In April, I visited Dubrovnik and stayed at the Royal Blue Hotel, part of the Royal Hotels Dubrovnik group. The hotel is located in a quieter part of the city, with a beautiful view and a well-maintained surrounding – perfect for a short break.
The reception is located in the neighboring Hotel Ariston, and after check-in, you go down a ramp to reach the Royal Blue entrance and the elevator that takes you to your room. Access is provided, but includes a few steps – both literally and figuratively, so it’s good to know what to expect.
Room spacious and nearly fully accessible.
The room is spacious, bright, and has a large terrace. The bathroom includes an adapted shower with grab bars and a movable chair with suction cup legs. Functional, but I would have felt safer with a fixed, built-in chair.
The space around the toilet is well arranged for manual wheelchair users. For larger power chairs, I’m not sure – it might be a bit tight. The sink is small, high, and difficult to approach from a wheelchair – a major downside in an otherwise well-equipped space.
Terrace beautiful, but with a threshold.
The terrace is definitely a highlight – spacious and scenic. However, there is a high threshold on both sides, so assistance is needed to access it. A shame, because the space has great potential for independent enjoyment.
Pool nice, but not accessible.
The hotel has indoor and outdoor pools, but no ramp or hoist for getting in. If swimming is a priority, this could be an issue. For me, it wasn’t a dealbreaker, so I didn’t explore further.
Surroundings and the city.
I took an Uber Comfort to get to Stradun – practical and smooth. On the way back, I used public transport (Libertas). I also visited the Dubrovnik cable car – the approach, entry, and exit are all accessible. The viewing platform is accessible, but the restaurant at the top is not – only stairs lead to it.
A positive note: the cable car ticket is free for persons with disabilities, while companions pay half price.
I didn’t get a chance to visit accessible beaches, but I’ve heard there are some in Dubrovnik. If anyone has info – please share, it will surely help others planning a visit.
Conclusion
Royal Blue Dubrovnik is a great option for a short stay. It includes most accessibility elements – adapted room, elevator, and basic support – but also a few minor obstacles that can make full independence harder: high sink, terrace threshold, and lack of pool access assistance.
If you’re not planning on swimming and just want a peaceful, accessible city break, it’s a good choice. I enjoyed my stay and would recommend it – though a few small upgrades could really improve the experience.
Dubrovnik remains beautiful – hilly, yes, but full of charm. I returned recharged and happy.
Do you have any stress-free and barrier-free city break recommendations? Let’s help each other make holidays less of a struggle.