Comfort and Value on the Adriatic: The Best Mid-Range Hotels in Dubrovnik
If you’re planning a trip to the Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is a city that delivers on breathtaking beauty and a deep sense of history. The famous walled Old Town is undoubtedly the main draw, but when it comes to choosing where to sleep, staying just outside the walls often provides the best blend of comfort, space, and good value.
Most of Dubrovnik’s quality mid-range and resort-style hotels are clustered in the areas of Lapad Peninsula and Babin Kuk to the northwest, or in the quieter residential area of Gruž near the main port. Lapad is known for its lovely coastal promenade, pebble beaches, and a relaxed, resort-like atmosphere, making it ideal for families and couples seeking a beach break with easy bus access to the Old Town. Gruž is the commercial hub, excellent for budget-conscious travelers due to its proximity to the ferry port and bus station, offering more local flavor.
We’ve curated this list for travelers looking for that sweet spot: comfort, modern amenities, and convenience without the sky-high prices of Old Town or the top-tier five-star resorts. Here are our top picks for a great value stay in Dubrovnik.
Lapad Peninsula & Babin Kuk: Coastal Comfort
This area is home to many of the city’s best hotels, offering sea views, pools, and easy access to the scenic coast, while still being a quick and cheap bus ride from the Old Town.
Hotel Kompas Modern, sleek, and beautifully situated right on the Lapad promenade overlooking the bay, Hotel Kompas offers a contemporary beachside experience. Its minimalist design highlights the stunning sea views, particularly from the expansive sun terrace and the top-floor Zenith Bar. It provides a spa, indoor pool, and an outdoor infinity pool.
- Pros: Exceptional location on the promenade, gorgeous pool area, stylish rooms with sea-view balconies, highly-rated breakfast.
- Cons: Can be expensive during peak season, some reviewers note occasional slow service.
Hotel Lapad A classic hotel with a distinctive historic charm, Hotel Lapad is set in a peaceful garden area overlooking the Gruž port entrance, blending traditional architecture with modern facilities. It’s known for its iconic outdoor pool area and excellent staff.
- Pros: Beautiful garden and pool setting, proximity to Gruž port and local restaurants, traditional and charming atmosphere.
- Cons: Some rooms are due for an update, not directly on a beach.
Valamar Argosy Hotel Part of the large Valamar resort complex in Babin Kuk, the Argosy offers a high standard of a four-star resort experience with a fantastic view of the sea and the Elaphiti Islands. It’s a great choice if you appreciate excellent resort amenities and proximity to tranquil coves.
- Pros: Stunning sea views, two swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), excellent breakfast buffet, quiet location in Babin Kuk.
- Cons: A longer bus ride to the Old Town (about 15-20 minutes), the resort setting can feel less personal than a smaller hotel.
Tirena Sunny Hotel by Valamar Also located in the Babin Kuk area, this is one of the more family-friendly options on the list. It offers a relaxed, casual environment with a focus on activities and easy access to the resort’s shared facilities and beaches.
- Pros: Great for families, good value for money, multiple pools and close to the beach, extensive entertainment and activities.
- Cons: Rooms are practical but basic, lacks the luxury feel of other hotels on this list.
Montovjerna & Coastal Walk: Perfect Compromise
The area around Montovjerna and the coastal route from Lapad toward the Old Town offers a prime location—slightly closer to the city walls than the resort areas, making for a shorter bus ride or a very pleasant walk.
Hotel Lero A long-standing favorite, Hotel Lero is conveniently located between the Old Town and Lapad, often considered the gold standard for mid-range value. It’s a large, full-service hotel that underwent a significant renovation.
- Pros: Excellent value for money, a short, easy walk to Bellevue Beach, frequent bus connection right outside the hotel, two good restaurants on-site.
- Cons: Views from some standard rooms face the street or courtyard, the building style is more functional than picturesque.
Gruž Harbor: Local Life & Great Value
Gruž is the main port area, a little rougher around the edges but full of authentic local life, including the green market and the main bus station. Hotels here offer exceptional value and excellent transportation links.
Boutique Hotel Porto A contemporary, smaller hotel located right next to the Gruž Port, this is a stylish and functional option that is one of the best choices for travelers relying on ferry connections or the bus network.
- Pros: Excellent connection point for ferries and buses, modern and clean rooms, a quieter neighborhood for sleeping.
- Cons: Not close to a beach, requires a bus/taxi to reach the Old Town or Lapad’s main attractions.
Hotel Adria Positioned slightly up a hill overlooking the Gruž Bay and the Elafiti Islands, Hotel Adria provides stunning views at a very attractive price point. It has a modern feel and is known for its welcoming staff.
- Pros: Fantastic views from sea-facing rooms, excellent price for the quality, free parking, helpful staff.
- Cons: Location is up a significant hill, requires a short taxi or bus ride to all major tourist areas.
The Upper-Mid-Range (Close to Luxury)
While some of the following hotels are considered luxury, we include them because off-season or through good deals, they frequently drop into a strong “upper-mid-range” price bracket, offering an unbeatable stay for the value.
Hotel More Tucked away in the beautiful bay of Lapad (near Lapad beach), Hotel More is a true boutique experience. It’s most famous for the Cave Bar, a natural cave that was converted into a multi-level bar and a unique attraction.
- Pros: Extremely unique setting, intimate and high-end feel, exceptional Cave Bar, private beach area.
- Cons: Can be very pricey in high season, on the smaller side with limited public areas beyond the bar and pool.
Grand Park Hotel This hotel is a newer, stylish addition to the Lapad area’s resort offerings. Its modern architecture and excellent pool facilities make it a high-quality choice.
- Pros: Modern design, excellent facilities, good location in Lapad, great for relaxation.
- Cons: Tends to hover near the high end of the mid-range price scale.
Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik The Hilton is located just outside the Pile Gate, the main entrance to the Old Town. This is the closest you can get to the walls without actually staying inside. Its five-star service can often be found at a great four-star price point outside of July and August.
- Pros: Unbeatable location for accessing the Old Town (a 2-minute walk), classic luxury feel, and reliable Hilton service.
- Cons: Premium price for the location, lacks a large outdoor pool/beach area, street noise can sometimes be an issue.
Highly Rated, Check for Deals
The following are primarily considered luxury, but we recommend checking their rates as they frequently offer spectacular deals that pull them into the upper-mid-range, providing incredible experiences for the money.
- Rixos Premium Dubrovnik: Contemporary luxury with an incredible spa and a beautiful infinity pool. Fantastic cliffside views and a short walk to the Old Town.
- Dubrovnik Palace: An architectural icon built right into the cliffs of the Lapad Peninsula. The views and amenities (multiple pools, private beach) are legendary.
- Valamar President Dubrovnik Hotel: High-end service and a spectacular beachside location at the very tip of Babin Kuk. If you can snag a deal, the sea-view balconies are worth it.
- Royal Palm Hotel: Group of luxury buildings offering suites and apartments. Often has good rates for a high-end apartment-style stay with resort amenities.
- Hotel Dubrovnik: A smaller, simpler hotel near Gruž that sometimes has exceptional deals for its solid, central location and basic but reliable amenities.
In short, a great trip to Dubrovnik doesn’t require a four-digit nightly budget. By opting for a stylish retreat in Lapad or a convenient stay near Gruž, you can enjoy all the comfort and convenience you need while saving your budget for those memorable experiences inside the ancient walls. Happy travels!