I stayed in the Excelsoir for four nights, attending a conference. All in all the hotel was ok but the price was too high. To be honest a 3-star-rating would be much more realistic than a 5-star-rating. In detail:

room: my room was facing the waterfront and had a small (more tiny than small) balcony. It had a king-size bed which was so hard I could hardly sleep on. The furnishing was totally run down. The armchairs were scuffed and the chest of drawers had burn marks and were coverd with stains. Even though the bathroom looked pretty much ok, many trifles hindered me to feel comfortable (e.g. leaking shower, disgusting smell from the ventilation).
A really annoying fact is the "digital" display out of your room. Anyone passing the room can see wether you are in your room or not - this is indicated by a small signal light (due to the fact that you have to place your card in a certain slot if you want to have electricity in your room).

spa: well, the spa (mostly the sauna) was ok. Definitely it was not first class, but ok. The hall with the pool and the saunas was dark and hadn't had any charme. Only one of the four saunas wasactually working.

staff: Contrary to my expectations the staff was verf friendly and polite. They helped out wherever they could and tried to make things possible.

location: definitely the best part of the excelsior is it's location. Directly at the sea you can hear and see the ocean from almost any spot of the hotel. That is really lovely. In addition the old town is within five minute walking distance.

Won't mention the wonderful views or short walk to the old town

The hotel bedrooms are comfortable, very very clean and quiet. The breakfast is excellent, fantastic choice of food. The waiter service is first class. Cannot understand why some reviewers have complained about the breakfast.

The restaurant was very expensive and the food was not 5 star quality. This is probably why the restaurant was empty every night or it may just be that it was the end of October when we stayed.

Excellent indoor pool and spa area.

The only real complaint I have about the hotel is that we had to wait over 2 hours for our room when we arrived. Would not expect this from a 5 star hotel.

The most unexeptional thing about this hotel was the sound of waves. The room was just above the see and we heard the sound at all times. We found it relaxing, but it is possible to find it disturbing,too.

Great location, 5 minutes to the old city. High standard room, although quite small in size. Free wifi and free parking. Luxorous warm buffert breakfast with a wide selection of fresh fruit and sparkling wine.

The hotel is big modern and somewhat confusingly laid out but the setting is superb and if there is a better sight in the Adriatic for watching the sunset I have yet to find it.
The staff were very helpful, rearranging a hire car pick up with no problems. The prices are what you would expect from a five star hotel but the food is good and the the facilities better than average.