Best Hotels in Dubrovnik for Families

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik: a family-first guide

Dubrovnik is compact, walkable in parts, and incredibly scenic—great ingredients for a family trip. It’s also a city of stairs, polished stone streets that can be slippery, and summer crowds that peak mid-morning to late afternoon. The best family hotels here do three things well: they keep logistics easy (short transfers, straightforward transport), they offer space (family rooms or suites), and they provide downtime (pools, beaches, kids’ menus, calm lounges).

Below you’ll find the best family-friendly hotels in Dubrovnik across the areas that matter most: the Old Town (for maximum atmosphere), Ploče (close to the walls with calmer resorts), Lapad (beachy and relaxed), and Babin Kuk (resort-style convenience). Each pick is chosen for comfort, location, and the kind of amenities parents actually use—breakfasts that start early, elevators that work, and pools where kids can burn off energy after sightseeing.

Best areas in Dubrovnik for families

Old Town (and just outside the walls)

Staying in (or immediately next to) the Old Town is unbeatable for quick access to landmarks, evening strolls, and early-morning wall walks before the day-trippers arrive. The trade-off is space and price: rooms can be smaller, and many historic buildings have stairs. Families who prioritize convenience should look for hotels just outside the walls (Ploče or Pile) where you get easier vehicle access and more modern facilities.

Ploče

Ploče sits just east of the Old Town and offers a sweet spot for families: you’re close enough to walk to the gates, but far enough to enjoy resort-style calm. This is where you’ll find some of Dubrovnik’s most iconic terraces, plus beach access and pools—ideal when kids (and adults) need a reset.

Lapad

Lapad is a family favorite for a reason. It’s greener, flatter, and more “beach holiday” than “museum city.” The pedestrian Lapad Bay promenade is stroller-friendly, packed with casual dining, and close to pebble beaches and playground-like open spaces. Buses and taxis connect to the Old Town quickly, so you can mix swim time with sightseeing.

Babin Kuk

Babin Kuk is Dubrovnik’s resort peninsula: larger hotels, multiple pools, beach clubs, and kid-friendly infrastructure. It’s excellent for families who want to spend as much time relaxing as touring. If you’re visiting in the hottest months, Babin Kuk’s pool-and-shade setup can be the difference between a happy trip and an overheated one.

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Best hotels in Dubrovnik for families (top picks)

1) Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik (Ploče)

If you want a “special trip” hotel that still works for families, Excelsior is one of Dubrovnik’s most reliable choices. You’re a scenic walk from the Old Town (great for early starts), while the hotel itself feels like a destination with sea views, terraces, and a strong service culture. Parents will appreciate the calmer setting outside the busiest lanes, plus the ability to retreat to the pool and spa after a morning of city walls and museums.

• Best for: Families who want near-Old Town access with resort comfort
• Family tip: Ask about connecting rooms or larger sea-view options if you’re traveling with older kids
• Why it works: Walkable location + downtime amenities

2) Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik (Pile / near Old Town)

Right by Pile Gate, Hilton Imperial is a practical, polished choice for families who want to be steps from the Old Town without giving up a full-service hotel. The location is a major win: you can pop in and out for snacks, bathroom breaks, and naps—an underrated benefit with kids. Rooms are typically more spacious than Old Town apartments, and the overall setup is straightforward for multi-generational trips.

• Best for: Families who value convenience and a classic hotel layout
• Family tip: Start the city walls early, then return for a midday rest before evening gelato in town
• Why it works: Immediate access + easier logistics than inside the walls

3) Rixos Premium Dubrovnik (Near Old Town / Boninovo)

Rixos Premium Dubrovnik delivers a modern, amenities-heavy stay that appeals to families who want a pool, seaside setting, and lots happening on-site. It’s close enough to reach the Old Town quickly by taxi or a longer walk, while giving you that “resort buffer” from the crowds. The indoor pool and wellness facilities are especially helpful in shoulder seasons when beach days aren’t guaranteed.

• Best for: Families who want a big-hotel, resort-like experience close to town
• Family tip: Plan one full “hotel day” for pool time to balance sightseeing intensity
• Why it works: Space, facilities, and an easy base for day trips

4) Sun Gardens Dubrovnik (Orašac, outside Dubrovnik)

For families who prefer a true resort with room to breathe, Sun Gardens is the standout. It’s located outside the city (which is the point): you get a calmer coastline, multiple pools, sports facilities, and family-friendly room types that feel apartment-like. The trade-off is commuting—so it’s best for longer stays (think 4+ nights) where you’ll mix a couple of Old Town visits with beach and pool days.

• Best for: Longer family stays, multi-gen trips, and travelers who want lots of on-site activities
• Family tip: Build your itinerary around mornings in town and afternoons back at the resort
• Why it works: Maximum space + resort programming

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5) Hotel Dubrovnik Palace (Lapad)

Set on the Lapad peninsula with dramatic sea views, Hotel Dubrovnik Palace is a strong middle ground between city access and resort relaxation. It’s known for a calmer atmosphere, a polished feel, and facilities that help families recover after walking tours—pool time, seaside lounging, and easy dining. Transport into the Old Town is typically simple, making this a smart pick if you want quieter evenings and a more “holiday” rhythm.

• Best for: Families who want sea views and a relaxed base with good transport links
• Family tip: Use Lapad’s promenade for low-effort evenings and casual meals
• Why it works: Scenic setting + comfortable downtime

6) Royal Palm Hotel (Babin Kuk)

Royal Palm Hotel is a dependable choice in Babin Kuk for families who want a modern, resort-style hotel with access to beach clubs, pools, and walking paths along the sea. Babin Kuk is especially appealing in peak summer: you can front-load sightseeing early, then come back for swimming and shade when the Old Town heats up. Room comfort and the overall resort ecosystem nearby make it easy to keep everyone happy.

• Best for: Pool-and-beach focused family trips
• Family tip: Plan Old Town visits in the morning, then spend afternoons by the water
• Why it works: Easy resort living + access to coastal walks

7) Hotel Lapad (Lapad)

Hotel Lapad offers a more classic, good-value stay in a family-friendly neighborhood. It’s not as flashy as the big resorts, but it’s comfortable, well-located for buses and casual restaurants, and often a sensible choice for families who want to spend more budget on experiences (boat trips, cable car, or island days). The neighborhood vibe is relaxed, and you’re well-positioned for both beaches and the Old Town.

• Best for: Families seeking value in a convenient, calmer area
• Family tip: Choose this base if you plan lots of day trips and want a straightforward return each night
• Why it works: Practical location + approachable pricing

How to choose the right family hotel in Dubrovnik

Prioritize transport and terrain

Dubrovnik’s beauty comes with stairs and slopes. If you’re traveling with a stroller, or anyone who doesn’t love steep climbs, choose Lapad or Babin Kuk, or a hotel just outside the Old Town gates (Pile/Ploče). These areas reduce the “last 10 minutes” struggle that can turn a simple outing into an ordeal.

Decide what your trip is really about

• Mostly sightseeing: Stay near Pile or Ploče for quick Old Town access.
• Mostly relaxation: Choose Babin Kuk or a full resort outside town.
• Balanced: Lapad is the family-friendly compromise with beaches and easy connections.

Look for family room types (and ask the right questions)

“Family room” can mean many things. Before booking, check whether the hotel offers connecting rooms, sofa beds, or true suites with separate sleeping areas. For younger children, confirm if cribs are available and whether elevators serve all floors—especially in older buildings near the Old Town.

Plan around Dubrovnik’s daily rhythm

For many families, the winning schedule is: early sightseeing, a midday break, then a relaxed evening stroll and dinner. Hotels with pools, shaded terraces, or nearby beaches make that rhythm easy and help avoid overtired meltdowns.

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Family itinerary pairing ideas (so your hotel location pays off)

If you stay near the Old Town (Pile/Ploče)

Walk the city walls early, visit Rector’s Palace or the maritime museum before midday, then escape to your hotel for rest. In the evening, return for a shorter, stroller-friendly wander and dinner away from the main midday crush.

If you stay in Lapad

Use the morning for the Old Town, then head back for an afternoon swim and a sunset promenade. Lapad’s casual dining makes it easy to feed picky eaters without a formal reservation.

If you stay in Babin Kuk or at a resort outside town

Treat the Old Town like an “excursion” rather than your living room. Do 1–2 focused city sessions, then lean into the resort: pools, sports, and low-effort meals on property.

Quick booking tips for families

• Shoulder season advantage: Late spring and early fall often bring better value and more comfortable sightseeing temperatures.
• Breakfast matters: A strong breakfast saves time and money, and helps you start early before crowds build.
• Pool time is not optional: In summer, a pool (or easy beach access) is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade.
• Room layout beats room size: Separate sleeping space (suite or connecting rooms) often matters more than an extra few square meters.

Final thoughts: the best family base in Dubrovnik

For families who want to maximize Dubrovnik’s historic sights, the best strategy is staying close to the Old Town—without necessarily sleeping inside it. Pile and Ploče deliver the most convenience with fewer compromises. If your family travels best with downtime, pick Lapad or Babin Kuk for beaches, calmer evenings, and resort amenities. And if you’re planning a longer trip where relaxation is the main event, a full resort like Sun Gardens can be the easiest way to keep everyone happy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What area of Dubrovnik is best for families?

Lapad and Babin Kuk are most family-friendly for beaches, easier walking, and resort amenities. For maximum sightseeing convenience, choose Pile or Ploče just outside the Old Town gates.

Is it better to stay inside Dubrovnik Old Town with kids?

Usually it’s easier to stay just outside the walls (Pile or Ploče). You’ll still be steps from the Old Town but with better vehicle access, more spacious rooms, and fewer stairs in the building.

Which Dubrovnik hotels are best for pools and downtime?

Babin Kuk and Lapad are strongest for pool-forward stays, while larger properties near town (like resort-style hotels) also deliver excellent pool time. For a full resort experience, consider staying outside the city and commuting for sightseeing.

How many nights should families stay in Dubrovnik?

A 3–4 night stay works well for a mix of Old Town sightseeing and a beach or pool day. If you’re choosing a resort outside Dubrovnik, 5–7 nights feels more relaxed and worth the commute.

Is Dubrovnik walkable with a stroller?

Parts of the city are stroller-friendly, but the Old Town has steps, narrow lanes, and slick stone in places. Lapad’s promenade is one of the easiest areas for strollers; for the Old Town, consider a lightweight stroller or baby carrier.

Do Dubrovnik hotels offer family rooms or suites?

Many do, but availability varies by season and room category. Look for connecting rooms, sofa beds, or true suites with separate sleeping areas, and confirm crib availability if you’re traveling with a baby.