Hotel Lapad

Hotel Lapad details

Set on the harbourfront, this stylish number has one of the best locations in Dubrovnik.

This hotel is in a plum spot. It’s on the waterfront at Gruz Harbour, around three kilometres from old Dubrovnik. You can get to the old town by bus or walk there in half-an-hour. Plus, because the hotel is set away from the main tourist spots, the surrounding area is quiet and relaxing. There’s a small pebble beach ten minutes’ walk away, too.

The hotel itself is an elegant affair. Built from local stone, its 20th-century wing is fronted with balconies and white shutters. There’s also a newer annexe building behind it, which is reached by steps that lead through neatly trimmed gardens.

Step inside the main lobby and you’ll find a great mix of old and new. A grand marble staircase blends effortlessly with boutique-chic touches like a curvy orange feature wall and low-line front desk. The designers have gone down the minimalist route elsewhere, too. Take the buffet restaurant. With neutral walls and dark-wood furniture, it’s got the pared-down look to a tee. You can sit here and enjoy buffet breakfasts overlooking the pool. And while lunch is waiter service, dinner switches back to buffet, teaming Mediterranean-style dishes with international favourites.

On the bedroom front, there’s quite a choice between standard rooms and limited sea-view rooms - both coming with balconies. They’re all decked out in smart, contemporary décor and come with Zen-like bathrooms, minibars and LCD TVs. All rooms are allocated in the annexe building, which is connected with the main building via enclosed corridors and lifts.

Elsewhere, the pool takes centre-stage. Set at the front of the hotel, it’s screened by walls and gardens, giving it a sense of privacy. Comfy sunloungers edge the water and there’s a poolside bar serving snacks.