Set in a large garden of jasmine bushes and magnolia trees, this local landmark offers vacationers a refreshing alternative to brand-name chains. Once a private villa, the Zagreb became a hotel in 1932, was turned into a nationalized health resort after World War II, then served as Dubrovnik’s Croatian Army headquarters during the Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s. Now, more than a century after it was erected, the four-story Neo-Classical building has come almost full circle. Blessed with curvaceous stone stairs, ornate balustrades and balconies, its salmon-pink facade has been restored to its former glory, and its conservatory has been transformed into a charming restaurant/bar area. On the downside, the lobby still bears a Communist-era look and no elevator has been added, which may prove challenging for guests with limited mobility. 

Situated on the Lapad Peninsula (a pretty, pine-scented suburb of Dubrovnik), this hotel puts guests within a five-minute walk of the beach and seaside promenade. Being set back on a pleasant pedestrian-only street heightens the calm atmosphere; however, restaurants and bars are close at hand. When sightseeing is in order, the nearest public transit stop is a quick walk away, too; from there, you can hop the No. 6 bus which departs every 15 minutes for Pile Gate on the edge of the Old Town. The trip takes 20 minutes. Reaching the airport takes just under half an hour by cab or car.

• Two-minute walk to the nearest bus stop 
• Five-minute walk to the beach and promenade
• 10 minutes to Port Gruz by public transit 
• 10 minutes to Dubrovnik Main Bus Station by public transit 
• 15 minutes to Fort Lovrijenac by public transit 
• 20 minutes to the Dubrovnik Cable Car by public transit
• 20 minutes to the Walls of Dubrovnik (main entrance) by public transit
• 20 minutes to the Franciscan Monastery by public transit 
• 20 minutes to Pile Gate and Old Town by public transit 
• 29-minute drive to Dubrovnik Airport 

The rooms here are laid out differently, though most -- befitting the building’s age -- have beautiful bones (picture high ceilings with molded edges and windows adorned with Venetian shutters): a few also boast stone balconies overlooking the landscaped grounds. In contrast, the simple contemporary decor seems rather bland. Built-in blond-wood furnishings, creamy walls and bright white bed linens set the scene, while striped carpeting and draperies in autumnal tones add just a hint of color. All come with air-conditioning, electronic safes, 26-inch flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi (mini-fridges and a selection of pillows are available on request); the beige-tiled bathrooms, meanwhile, have showers or combination shower/tubs and an unfortunate lack of counter space. Note that most options are twin or double rooms; the latter can accommodate a sofa bed and, if you need more square footage, there is one suite with a separate living area.

Hotel Zagreb -- a seasonal operation that’s open annually from late March to November -- has character yet few actual features. There are no business or fitness facilities here, nor even an elevator. What it does have are gorgeous landscaped grounds and an overall air of gentility that extends into the conservatory restaurant, which has floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize the view. That gracious space doubles as the breakfast rooms where a sustaining free buffet that includes gluten-free and vegetarian choices is spread out each morning; in the evening, the à la carte menu focuses on favorite local dishes with prices discounted for guests. An adjacent bar and elegant patio offer alternate places to dine or just kick back. Other noteworthy amenities are ticket/tour assistance, laundry/dry-cleaning services, free on-site parking, and free property-wide Wi-Fi.