Not All Luxury Hotels Are Created Equal—Inside My Stay at Hotel Bellevue, Dubrovnik
- Toni Reid
- Jun 16
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 24
There are beautiful hotels, and then there is Hotel Bellevue. Nestled along the cliffs of Dubrovnik, Croatia, this architectural masterpiece doesn’t just offer a place to sleep—it redefines the entire experience of staying in a hotel. From the moment I stepped through the sleek glass entrance framed by clean concrete lines and locally sourced stone, I knew this would be no ordinary stay.
Architectural Elegance Rooted in Nature
What sets Hotel Bellevue apart from nearly every other hotel in Dubrovnik is its unique blend of natural materials and minimalist design. The architecture is sculptural—think cascading terraces, wide open spaces, and curved balconies that seem to melt into the sea. The walls, made from Croatian stone, echo the landscape, while the floor-to-ceiling glass invites the Adriatic Sea indoors. The hotel’s shape isn't just aesthetic—it’s intentional. Every room is angled just right for unobstructed sea views. And when you’re perched above the Dalmatian coast, trust me, you want that view.
True Hospitality Isn’t Just a Word Here—It’s a Lifestyle
Let’s talk about service, because Bellevue’s staff has raised the bar. Each evening, without fail, a delicate knock delivered artisan chocolates to my door—a small gesture, but one that made me feel seen. Shortly after, another knock: “Would you like the minibar refilled?” Even though I barely touched it, the attention to detail was constant yet unobtrusive.
My stay didn’t start perfectly. There was a mix-up with my room type, and I was momentarily disheartened—I needed that Superior Sea View Balcony Room. But within two hours, the issue was resolved, and I was soaking in the view of the Adriatic from a room that felt like it was floating over the water.
The little things? They mattered. Every fruit on the breakfast table had seeds—real, untouched, flavorful fruit. Water was served in refillable glass bottles, no plastic in sight. My room? Spotless. Linens changed daily (not just straightened). The shower had a deep tub with excellent, adjustable pressure—finally, a hotel that gets the importance of a good shower.
And the robes? My only complaint: they were too small. But even that gave me a laugh.
Spaces Designed for the Soul
Hotel Bellevue is a haven for introverts and thinkers. Scattered throughout the property are cozy nooks tucked behind glass panels or nestled in garden corners—perfect for reading, journaling, or simply listening to the sound of waves kissing the cliffside. And every time I found a spot, someone from the hospitality team would appear as if by magic: “Would you like tea, coffee, or perhaps a cold beverage?”
One of the most memorable moments? I coordinated a 6:00 AM island tour pickup through the hotel. Despite the early hour, the front desk had a thoughtfully packed boxed breakfast waiting for me. Bamboo cutlery, locally sourced cheeses and fruit, fresh pastry—no plastic forks thrown together at the last minute. It was curated.
Breakfast Like a Dream
Though not all-inclusive, Hotel Bellevue does offer breakfast—and it’s a feast. Served each morning at 8:00 AM, the spread includes everything from made-to-order omelets to flaky pastries and cheeses that seem to whisper stories of the region. White linens, polished silverware, fresh-cut flowers at each table, and of course—that view. I alternated between dining in the elegant dining room or on the balcony, where the sea breeze and the sound of waves became my breakfast soundtrack.
Evenings Made for the Adriatic
Each night, I opened the balcony doors and let the sea breeze fill the room. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that feeling—the lullaby of the sea, the scent of salt in the air, and the soft luxury of the Bellevue bed calling me to sleep.
A Ride in Style & Walks Worth Remembering
Transportation? Bellevue doesn’t mess around. Their transfers—whether to the airport or your chosen excursion—are in Mercedes-Benz vans with cheerful, knowledgeable drivers who double as local guides.
The hotel is just a 20-minute walk to Dubrovnik’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its medieval walls, limestone streets, and baroque buildings. It’s Croatia’s crown jewel—and walking there from the hotel is part of the charm. The route is hilly, and parts are cobblestoned, so bring comfy shoes. But the journey offers breathtaking views: rugged cliffs cradling turquoise water, fishing boats bobbing in private coves, and the kind of horizon that feels infinite. I must’ve walked that path ten times during my stay—enough to feel like the stones knew my name.
The Little-Known Gems of Hotel Bellevue
Here’s what you won’t find on most review sites:
The Private Elevator to the Beach Cave - Most guests don’t realize there's a private elevator hidden behind the spa that takes you down through the rock to a secluded beach cave—yes, a natural sea cave with lounge chairs nestled into the stone.
The Local Art Rotating Inside the Suites—Hotel Bellevue collaborates with Croatian artists to display rotating local art pieces inside rooms and suites. My room featured a series of abstract Adriatic landscapes painted by a Croatian-born artist.
Travel Tips for Your Stay
Pack a Light Foldable Bag for Daily Outings While the hotel has everything, including beach towels and water, you’ll want a small daypack for exploring the steep walk to Old Town or hopping into a boat for island tours.
Book Spa Treatments the Day You Arrive Bellevue’s spa fills up quickly, especially massages with sea-view rooms.
Follow My Journey
If you enjoyed this blog, you must check out my next hotel feature: My Unique Stay at YOTELAIR in Istanbul, Turkey. It’s the perfect contrast to the Bellevue experience and shows how innovation in travel is happening around the globe.
Let’s stay connected—subscribe to my YouTube channel where I’ll be sharing the full Croatia playlist, including a visual room tour, breakfast spread, and my favorite hidden spots around Hotel Bellevue.
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