The
Byron
Dubrovnik

The location

As one strolls through the narrow streets of Dubrovnik, the sound of young children playing football fills the air. And while laundry hangs out to dry in the mild sea breeze, the curses of old men echo through the streets. In the evening, fishermen return home with their catch of the day and perhaps a little treat for their cats.

Just a few steps from The Byron Dubrovnik, a wonderfully unpretentious restaurant serves Cro-Asia bites—recommended not only by the owners, but also by Michelin. And if one’s feet carry further, a hidden hole in the wall opens up not only a breathtaking view, but also the way to a cocktail bar and a beautiful swimming spot.

Philosophy

No less an authority than Lord Byron proclaimed Dubrovnik “the pearl of the Adriatic”—the least this charming Croatian city could do is name a hotel after him in return. The Byron Dubrovnik opened in 2018, but the townhouse that it occupies is much older, and beneath its white-on-white redecoration, it shows charming signs of age.

The rooms are stylish and comfortable and all but the smallest, the Attic Room, feature kitchenettes for self-catering. It’s too small to have its own restaurant, but guests are spoiled for choice in the surrounding city, and the hotel’s concierge is happy to point them in the right direction.

The back story

The team behind the current iteration of The Byron are Jon and Sanja. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, the two came to Dubrovnik. In 2004, the two young entrepreneurs opened their first wrap and smoothie restaurant—not yet in Dubrovnik, but on the island of Korčula. Later, they opened a bar in Dubrovnik, which was also praised by the New York Times. And so it continued. This was followed by the opening of the first legal hostel in the old town of Dubrovnik. In 2012, it was named one of the best seasonal hostels in the world. Jon and Sanja also ran “Sanja & Rosie’s Laundrette,” a charming retro laundromat in Dubrovnik.

In 2013, they converted the living quarters of nuns next to Dubrovnik’s famous cathedral, which they rented from the Vatican, into a small bed and breakfast called fresh* Sheets B&B. In 2016, the couple opened Life According to Kawa, a shop selling special, curated products from Croatia. Kawa, a concept store located right at the entrance to the old town, where the airport shuttle buses stop, still exists today. KAWA is a meeting place for artists and designers, coffee lovers, and enthusiasts of locally produced small batch design. The pandemic from 2020 to 2022 was a tough break; they lost the bed and breakfast “Fresh* Sheets,” which hit the two founders hard, as they had put a lot of heart and soul into this venture. Then, as life would have it, they were given a new opportunity.  The owners of The Byron had relocated during the shutdown and asked Jon and Sanja if they were interested in taking it over to help develop it into one of Dubrovnik’s most interesting boutique hotels. Today, the two exiled Canadians manage KAWA and The Byron—the story continues.

Individuality and quality

The Byron is like Lord Byron: the English dandy and poet (1788–1824) and representative of English Romanticism was drawn to the Mediterranean region early on, especially Venice. But he was also an admirer of Dubrovnik and called the city-state, which had been independent for centuries.

The hotel is as individual as its namesake: romantic and idiosyncratic. Its manageable size and the feeling of staying in a private palace, surrounded by art and exposed patina, allow guests to forget the tourist hustle and bustle in the city center. Here, you are on your own: in a small oasis of culture, quiet and protected.

The architecture

At The Byron Dubrovnik simple luxury is combined with comfort: external and internal shutters and double glazing reduce the city’s noise to a minimum—but still, Dubrovnik is a small, lively city whose hustle and bustle is part of the adventure. Throughout the hotel—whether on the lower floors or in the attic—the old wooden beams are visible: sometimes in their original colour, sometimes whitewashed, blending in with the rest of the interior.

A look inside

Each room in the hotel has a different layout—but the same level of comfort. All are equipped with Molton Brown toiletries, amenity kits, slippers, bathrobes, hairdryers and fluffy towels, as well as a laptop safe for guests’ most valuable items. All have their own bathroom, air conditioning and underfloor heating—for pleasant temperatures, whether in winter or summer.

Surrounding area

Hardly any other city on the Mediterranean has experienced such hype in recent years as Dubrovnik in Croatia. The fantasy series “Game of Thrones,” which was largely filmed here, is partly responsible for this. But Dubrovnik is not a big city, with a total population of just 40,000.

In recent years, however, around 15,000 tourists have visited every day during the summer months. This makes Dubrovnik the most visited city in the entire Mediterranean in terms of per capita numbers. Visitors can still feel the charm of the old city—but it’s true that one can’t avoid the tourists, not in the old town. That’s why Dubrovnik is particularly suitable for visiting the islands off the coast, the Elaphiti Islands.

Interesting spots

Okay, Lokrum isn’t exactly lacking in visitors either. The uninhabited island dates back to 1023 when Benedictine monks founded an abbey there. However, it was completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1667, and Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg built a castle on the same site, renovated the cloister, and had a park built. The best thing about it: a soccer field right by the sea.

The island of Lopud had something very honest about it. The idyllic island is located just 12 km from Dubrovnik and has about 250 residents who live there year-round. What’s nice here is that not everything is perfect. Plastic washes up on the beach and is not collected, and an old grand hotel from the 1970s is falling into disrepair on the promenade. A beautiful, peculiar atmosphere, just a short drive from Dubrovnik, but suddenly somewhere else entirely.

Our clear favorite: Šipan. When we visit the small island, the season is over, so there is a peculiar atmosphere in the air. We are among locals. Restaurants are closed, but Michelin logos indicate that culinary surprises await. Šipan is renowned for its excellent wine and first-class olive oil. And the locals are rightly proud that Šipan is listed in the Guinness Book of Records for having the highest density of olive trees per square kilometer.

The fascinating combination of crystal-clear water, picturesque beaches and bays, and breathtaking natural scenery has always made the island and the two villages of Suđurađ and Šipanska Luka a favorite retreat for the nobility and aristocracy of Dubrovnik. The island’s extensive cultural and historical heritage dates back to that era.

What we love about it?

The small kitchenettes that leaves no craving unsatisfied—no matter how late the hour. When time slips away while chatting with friends over a glass of wine. And we also love the spacious and calmly designed rooms, which offer plenty of space to let your gaze wander and the children romp around.

Who is this place best suited for?

The Byron offers rooms for all guests who enjoy simple luxury. The Lord Byron’s Suite (a combination of The Writing & The Reading Room) gives families a private lounge area and a small balcony overlooking orange trees and the neighbouring garden. Another option is the combination of The Cathedral Room & Attic Room—ideal for a landmark view.

For groups of friends or couples travelling together, the Piano Room or Garden Room are suitable options. On the third floor, the smaller twin Attic Room with its lower ceilings offers the perfect accommodation for older children or young-at-heart adults.

Details

The Rooms

• All rooms have full length interior and exterior shutters as well as underfloor heating
• Radiators in the bathrooms and climate control
• Non-smoking rooms
• Air conditioning
• Shower
• Kettle
• Mini-fridge
• Sat TV
• Molton Brown toiletries
• Landmark view
• Amenity kits
• Slippers
• Hair dryer
• Towels
• Laptop sized safe

Prices

Dubrovnik is a seasonal destination with peak prices from May to October. For the best prices, direct bookings are recommended. The Byron often has special offers, and all direct bookings receive extras such as early check-in and free luggage storage.

• Garden Room (22 sqm): overlooking the neighbours garden. Morning sun, quieter and cooler in the summer months.
• Drawing Room (25 sqm): located on the 1st floor. Culshaw kitchenette, high ceilings, dual aspect triple glazed glass windows.
• The Attic Room (18 sqm): standard twin room located on the 3rd floor. Two single beds, overlooking Dubrovnik’s roof tops, lower ceilings. Perfect for older kids or young at heart adults.
• The Cathedral Room (25 sqm): overlooking the grand cathedral. Afternoon sunlight. This room can be booked along with the Loft Room as a family suite.
• The Piano Room (24 sqm): view of the cathedral. Piano room can be booked along with the Garden Room.
• Reading Room (24sqm): located on the 1st floor, view of the Cathedral. Culshaw kitchenette, high ceilings, triple glazed glass windows, two single beds perfect for kids or for people who prefer to sleep on their own.
• The Writing Room (22 sqm): located on the 1st floor, overlooking orange trees. High ceilings, triple glazed glass windows, super king-size bed, Culshaw Kitchenette. Can be booked in conjunction with the Reading room to form Lord Byron’s Suite which includes a lounge and a small balcony overlooking the orange trees. Perfect for families.
• Lord Byron’s Suite (The Writing Room & The Reading Room)

The little extras

Guests can ask for:

• ironing boards, printing out flight tickets, phone chargers, tooth brushes, beach towels, daily schedule for cruise liners to avoid the crowds, etc.

Concierge service:

• for booking restaurants, tours of the Old Town, private boat trips, day wine tasting, etc.

Find more local tips from the owners on their website.

The Byron Dubrovnik Parking

Dubrovnik’s famous Old Town is completely car-free and parking can be very expensive. From June 2025, the access road to Dubrovnik’s Old Town will only be accessible to registered vehicles. Guests can find out more about parking on The Byron Dubrovnik website.

Dubrovnik Airport Transfer

A private airport transfer will greet guests at the arrival gate and take them directly to Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

• Price: from 50 EUR (paid cash directly to driver, same price as regular taxi)

Long-term stay discounts

The Byron Dubrovnik also offers digital nomad / weekly / monthly or a serviced co-living space with special discounts

• Access to co-working space at ‘Life According to KAWA’ (Croatian design boutique and third wave coffee shop).
• Quiet location for focus and creativity.

• Fast, reliable high-speed Wi-Fi to keep you connected.

Private boat charters & trips from Dubrovnik

• Sea Fun Dubrovnik offers private boat tours and charters from Dubrovnik: Day trips from Dubrovnik by speedboat to islands, caves, beaches, and secret spots only locals know.