The Independent

Taking pride of place within the old city walls, the Pucic Palace is the only hotel for any self-respecting oligarch visiting Dubrovnik in Croatia. The tone is regal in this restored Renaissance palace, which spoils guests in its glamorous 19 bedrooms with hand-woven rugs, draped brocade curtains and Turkish antique furnishings.

Bling factor: One for the oligarch wishing to rub shoulders with the ultimate oligarch. Roman Abramovich frequently sails his yacht along these shores and has dropped in for dinner at the Pucic Palace. Lesser mortals who have stayed at the hotel include Eastern bloc politicians and Russian businessmen, Hollywood starlets and British playwrights.

Bottom line: The Pucic Palace (00 385 20 324 826; thepucicpalace .com) offers doubles from €302 (£203), including breakfast.