Where to Stay in Dubrovnik with Kids: Best Family-Friendly Hotels

We visited Dubrovnik as part of our 7-day Croatia and Montenegro trip when our daughter was 10 months old, spending the last three days based here. Between the cobblestoned old town, the cliffside beaches and the boat trips to the islands it was a great way to finish off our trip.

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One thing worth knowing before you book: where you stay in Dubrovnik shapes the whole experience. The old town is beautiful and worth exploring, but it's also full of stairs, steep cobblestones, and tourists. We used a sling rather than the pram on old town days and kept the buggy for beach days and island trips. If you want the easiest logistics with a young child, the Lapad Peninsula is the more practical base, with beaches, flatter terrain, and a bus that gets you to the old town in around 15 minutes.

For everything to do once you're there, read our full guide: Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik with Kids. For the full 7-day itinerary combining Dubrovnik and Montenegro, see our Dubrovnik & Montenegro: 7-Day Itinerary with a Baby.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik with Kids: By Area

Old Town and Pile Gate — For Atmosphere, Proximity and the Old City on Your Doorstep

Staying inside or just outside the old town walls means you can walk to the main sights before the cruise ship crowds arrive, explore the medieval streets at your own pace, and be back for nap time without any bus logistics. The Stradun, the old town's main limestone promenade, is one of the great streets in Europe. The alleyways branching off it have a way of keeping you wandering much longer than you planned. The trade off is dealing with the endless steps and cobblestones. If you choose this area, definitely pack your sling! Parking does not exist inside the walls, so you will need to use the public car parks just outside Pile Gate.

1. Shanti Dubrovnik (from around £90/night)

This is a gorgeous boutique apartment just a four minute walk from Pile Gate, tucked right inside the old town with stone interiors and a private terrace. Because it is self catering with a kitchenette, it is a brilliant choice if you want to be close to the action without paying premium hotel prices. The space is quite cozy, making it ideal for parents traveling with just one young child. Just remember to message the host about cot availability when you book. The Stradun, the city walls entrance, and Beach Sulic are all an easy walk away.

2. Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik (from around £200/night)

If you want a historic, luxurious stay, this 1897 hotel is set in its own beautiful gardens just a five minute walk from Pile Gate. It is one of the best preserved 19th century buildings on the Adriatic coast. The indoor pool, wellness centre, and consistently amazing breakfast buffet make it incredibly comfortable for families. They offer interconnecting rooms if you need the extra space, and you can request a cot when booking. The old town, Beach Sulic, and the Pile Park playground are right on your doorstep.

Lapad Peninsula — For the Most Practical Family Base

Lapad is where most families visiting Dubrovnik choose to base themselves, and for good reason. The peninsula sits about 4km west of the old town and has several beaches, a lovely waterfront promenade lined with restaurants, and a regular bus service that gets you to the old town in 15 minutes. The terrain is flat, the pace is much calmer, and there are supermarkets nearby. You should also check out the Cave Bar More, which is set inside an actual sea cave right on the peninsula.

3. Apartments Dubrovnik Lapad (from around £70/night)

These self catering apartments are my standout budget pick for the city. Every unit features a sea view balcony, a fully equipped kitchen, and a washing machine (a massive bonus with toddlers). Lapad Bay Beach is a seven minute walk away, and the bus stop for the old town is directly outside the front door. It is incredibly practical and great value. Make sure to confirm cot availability when you reserve your dates.

4. Hotel Dubrovnik Palace (from around £170/night)

This large 4 star hotel sits right on the Lapad Peninsula with direct beach access and two stunning outdoor pools looking out over the Elaphite Islands. Crucially for parents, there is a dedicated children's pool. They offer interconnecting rooms, free cribs on request, and charge lower rates for children under 13. With three restaurants on site and a bus stop directly opposite the hotel, it is wonderfully stress free. They also offer free parking.

Dubrovnik Riviera — For Resort Facilities and the Best Value in Peak Season

The stretch of coastline west of the city opens up options for families who are happy to be a short drive or shuttle ride from Dubrovnik. If you want a pool, a private beach, and a holiday that actually feels relaxing, this is the area to look at.

5. Sun Gardens Dubrovnik (from around £150/night)

This resort is set in gorgeous gardens on a private pebble cove at Orahovac, about 11km from the old town. With three outdoor pools, an indoor pool, a spa, and an incredible Kids Club running age appropriate programmes, it is one of the best family resorts on the Adriatic. You get free sun loungers on the private beach, and you can even book a residence with a kitchenette if you want self catering flexibility within a resort. It is worth noting that in July and August, this often offers much better value than equivalent city centre hotels. Free cots are available upon request.

6. Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik (from around £280/night)

Perched on a cliff just a five minute walk from the old town, this grand 5 star hotel offers direct views of Lokrum Island. The Excelsior provides private beach access, multiple pools, several restaurants, a spa, and babysitting services. It is a truly magical setting. Family rooms and interconnecting rooms can be arranged, and cots are available. Peak summer rates are quite high, but they drop significantly if you visit during the shoulder season in September or October.

Our Verdict

For most families visiting Dubrovnik for the first time with a young child, the Lapad Peninsula is the right base. The flatter terrain, the beach access, and the easy bus connection to the old town make daily life considerably easier. Apartments Dubrovnik Lapad is the outstanding budget choice and the sea view balconies at that price are hard to beat. Hotel Dubrovnik Palace is the best mid-range option in the area if you want a hotel with a dedicated children's pool and beach access.

If proximity to the old town matters more and the terrain doesn't put you off, Shanti Dubrovnik is an affordable option right inside the walls, and Hilton Imperial is worth it for families who want the best location with the most impressive building to match. For a resort stay with great family facilities then Sun Gardens is the standout choice, with its kids club, three pools and private beach. Finally, if you want the best hotel in the city with no compromises, Hotel Excelsior delivers.

For the full guide to what to do, read our Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik with Kids. For the full 7-day itinerary, see our Dubrovnik & Montenegro: 7-Day Itinerary with a Baby.