, and classy hotels on Pelješac—into an unofficial seafaring museum. Previously a 17th-century church and then a schoolhouse, the hotel has been tastefully decorated with relics from past ages, from ancient Greek and Roman vessels to antique binoculars. The rooms are beautifully restored, with original stone walls, soft neutral furnishings, and paintings of ships adorning the walls. The family can also organize tastings at their nearby winery.

Located in a quiet neighborhood a short walk up the hill from the center of Cavtat, family-run Castelletto, with its bougainvillea-strewn terraces, cheerful rooms, and laid-back vibe, is a perfect place to unwind and soak up a bit of local life. Breakfast is served poolside on the terrace, and there is a small bar on-site for nightcaps. Ask about airport transfers at the time of booking. The public bus to Dubrovnik stops just across the road; if you're coming from Dubrovnik, ask the driver to let you off one stop before Cavtat center to avoid the walk back uphill.

Perched up on a steep cliff overlooking a rocky beach just under a mile from the Old Town, boutique Hotel Bellevue is a luxury property with both style and soul, thanks to the dedicated staff devoted to customer service. Rooms are effortlessly breezy and light, giving off a hip sailing vibe with crisp white-and-gray-striped linens, light wood furniture, and black-and-white artwork. Each room has a sea view, and some have balconies. Just below the hotel, a half-mile of pebble beach awaits, with a small corner reserved just for hotel guests with chairs and umbrellas available. The water is clear and calm, and there's a small cave within easy swimming distance. The hotel also has an indoor pool, spa, and two excellent restaurants.

The boutique Hotel Kazbek, located in the 16th-century home of a noble Dubrovnik family, offers five-star luxury on an intimate scale, with rooms individually decorated in classic Dubrovnik style, receptionists who know your name, and a peaceful courtyard pool that you'll never want to leave. Rooms are comfortable, tastefully designed, and welcoming, with a platter of sweets waiting at check-in, handmade furniture, king-size beds, bathtubs, and designer toiletries; opt for a room on the first floor if possible, as they have higher roofs and larger windows than rooms on the top floor. Breakfast is made-to-order at the restaurant, where you can also enjoy an excellent gourmet lunch or dinner on the shady courtyard terrace or indoors at a table in the old stone vault. The parent company of Hotel Kazbek, Pervanovo, also operates several apartments in the Old Town, as well as luxury villas.

On the seafront promenade overlooking the harbor, this hotel in a 1920s-era stone villa is one of the freshest and most stylish boutique properties in the region. Every space—from the individually decorated rooms to the wine bar on the ground floor and the peaceful rooftop terrace and pool bar—is immaculately designed with luscious colorful fabrics and a sense of fun and luxury.

This solid lodging option rises from a perfect pebble beach up a hillside overlooking the stunning bay of Lopud. Everything faces the sea, from the terraces of each room to the infinity pool to La Baja Restaurant (one of eight bars and restaurants on-site), where you can have a breezy lunch on the terrace. Elsewhere around the large but manageable property, the on-site Waterhill Wellness Spa is a sanctuary with its Turkish hammam and saunas, infinity Jacuzzi, and outdoor whirlpools. There are hiking trails that start right outside the hotel, and there's no better way to finish an afternoon than with a leisurely stroll along the promenade to the pastry shop to grab a gelato and watch the bright red sunset. Private transfers can be arranged directly from Dubrovnik Airport (€120 for up to four people).

A cluster of stone buildings seamlessly woven into the fabric of the Old Town, this 18th-century palace has been thoughtfully restored into six luxury residences, each its own unique creation that pays subtle homage to stops along Marco Polo's silk route. Lešić Dimitri Palace is more than a hotel; it's a night in an Arabian desert, a bath surrounded by the grandeur of old Venice, or a night sleeping amid the soft textiles of South Asia. Breakfast is served at the on-site Michelin-starred LD Restaurant, where you can also enjoy a lunch or dinner tasting menu prepared by chef Marko Gajski and one of the most stunning seaside locations on the island. With a spa offering Thai and Ayurvedic yoga massages, private sailboats for rent, excursions aboard a traditional wooden boat, and five-star service throughout the property, Lešić Dimitri offers unmatched richness and luxury.

This wonderful property just steps from sandy Saplunara Beach is relaxation at its best, thanks to its light, airy, and spacious rooms, infinity pool, and superb restaurant. Each room is uniquely designed with floral accents and soft furnishings, some with kitchenettes, private balconies, and sea views. The warm and attentive owners will help plan your activities on the island.

Occupying a beautifully restored 17th-century Renaissance-style palace on Gundulić Square, The Pucić Palace stands out for the warm personal service you'll receive; returning here after a busy day in the city really feels like a welcome home. The design is impeccable—think dark wood parquet floors and high wood-beam ceilings, antique furnishings, Italian mosaic-tile bathrooms with freestanding copper tubs, and luxury toiletries. Some rooms have a balcony overlooking the square, offering a perfect vantage point over the morning market, outdoor terraces, and the Jesuit Steps. There are two restaurants on-site: the fine-dining Restaurant Magdalena and the more casual Restaurant Lucijan on Gundulić Square.

Set on 54 acres of sprawling gardens in Orašac—a tiny settlement 11 km (7 miles) up the coast from Dubrovnik—Sun Gardens is the best value resort in the region and a rare property that manages to never feel overwhelming despite its large size. It comes with killer views from every room, renowned spa facilities, a long private beach, and three seafront pools. It's ideal for families, with two children's pools, a terrific kids' club, and a pebble beach perfect for tiny feet, but it's equally attractive for adults looking for a relaxing vacation, with 16 restaurants and bars to choose from, excellent spa and sports facilities, an adults-only pool, and nightly entertainment. Club-level rooms and suites come with welcome bottles of wine and canapés, luxury Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries, and access to a private lounge with an open bar and afternoon tea. It's worth the upgrade to Club level for the breakfast alone, which is served on an exclusive rooftop terrace where the chef whips up stunning à la carte dishes made with premium ingredients like oysters and foie gras. Public buses travel hourly to Dubrovnik, or the hotel can organize a shuttle bus or, better yet, a shuttle boat to Dubrovnik.

These eclectic apartments are the best budget choice in the Old Town, just steps away from the Cathedral and the Old Port, with high ceilings, well-stocked kitchenettes, colorful furniture, and books and relics collected from all around the world. They will transport you back to old Dubrovnik, 1960s London, or wherever else the brilliant Marc Van Bloemen and his family feel like taking you with their fascinating stories. The apartments make a comfortable and affordable base to self-cater and explore the Old Town for a few days, and it doesn't hurt that the excellent Gianni café is right downstairs. Try to request Apartment #1 for stunning views of the city walls.

Set on a pebbly beach a 10-minute walk from the center of Orebić, this resort is a perfect base for the whole family. The kids can run wild at the pool and on the beach while the adults enjoy pleasant facilities such as a generous buffet, lounge bar, all-inclusive options, and evening entertainment. The rooms are simple but smartly decorated and spacious; most have sea views.

Situated in the middle of the island near the peaceful village of Brna, this resort 32 km (20 miles) southwest of Korčula Town is a perfect base for mountain biking to pristine beaches and viewpoints, visiting wineries in nearby Smokvica, or just lying on a lounger and gazing at the sea. With breezy modern rooms, two lovely restaurants, a small pool, and a wide stretch of beach, this is an ideal place to get away from it all. The half-board package is an excellent value, especially since there are not many restaurants nearby and the buffet is substantial.

Located in four restored 16th-century stone buildings near the Cathedral in the heart of the Old Town, these tastefully furnished apartments, with heavy antiques and traditional decor, are an excellent value. Each apartment consists of a single room, bathroom, and cooking facilities, while some have small balconies. There is a restaurant of the same name nearby that serves reliable traditional food and where breakfast is served to guests.

These five well-established apartments, equipped with kitchenettes, televisions, simple furniture, and basic but comfortable decor, are some of the best budget finds in the Old Town. Choose between a 600-year-old stone building high up on a quiet street or another directly above the Sponza Palace overlooking the Stradun. If you're willing to venture a little farther, opt for their Viktorija Apartments; you'll have to hike a bit out the Ploče Gate to get there but will be rewarded with a spacious apartment, a perfect view of the Old Town, and a panorama of the sea stretching out for miles beyond your balcony.

Located on a quiet street just a five-minute walk from Gruž Harbor, this welcoming hotel run by a Croatian-Australian family is one of the best value properties in town and makes a comfortable and convenient base for exploring Dubrovnik and the surrounding areas. Rooms are stylish and well-equipped with designer toiletries, while rooms on the upper floors feature large terraces with sweeping harbor views. There is a small spa, pool, and jacuzzi on-site, and the included breakfast will keep you going all day.

The Grand Hotel Imperial was Dubrovnik's first modern hotel when it opened in 1897, and through the years it has played a part in the city's most memorable events, attracting high-class visitors from Viennese counts to King Edward VII and Wallis Simpson, who danced in the garden in 1936. Its acquisition by Hilton in 2005 restored its former glory after it was targeted by shelling in 1991 and 1992; today, it blends 19th-century charm with luxurious modern facilities and offers a tranquil ambience and unparalleled views over the Old Town and Fort Lovrijenac. Rooms are decorated in shades of breezy white and teal, with marble bathrooms stocked with designer toiletries. Other hotel facilities include a small indoor pool, spa, gym, executive lounge, restaurant, and two lounge bars serving throwback 19th-century cocktails. If you can request Room 427, it's worth the splurge for a jaw-dropping view of the city walls.

One of the most welcoming, peaceful, and relaxing hotels in the region, Hotel Božica on Šipan makes a great base for exploring the Elafiti Islands and beyond. Rooms are cozy and warmly decorated and there's a lovely infinity pool and a private beach. Bikes and kayaks are also available to rent. BOWA restaurant is nearby, as is the port and sleepy village of Suđurađ, where you'll find a couple of cafés.

This spot offers a pleasant and comfortable stay right in the center of town. Rooms are tastefully decorated, and there is a wonderful rooftop infinity pool with views of Tiha Bay. Breakfast is served at the restaurant below, located right on the promenade just steps away from the beach.

Sprawling across its own rocky pine-studded peninsula, with quiet walking trails weaving through the property, this vast hotel offers guests the chance to find their own place in the sun or shade, seemingly miles away from the rest of the world. A 10-minute walk west of the town center, it has modern, softly furnished rooms, each with a balcony or terrace, five restaurants, indoor and outdoor saltwater pools, and some of Cavtat's best swimming spots (including a nude beach). There are five restaurants and bars on-site, including the Steakhouse Restaurant and seafood-centric Spinaker Restaurant, as well as a couple of bars and a buffet where breakfast and dinner are served.

Located at a secluded tip of the Lapad peninsula, this vast five-star hotel is a destination in itself with a private rocky beach, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, tennis courts, a PADI dive shop, and four on-site restaurants. The rooms have a classy contemporary design, decorated in elm wood trim and soft subtle furnishings. Each room has a balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows, affording some of the best sunset views in the city. The hotel is a fair distance from the rest of the city; you can walk to Lapad, but you'll need to take a taxi or Uber to the Old Town; a public bus does stop just outside the hotel—ask the concierge for the timetable.

On the coastal road east of the center, this iconic hotel was the first five-star property in Dubrovnik, dating back to 1913—everyone from Queen Elizabeth II to Francis Ford Coppola has come to stay. Today, the prestigious Excelsior is not only one of the most historic properties in the city, but also one of its most chic, with rooms elegantly furnished in granite gray, pops of yellow and light wood trim, abstract photos of Dubrovnik adorning the walls, and sleek black balconies overlooking the sea. There is a wonderful indoor pool, a private beach, three restaurants, and a piano bar with a comfy lounge and unparalleled views of the Old Town.

Rising from a seaside walkway up a forested cliff just a few minutes walk from the beaches and restaurants of Lapad, this affordable five-star property boasts a peaceful seaside location, superb sunbathing and swimming right off the rocks, and the city's most unique venue for a cocktail. Rooms are decorated in fresh marine-inspired blues and whites, with classy wood and marble furnishings; most have a balcony with a view of the sea. There are two swimming pools, two restaurants, a pastry bar, and Cave Bar More located on-site. The only downside to the hotel is that it's spread out between two different buildings, and you'll spend a lot of time trying to figure out which elevator you need to take, sometimes even having to walk through the parking garage. But the price, proximity to Lapad, and otherwise superb facilities make up for it.

Located in the village of Pomena, just a 15-minute walk from the lakes, the Odisej's main appeal is its proximity to the national park. The rooms are basic but comfortable and there are excellent sports facilities nearby, including a scuba-diving school and a small marina, plus bicycles, kayaks, and canoes to rent. Their waterfront terrace is a great place to sit and watch the quiet life of Mljet go by.

Perched on a wild remote hill surrounded by olive trees, bougainvillea, and Mediterranean plants in a hamlet near Brsečine, 17 km (10 miles) up the coast from Dubrovnik, you'll find one of the sleekest boutique hotels in the region. Its immaculate Croatian-designed aesthetic—concrete, glass, and jet-black walls complemented by light wood, natural materials, and soft carpeting—belie the fact that this is actually a family-run hotel, and their warm personalized service is one of the greatest advantages of a stay. Choose between premium and deluxe rooms, or if you're in a larger group, the Deluxe Suite is more like a private villa with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, kitchen facilities, and its own outdoor pool. The hotel has panoramic sea views out to the Elafiti Islands from every space, indoor and outdoor pools, an on-site spa, and an ambience so quiet you'll forget you're anywhere near one of the busiest cities in the world. It's located just off the main coastal road to Dubrovnik, and there are a few points of interest nearby, including the Sun Gardens, Trsteno Arboretum, and the jumping-off harbor to BOWA.

Exuding old-fashioned charm, this became the island's first hotel when it opened in 1912 and has hosted the likes of Jackie Kennedy, Sophia Loren, and Wallis Simpson. It is located just outside the Korčula Town walls and the highlight is the delightfully shady harborfront terrace bar, one of the best spots in town to spend an afternoon. Rooms have a vintage feel, with chandeliers and tasteful decor, and some have balconies overlooking the harbor.

A quite gorgeous boutique hotel in a gorgeous village on the coast, Ninon leaves no stone unturned in the quest for that perfect stay. The couple in charge of the place refers to it as a calling instead of a business; it is hard to disagree with that assessment, such is the commitment to care and comfort here. There are only nine rooms in this adult-only boutique hotel, but it is very much a case of quality over quantity.

This fantastical property in the center of the Old Town merges an impeccably restored 15th-century palace with a modern art gallery; each room was created by a different artist with explosions of color and photography, Murano chandeliers, collages, lavish prints, and everything draped in silk. The Superior Room features an original balcony overlooking Prijeko Street, draped with a 250-year-old grapevine. Double rooms are equipped with small kitchenettes and Nespresso machines. Every corner of the hotel features another unique piece of art so you'll want to go for a wander before heading into the on-site restaurant, Stara Loza, one of the best in town with one of the only rooftop terraces.

This large five-star property spills down a rugged cliff between Lapad and the Old Town, and it makes excellent use of its space with three restaurants, libraries to browse, Ping-Pong and pool tables, a huge outdoor pool and sundeck beside the private beach, and a fantastic spa that includes a full-size Turkish hammam, salt room, and even an igloo. It is located a short drive away from the Old Town, Lapad, and Gruž, so it makes a good base from which to explore the rest of town; there is also a car-rental agency on-site so it makes a smart start or end point for a road trip. A delightful varied breakfast is included and half-board options are available. The Rixos also offers heavy discounts through the off-season, and its fabulous indoor facilities make it a great option for a winter getaway.