Hotel Excelsior, Dubrovnik -Adriatic Luxury Hotels
Excelsior’s famous rock pool
When past guests have included British royalty and Hollywood A-listers, you know a hotel is going to be just that bit more incredible. Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik is exactly that, pairing luxury style with a passion for hospitality that greeted guests throughout Croatia’s turbulent history. Following an extensive renovation in 2008, Hotel Excelsior is Dubrovnik’s most enviable address.
Excelsior is a hotel that no one compromises on. Offering a true sense of place overlooking the Dubrovnik Old Town, this ALH property has been established as one of the most sought-after destinations on the iconic island, not only hotel guests but for day visitors too. The sweep of the Adriatic is everywhere, enjoyed best with a glass of chilled Pošip by the hotel’s stunning sea-pool, or with a book on your bedroom balcony. I found that the service was classicaly old school (never a bad thing!) and impeccable right from the reception staff to the highly knowledgeable concierge desk.
Our room
This luxury destination has two halves: the original 1913 royal villa and a chic new wing. This fabulous fusion of new-meets-old is credited to the interior mastermind Franić-Šekoranja. Our sea-view suite was located on the top floor of the new wing. There are 158 rooms and suites, yet the hotel still has the feel of a boutique property.
I immediately fell in love with our suite, with its timeless look, rich oak floors, and modern accents. My favourite feature was of course the balcony with its jaw-dropping view of the Old town and deep turquoise sea. Every evening after a long day under the sun, I - clad in my bathrobe, enjoyed a glass of Dingač and settled into my chair on the terrace for nature’s technicolour sunset display.
Our sea-view suite
Our bathroom was modern and spotless, fitted with a rainfall shower and a bathtub for two. The bathroom amenities were, to my delight, kitted out by L’Occitane, the same products I use at home. I loved the granite and marble accents, and the bathroom came with fluffy robes and slippers.
Bathroom amenities
The pool and facilities
There are facilities and services galore here, starting with the celebrated sea pool - a truly unique feature rare in most hotels. Not a pinch of sand in site, but this was not an issue. Croatia’s waters are famous for being crystal clear - all thanks to the rocky sea bed. We still enjoyed being by the seaside without the stress of walking on a pebbly surface. Along the hotel’s cliff-beach are lounges and ladders, offering easy access to the sea. I enjoyed copious glasses of rosé whilst taking in the beautiful scenes. For this poolside alone, I will definitely be back.
Excelsior’s gorgeous sea-deck
The Energy Clinic Spa offers an extensive menu of treatments, including an anti-fatigue espresso facial, a foot spa, an “Islands in the Stream” treatment, and a full range of massages. The hotel also houses a small on-site gym, perfect for the morning after a seafood feast.
The indoor pool at the Energy Clinic Spa
Breakfast
Breakfast is served with more of those dreamy views - at outdoor Restaurant Salin. Usually a buffet-concept, this had now been changed to accommodate social distancing, so we had a full-selection of options from an extensive menu. My daily egg-white omelette and tropical fruit-platter became a daily ritual during our week there, one which I became too used to. My morning Weetabix staring out at gloomy grey skies as I sit and write this is just not quite the same.
Choose a selection of breakfast favourites from waffles, pancakes, a full-english, cereals and local delights.
Sensus Fine Dining
On our visit we spread out on one of the poolside sun beds before drifting over to Sensus, the hotel’s laissez-faire restaurant serving Croatian-style fine dining. With chic decor which sit alongside the gorgeous view of the Adriatic, it’s easy to spend hours of your day here at Sensus, for lunch or dinner. Alongside a bottle of Croatian white wine, dishes on its menu are ideal for sharing. From a large plate of burrata, grilled octopus and a luscious vongole pasta – everything here is inspired by the surroundings of the Adriatic. My personal favourites were the octopus, and swordfish carpaccio.
We were feeling indulgent, so we ordered a glass of bubbles, paired deliciously with our side of the sunset.
The hotel also has the Abakus Piano bar and Prora Beach restaurant, serving up the hotel’s signature cocktails and more casual lunch-fare.
Traveller tips
With the hotel’s prestigious location just steps from the UNESCO Old City of Dubrovnik, the location could not be better. Spend the day walking along the walls of the Old Town (living your Game of Thrones dreams like I did!), or enjoy the live Croatian music along the streets. We went in the height of summer, so it was extremely convenient to jump straight in the sea after a hot morning of sight-seeing. More about our to-do list on a separate blog.
Views from the City walls
Hotel Excelsior is everything you could dream of. Endless horizons where azure waters merge with pure blue skies, an exclusive escape where you can leave everyday life behind. Beneath the holiday highlights, a warm local culture and wealth of history in the Old Town waits to be discovered. Dive in, and you may never want to return home.
Thank you to Becky Wickerson, Mason Rose and Adriatic Luxury Hotels for such a sensational stay x
Address: Ul. Frana Supila 12, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
