President Hotel, ValamarCollection

My partner and I, a couple in our 40s from London, recently stayed at Valamar President Hotel in Dubrovnik and overall had a good experience, although I wouldn’t personally rate it as a true 5-star hotel. The hotel is in a fantastic beachfront location with plenty of sun loungers available, and it never felt overcrowded during our stay. The pool area is on the smaller side, but it was perfectly adequate and we never had trouble finding a spot to relax. We had breakfast included, which was enjoyable and offered a good selection, although it wasn’t particularly memorable or what I’d expect from a top-tier 5-star property. In general, the hotel feels like it’s due for a refresh in some areas, as parts of it are beginning to show their age. One of the standout aspects of our stay was the staff. Everyone we encountered was friendly, welcoming, and genuinely helpful, which made a real difference. The location is excellent. There are several bars and restaurants within a five-minute walk, and a taxi into Dubrovnik’s Old Town cost us around £8. Dubrovnik itself is absolutely stunning—without doubt one of the most beautiful cities I’ve visited, and I’ve been fortunate enough to travel quite a bit. We paid around £250 per night, and at that price point I expected a higher standard and a more luxurious overall experience. While we enjoyed our stay, I didn’t feel the hotel offered the level of quality or value I’d associate with a genuine 5-star property. Overall, we had a relaxing and enjoyable stay, and the staff and location were definite highlights. However, given the cost and the fact that the hotel feels in need of refurbishment, I probably wouldn’t choose to stay here again. That said, it may still suit travellers who prioritise a beachfront location and easy access to Dubrovnik over luxury accommodation.