Hotel therapy

HOTEL EXCELSIOR DUBROVNIK

by Kelsy Chauvin

When I stepped onto my balcony at the Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik (adriaticluxuryhotels), the Adriatic Sea seemed to stretch out forever. I soaked in the view from my primo perch, feeling suspended over the crystal-blue bay. To the right, the historic Old City stood as an ancient fortress capped by red roofs, its marina dotted with sailboats and yachts. Peering leftward, along the route of small ferries motoring to Lokrum Island nature reserve, the waves lapped towards the soon-to-be-setting sun.

This was my first dive into Dubrovnik, the southernmost city on the Croatian Riviera known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” I had long heard about its beauty and tranquility, rich history, and remarkable Medieval architecture, now I could see all this from the windowed walls of Hotel Excelsior. It was clear this place would exceed the hype, and I was lodging in a spectacular location to enjoy it all.

Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik is in the sweet spot that’s a quick 14 miles from the airport, and a five-minute stroll to the Old City. In other words, close enough to everything without being too close, with panoramic views to boot. The property occupies a marvelous five-story stone “Villa Odak” built in 1913, and a modern tower addition that debuted in 2017 as part of an expansive hotel transformation.