The Pucic Palace

We spent four days at the Pucic Palace in September. The staff were friendly, funny, and charming, and the hotel itself is well kept, luxurious, and full of character. Phillip from the bar and restaurant was especially great. There was a mix-up with our dinner reservations, but he managed to find a way to get us a table. The location, right in the middle of Dubrovnik, is perfect.

We had a lovely three-night stay in this beautiful hotel. From the moment we arrived, the service was excellent. Harold at reception stood out for being kind, helpful, and friendly. It really makes a difference to be welcomed by someone so willing to help.

It was clean, conveniently located, and the staff did what they could, but this didn’t feel like a five-star hotel. We travel often, and a five-star rating sets high expectations. There was no pool, spa, proper lobby, or comfortable place to relax. The showers flooded badly, the AC was portable, and there were plenty of scuffs and dents. The mini fridge felt cheap, and the water in the rooms was refilled. One bottle had pulp in it and clearly hadn’t been washed properly. There wasn’t even milk for coffee. For what we paid, over €1,000 a night, it was misleading. We’d have rated it around three to three and a half stars and thought about $350 a night was more appropriate. I could list more, and I have pictures as proof. Be prepared if you book.

The staff made this little hotel special. They were welcoming from the time we booked until we arrived, and couldn’t do enough for us. We had two very early day trips, and they put together lovely breakfast bags. Breakfast was included and ordered from a menu, with plenty to choose from: homemade granola with yogurt and fruit, eggs Florentine, bread rolls, filled pastries, coffee, and juice. Our room looked over a square and its cobbled streets, and the location in the old town is hard to beat. The hotel has lovely period charm, though parts of the bathroom could use a little TLC. We also appreciated the toiletries, slippers, robes, complimentary water, coffee, tea, and nuts. One of the best hotels I’ve stayed in.