Lapadska Obala 25, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Beautifully renovated 16th-century aristocratic villa
Peaceful setting overlooking Gruz Bay
Heated outdoor swimming pool with hot tub
Individually styled rooms with high-tech touches
Restaurant serving local dishes and wines in old stone vault
Private speedboat transfers and excursions
Free Wi-Fi throughout
"Smart room system" might be overly complicated for some
Away from the main sights
The 13-room Hotel Kazbek is a boutique property housed in a nicely renovated 16th-century country villa two miles from Dubrovnik's Old Town. Its tranquil and relatively secluded setting is perfect for those seeking a bit of peace and quiet away from the city's touristic heart -- though might feel a bit detached for some. Rooms skillfully blend old-world decor with the latest tech and both pool and restaurant are first-class. High rates reflect the hotel's high-end quality and when you're zipping around their private speedboat chances are it'll feel well spent.
Scene
Boutique in immaculately renovated 16th-century villa
Originally built in 1573 as a summer house for the noble Zamanja family, this rustic villa was bought and renovated (for a princely €11 million) by a Swedish company and reopened in 2008 as an upscale boutique. An aristocratic 16th-century ambience still pervades throughout, from its elegant arching entrance and tranquil, sunny courtyard to the immaculate wood paneling and pristinely presented traditionally styled furnishings. At just 13 rooms, it's one of the
smallest hotels in Dubrovnik, giving an intimate and exclusive atmosphere with a real emphasis on the personal touch, attracting well-heeled travelers looking for peace and relaxation away from the touristic center.
Location
Peaceful setting overlooking Gruz Bay two miles from Dubrovnik Old Town
The hotel is set right on the waterfront overlooking the the bay of Gruz two miles or a 10-minute drive from Dubrovnik Old Town -- declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety. The main ferry port is a few minutes' walk away, yet the area has a peaceful and secluded feel -- surroundings include pretty hillside villages and pretty woodland within walking distance. The hotel also keeps a speedboat in the marina right in front of the hotel that can take guests for private
transfers or excursions to nearby islands.
Rooms
Traditionally styled rooms with 21st-century tech
Each of the 13 rooms is individually decorated in aristocratic styling with traditional touches including hand-crafted furnishings, herringbone parquet floors with patterned rugs, and their own coat of arms taken from the old Dubrovnik ancestry.
Amenities are suitably 21st-century, including free Wi-Fi, individually controlled air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and movies on demand.
Bathrooms are pleasant enough with robes and quality Thierry Mugler toiletries, though the finish is perhaps lacking a little finesse. There is a "smart room system" in the rooms for controlling lighting and air-conditioning, which some might find unnecessarily complicated.
Features
Lovely heated outdoor pool and sun-drenched terrace
The hotel's heated outdoor swimming pool is a real highlight, and includes outdoor showers and a hot tub. The sun-drenched terrace makes a nice spot for breakfast, while the hotel's Dubrovnik Restaurant is set in an old stone vault and serves excellent regional dishes and Croatian wines. The library is a pleasant place to relax and adds to the Old World ambience of the hotel, while the hotel's private speedboat -- providing transfer and excursions -- gives a taste of the high life.