There’s something quietly spectacular about fall along the Adriatic. The sun still lingers, the crowds thin, and the golden light bathes Dubrovnik’s terracotta rooftops and limestone walls in a cinematic warmth. It’s in this slower, more intimate season that Hotel Excelsior, a landmark of elegance and resilience, feels like an open secret—waiting to be discovered all over again.
Just a five-minute stroll from Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-protected Old Town, Hotel Excelsior offers front-row access to the city’s storied past and vibrant cultural life. The sea-facing balconies of this royal villa-turned-luxury-hotel provide uninterrupted views of Lokrum Island and the medieval ramparts that encircle the city. In the autumn quiet, the sounds of the waves and distant bells create a rhythm all their own—one that invites both rest and exploration.
Cocktail on the sun-drenched terrace!
There are splendid gardens to enjoy and the views from the terrace are not to be missed.
There are splendid gardens to enjoy and the views from the terrace are not to be missed.
Originally built in 1913, the Hotel Excelsior is steeped in local and international history. It has remained open through world wars, the Croatian War of Independence, and countless cultural milestones. Long favored by artists, dignitaries, and discerning travelers, the hotel is at once a monument to the past and a fully modern retreat. The 158 rooms and suites have been meticulously updated with the latest technology and design details while honoring the building’s original character. Unique antique furnishings and original artwork by Dubrovnik artists infuse every room with a strong sense of place.
In 2024 and into Fall 2025, the Hotel Excelsior has expanded its wellness offerings with curated spa rituals inspired by Adriatic botanicals and Croatian healing traditions. The Energy Clinic Spa now offers a series of signature treatments exclusive to the Excelsior, designed to balance body and mind after long travels or city adventures. The spa still houses its exceptional Roman and Turkish baths, indoor freshwater pool, Finnish sauna, and sea-view relaxation zones—but with new seasonal treatments and customizable wellness journeys.
Dining at the Hotel Excelsior remains one of the great pleasures of a stay here. Autumn brings a different rhythm to each restaurant: leisurely lunches at Prora under a soft sun, local oysters and Istrian truffles at Maslina Tavern, and candlelit dinners at Salin, where sweeping views of the Old Town create an unforgettable backdrop. The hotel’s culinary team continues to elevate traditional Dalmatian dishes with contemporary techniques and seasonal ingredients sourced from the nearby Elaphiti Islands and hinterlands.
There are splendid gardens to enjoy and the views from the terrace are not to be missed.
Needless to say the luxurious Spa at the Hotel Excelsior is perfection.
One of the more recent enhancements is the Abakus Piano Bar’s curated evening programming, offering live local jazz, curated aperitif menus, and rotating exhibits from regional artists. The gallery of legendary guests—Pablo Picasso, Elizabeth Taylor, Queen Elizabeth II—still graces its walls, but now the hotel is creating a new generation of cultural cachet with immersive guest experiences: olive oil tastings, artist-led city walks, and bespoke excursions into Croatia’s lush wine country.
Fall is the season when Dubrovnik slows down just enough for you to feel its soul. Hotel Excelsior offers a front-row seat to this timeless magic, where the Adriatic breeze carries a bit of history and every moment feels personal.
Whether you’re here to soak in the rich history, indulge in pampering treatments, or simply sip wine while watching the sunset ignite the sea, Hotel Excelsior is where your Fall 2025 getaway begins—and lingers long after you return. Hotel Excelsior.
Click the link for more about Dubrovnik, and for more about Croatia.
The incomparable story-book setting of the Hotel Excelsior is world famous.
Picture perfect luxury.
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