Berkeley Hotel & Day Spa

This is a family-run hotel in a residential neighborhood. Though some of the surrounding houses may not be pretty to look at, the Berkeley, set back from a curving stone wall, is a welcoming place. The tight-knit staff doesn't accept large tour groups, preferring to give more personal attention to couples, families, or smaller groups of friends. The reception desk can be found in the small lobby area, outfitted with an abstract sculpture and flat-screen TV as well as a computer terminal.

The hotel is near the waterfront overlooking the bay of Gruz, well north of the center of Dubrovnik. Some shops and restaurants are nearby, but the area’s main attractions are not within walking distance. For guests with cars, it's less than a 10-minute drive southeast to the main shopping area of Stradun and Dubrovnik Old Town -- a UNESCO World Heritage site. The seaside area of Cavtat is less than half an hour away by car, while the rural area of Konavle is a bit further southeast. Dubrovnik-Cilipi Airport is around 13 miles southeast, about 25 minutes away by car.

The 24 rooms here have hard-wood floors and sparse, minimalist decor with cream walls and dark wood. The entryways have ample closet and storage space, but narrow desks and small tables provide modest work and sitting spaces. Tiny red upholstered stools are the only other furniture on hand, though larger rooms also have matching armchairs. Superior rooms and apartments (which can sleep four people) have kitchenettes with electric stove tops. All rooms have small private balconies, some overlooking the harbor. Guests spending down time in the rooms will find flat-screen TVs that are barely larger than laptops. The updated bathrooms have modern vanities with transparent sinks and small walk-in showers. 

The Berkeley Hotel keeps a variety of motorboats for fishing and leisure excursions, including a small yacht that can accommodate up to 12 people for a day trip. (The hotel arranges private outings to the Elafiti islands as well as fishing trips, with all equipment provided.) Open from April to October, the seasonal outdoor pool is heated and has an integrated jetted tub at one end. The surrounding sun deck has loungers and an honesty bar where guests can help themselves to refreshments. A free hot breakfast, with eggs to order, is served in a pleasant breakfast room adjacent to the hotel's small bar. In addition to wine and spirits, the bar has an espresso machine, and the coffee is freshly ground each morning. Free Wi-Fi is available as well.