Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera
A Stylish Base For Exploring Croatia’s Sparkling Coast
Tucked between pine-clad hills and the glittering Adriatic, the Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera is a sleek 5 star hotel that works beautifully as a base for exploring Croatia’s south Dalmatian coast. It combines resort-style relaxation with easy access to Dubrovnik’s Old Town, pretty coastal villages and island-dotted bays. If you are looking for somewhere that lets you dip in and out of the city, stroll a seafront promenade in the evenings and hop on a water taxi to explore, this is a very appealing option.
Who is the Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera for?
In my view, this hotel suits:
- Couples and friends who want a smart, comfortable base in a quieter setting than Dubrovnik’s Old Town, but still want to get in and out easily.
- Families who appreciate facilities but prefer a more refined atmosphere rather than a big, brash all inclusive.
- Relaxed luxury travellers who care about location, sea views, good food and a great drink selection



It is a lovely 5 star overall. If I were being really picky, I would say that the linen, towels and some of the furniture could be a little cleaner or fresher to truly match the luxury label. However, as a complete package it is a nice hotel in a standout location, and that location is what makes it so strong for a Croatia holiday.
Setting the scene: the promenade and surroundings
One of the biggest draws of the Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera is the beautiful promenade right outside. This gently curving seafront walk is framed by the bay on one side and low-rise buildings, restaurants and shops on the other, giving the whole area a calm, holiday‑village feel.
- You can stroll straight out of the hotel onto the promenade without needing transfers or taxis.
- Along the way you will find casual cafés, ice‑cream stops, bars and local restaurants, perfect for low‑key evenings and lazy afternoons.
- There are little shops for picking up beach bits, water, snacks and souvenirs; everything feels close at hand.

Because of this, you never feel “stuck” in a resort. You can decide on the day whether to stay by the pool, wander along the promenade for a long lunch, or head further afield by boat.
Food & drink: why this hotel works so well for foodies

One of the most pleasant surprises here is just how good the food and drink offering is.
Incredible drink choice
The drink choice is genuinely impressive, with:
- A wide range of cocktails, local wines and international spirits, so there is always something new to try.
- Plenty of options whether you are an Aperol-at-sunset person, a gin and tonic fan, or prefer a chilled glass of Croatian white.

It all adds up to that feeling that you can sit down anywhere with a view and know you are going to have something really good in your glass.
The seriously cool pool bar

The pool bar is a real highlight and has such a cool vibe:
- From your lounger or bar stool you get elevated views over the pool and out to the sea, exactly what you want from a holiday drink spot.
- It is the perfect place for a late‑afternoon cocktail, a cold beer or a long, icy soft drink between swims.
- Because of the views, it naturally becomes a little sunset hangout; you can watch the colours change over the water without going anywhere.
If you like that laid‑back, toes‑still‑damp, drink‑in‑hand atmosphere, this pool bar delivers.
Beautiful food at the hotel restaurants

The hotel restaurants themselves are a real strong point:
- There is a good mix of local flavours and international favourites, which is ideal for mixed tastes, families and longer stays.
- Presentation and flavour live up to the 5 star tag: it feels like a treat to dine in, not just a convenience.
This is the kind of hotel where you are very happy to stay in for dinner rather than always heading out.
Lungo Mare: so good you want to go back
- The food here is so good that Jack wanted to go back, which probably tells you everything you need to know.
- Expect fresh, beautifully cooked dishes that really showcase how simple, quality ingredients can shine by the sea.
- Combined with the waterfront setting, it becomes one of those places you remember when you think back on the trip.

Exploring from the hotel: Milini, Dubrovnik Old Town and Cavtat
Another reason I rate this hotel is how easy it makes exploring without needing to organise complicated transport.
Walk to Milini

From the hotel, it is very easy to walk to Milini, a charming nearby village along the coast.
- The walk itself is part of the pleasure: you follow the seafront with constant views of the bay, stopping for coffee or a drink if something catches your eye.
- Milini has a relaxed, local feel with pebble beaches, small jetties and waterfront bars. It is ideal for a change of scene, a long lunch or an early evening drink.

It feels close enough for a spontaneous wander, which is lovely for clients who like to explore but do not want anything too strenuous or time‑consuming.
Water taxi to Dubrovnik Old Town
One of the highlights is how simple it is to reach Dubrovnik’s Old Town by water taxi.

- Boats run along the coast, so you can step aboard from nearby and glide across the bay rather than sit in traffic.
- Arriving into Dubrovnik by sea is a wonderfully atmospheric way to see the imposing city walls and terracotta rooftops appear in front of you.
- Once there, you have the full UNESCO‑listed Old Town at your feet: cobbled streets, historic churches, tiny alleyways, boutiques and restaurants.
- My advice is to use an UBER in and a water taxi back for ease
For clients, this means you get the best of both worlds: the energy and history of Dubrovnik when you want it, combined with the serenity of returning to a quieter bay afterwards.
Water taxi to Cavtat
The same coastal connections also make it easy to reach Cavtat by water taxi.
- Cavtat is a pretty harbour town with palm‑lined promenades, bobbing boats and a more laid‑back vibe than Dubrovnik.
- It is lovely for harbourfront dining, watching the yachts, or simply wandering through the old streets and along the water’s edge.
Using the hotel as your hub, you can create a simple triangle: Dubrovnik – Cavtat, with Milini as an easy additional stop. For clients who enjoy exploring but do not want to hire a car, this is a real plus.
What can you do from Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera?
Staying here opens up a mix of relaxing and exploring:
Relaxed days close to “home”
- Enjoy pool and beach time, dipping between the sea and lounger.
- Take gentle promenade walks at different times of day: morning light for photos, sunset for that softer glow.
- Dine at local restaurants along the seafront, trying Croatian specialities such as fresh seafood and local wines.
- Browse nearby shops for keepsakes and essentials so you never feel cut off.

Culture and history in Dubrovnik
Using the water taxi into Dubrovnik Old Town, your clients can:
- Walk the city walls for sweeping views over the sea and islands.
- Join a guided historical or themed tour (for example, a Game of Thrones walking tour for fans).
- Visit museums, churches and palaces, and then settle in at a café on Stradun to watch daily life go by.
- Enjoy evening dining inside the city, then return to the quieter coast to sleep.

Coastal escapes and island hopping
From this base, it is straightforward to:
- Take boat trips around the Elaphiti Islands, ideal for swimming stops and laid‑back exploration.
- Join snorkelling or sea‑kayaking excursions, seeing the coastline from the water.
- Explore Cavtat for a different harbour feel and some memorable waterside meals.

Clients who like a sense of discovery, but not complicated logistics, will appreciate how seamlessly this all fits together when staying here.
An honest view: what stands out and what to know
From my perspective, the Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera is very much a “location, location, location” hotel, with food and drink that more than live up to the setting.
- Standout positives:
- The promenade setting with restaurants and shops right there.
- The incredible choice of drinks and a very cool pool bar with views over the pool and sea.
- Beautiful food at the hotel restaurants, plus Lungo Mare along the promenade, which was so good Jack wanted to go back.
- The ease of getting to Milini on foot.
- The water taxi links to Dubrovnik Old Town and Cavtat, which transform how simple it is to explore the area.
- A generally good 5 star standard that feels comfortable and stylish.
- If I am being really picky:
- I would say that linen, towels and some of the furniture could be cleaner or a touch fresher to match the very top tier of luxury.
Overall though, it remains a nice 5 star choice with an exceptional location, excellent food and drink and an easy, relaxed atmosphere that makes it especially appealing for those who want to see more of Croatia’s coast without changing hotels every few days.
Is this the right hotel for you?
Choose the Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera if you:
- Want a smart, comfortable 5 star base rather than a tiny boutique hideaway.
- Love good food and an extensive choice of drinks, with a pool bar and promenade restaurants that really make an evening of it.
- Like to be on a promenade with life around you: restaurants, shops and people‑watching.
- Prefer easy, car‑free exploring: walking to Milini, hopping on a water taxi to Dubrovnik Old Town and Cavtat.
- Enjoy mixing relaxed days by the sea with cultural trips and boat excursions.
With its setting, strong food and drink scene and simple access to some of the most beautiful spots on the Dalmatian coast, this hotel works brilliantly as a springboard to discover the best of Croatia, while still giving you somewhere comfortable to unwind at the end of each day.
If you would like to stay here contact me to start planning a tailor‑made Croatia escape around this lovely coastal base.