The Pucic Palace

Built in the mid-18th century, this wonderfully preserved palace was once home to the noble Pucić family, and every effort has been made to preserve its period look and feel. The architecture is an unfussy Baroque limestone construct with pretty, shuttered windows overlooking an ancient square. Stepping into the lobby, the building's historic origins are celebrated with numerous elegant antique furnishings, restored beamed ceilings, and genuinely ancient museum pieces (such as a wonderful 19th-century wardrobe and "very old" Venetian oil painting) all cast in a glow from a Murano glass centerpiece chandelier. Vaulted hallways display even more pieces of history, including glass cabinets full of various antiques and even a superb relief dating back to the 16th century, while wrought iron balustrades lead up stone staircases worn down by centuries of footsteps. 

The hotel is ideally positioned overlooking a picturesque and bustling square in the heart of Dubrovnik's Old Town -- all of which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's surrounded by old narrow limestone-paved streets, stone houses, and churches all of which is a pedestrianized zone with all the city's tourist attractions well within walking distance. The stunning Dubrovnik Cathedral and the Stradun plaza are both a minute away on foot, while the East-West Beach (one of Europe's finest) is just a five-minute walk away. Dubrovnik Airport is about a 30-minute drive away and, although cars are not allowed into the Old Town city walls, buses and taxis run to the Pile Gate just outside.

Each of the 19 rooms is named after a famous Croatian poet, artist, or musician and styled with Italian and Turkish period furnishings, polished olive wood parquet floors, antique rugs, and velvet drapery. All rooms are individually air-conditioned and provide all the high-end tech you'd expect from this level of hotel, including free Wi-Fi and DVD players (with DVD library on hand). Bathrooms are particularly impressive -- artisan-laid Romanesque mosaic tiling and green marble tops combine with copper clad basins, roll-top tubs, and eco-friendly Oliva bath products (not Bulgari as advertised). The hotel also has several self-catering apartments available in an annex building with kitchens and separate lounges. 

The hotel has two eating options: the Café Royal -- a Parisian-style café serving a free a la carte breakfast -- and the Defne Restaurant -- a 1st floor eatery serving regionally inspired fine dining. In an annex building is the hotel's wine bar, offering a wide selection of wines, including many Croatian vintages, and an excellent selection of fine cigars to be enjoyed in plush, green leather surrounds. The are no spa or health facilities on-site, though at the nearby beach there is an area with sun loungers and parasols available free of charge exclusively to guests.