Exploring Dubrovnik from Two Unique Accommodations
Planning a trip to Dubrovnik, Croatia and wondering where to stay? Trying to decide between a rental near Old Town or a hotel overlooking the Adriatic?
Dubrovnik offers a wide range of accommodations—but choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we’re sharing our experience and why splitting your stay might be the best way to experience Dubrovnik, Croatia.
For our trip, we decided to split our stay between an Airbnb in Dubrovnik’s Old Town and a 5-star coastal hotel just outside the city walls. This choice gave us the chance to experience both the historic heart of Dubrovnik and the relaxing, scenic coastline.
Our Dubrovnik adventure began at the charming Apartments La Bohème, where we stayed for a few nights in the “Steve McQueen” room.
The location was one of the best places to stay in Dubrovnik— just 200 meters from the Ploče Gate, 250 meters from Banje Beach, and within walking distance to top Dubrovnik restaurants, cafés, and a supermarket. It’s also conveniently located just a short walk from the Dubrovnik Cable Car, making it incredibly easy to take in panoramic views of the city and coastline.
Staying this close to Old Town made it incredibly easy to explore Dubrovnik’s historic streets, landmarks, and coastal views without needing transportation.
The Details?
This boutique Airbnb in Dubrovnik has been beautifully renovated and feels more like a private home than a typical vacation rental. It offers all the essential amenities for a comfortable stay in Dubrovnik, including air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchenette, TV, and fast, reliable Wi-Fi—ideal for both short stays and longer trips.
One of the additional highlights of this rental is the shared outdoor terrace and a seasonal pool (usually open mid‑April to mid‑October) — perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring Dubrovnik Old Town.
Apartments La Bohème offered the perfect balance— central enough for sightseeing, yet quiet and comfortable for relaxing after a full day of exploring.
Hotel Royal Blue Dubrovnik is a 5-star luxury adults-only hotel that exceeded all our expectations, offering a perfect combination of elegance, comfort, and relaxation—all at a surprisingly affordable price. With stylish, comfortable rooms and breathtaking views, it was our ideal spot to unwind, watch stunning sunsets, and soak in the beauty of Dubrovnik.
Hotel Royal Blue (view from the karaka boat) – we stayed in the curved section on the left
Luxury hotels don’t necessary have to break the bank $$$
Budget deals for this 5-star hotel start around ~$105–$160 USD per night for standard rooms in lower seasons or with deals.
In peak travel months (summer), many rooms run around $300+ per night or higher, especially for upgraded or sea‑view rooms.
Some luxury or executive rooms list even higher prices on boutique sites, with select examples showing rates in the mid‑hundreds to $600+ USD range depending on booking platform and dates
Why We LOVED Hotel Royal Blue?
Located just 4 km from Dubrovnik Old Town, the hotel is close enough to explore the city’s historic streets while still offering a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.
This adults-only resort provides all-inclusive amenities, multiple on-site restaurants, and a spectacular infinity pool, making it perfect for travelers seeking both luxury and convenience.
At Hotel Royal Blue Dubrovnik, every detail is thoughtfully taken care of— from seamless service to amenities designed for effortless relaxation. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this five-star adults-only resort to anyone visiting Croatia, especially if you want to end your trip on a luxurious, tranquil note.
After weeks of road-tripping through three countries, it was exactly the place to slow down, recharge, and savor the moment.
Karaka boat with Otočić Grebeni Islands & Lighthouse in the background
Bonus Views of the Otočić Grebeni Islands?!
As the sky shifted colors over the Adriatic on our final night in Croatia, we watched the same Karaka boat we had sailed on days earlier glide past once again — this time framed by the Otočić Grebeni Islands in the distance.
It was one of those quiet, full-circle moments that made Dubrovnik feel extra special.
Relaxing in the rooftop infinity pool overlooking the Adriatic Sea and Otočić Grebeni Islands– Hotel Royal Blue
Splitting Our Time in Dubrovnik: Was It Worth It?
Splitting our stay created the perfect balance: part historic adventure, part coastal escape.
Our time in Dubrovnik included two very different experiences. Staying in an Airbnb near Old Town let us soak in the city’s historic charm, wander the medieval streets, and walk the famous city walls early in the morning when crowds were minimal. Our next stay at a coastal luxury resort allowed us to enjoy stunning Adriatic views, resort amenities, and a slower pace after days of sightseeing.
Experiencing both options gave us the full picture of Dubrovnik.
Read the Comments +