Antonija’s little oasis

Hotel Description

You know what? I almost walked right past Antonija’s little oasis the first time I tried to find it on Josipa Kosora Street. It’s tucked away in this quiet residential pocket of Lapad, and honestly, that’s exactly what makes it special. While everyone else is fighting for overpriced rooms near the Old Town walls, you’re getting that local neighborhood vibe that most tourists never experience.

The thing about staying here is that you’re actually living like a Dubrovnik resident for a few days. There’s this little bakery about three minutes down the street where locals grab their morning burek – I mean, you could walk to those fancy hotel breakfast buffets, but why would you when you’ve got the real deal right there? The host, Antonija, has this way of making recommendations that feel less like tourist suggestions and more like secrets your Croatian aunt would share. She pointed me toward this family-run konoba that I never would have found otherwise, tucked away in a side street that doesn’t even show up properly on Google Maps.

What really sold me on this place was the evening routine. You come back from your day of dodging cruise ship crowds in the Old Town, and suddenly you’re in this peaceful residential bubble where the biggest noise is someone’s grandmother watering her balcony garden. The rooms aren’t fancy – this is a solid 3-star spot, not some Instagram-perfect boutique hotel – but everything works, it’s clean, and there’s this genuine warmth that you just can’t manufacture. The air conditioning actually cools the room (trust me, that’s not always a given in Croatian summers), and the Wi-Fi doesn’t cut out every five minutes like it does in some of the pricier places I’ve stayed.

The walk into town takes about 15 minutes if you’re moving at a reasonable pace, maybe 20 if you’re doing that slow vacation stroll. Sure, you could catch the local bus, but honestly, walking through the residential streets gives you glimpses of daily life that tour groups never see – kids playing football in small courtyards, elderly men playing chess outside the local café, that sort of thing. Plus, you’re avoiding the parking nightmare that comes with staying closer to the center. I watched tourists spend half their vacation time circling around looking for parking spots while I was already sipping wine on a terrace somewhere.

Look, if you need a concierge in a pressed uniform and marble everything, this isn’t your spot. But if you want to feel like you’ve discovered a little piece of authentic Dubrovnik – the kind of place where you might actually bump into the same neighbors a few times during your stay – then Antonija’s really delivers on that promise. The 8.5 rating makes sense when you consider what you’re getting for the price point. It’s that sweet spot where you’re not sacrificing comfort, but you’re also not paying for a bunch of amenities you’ll never use.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $106. Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Very good – Katie from United Kingdom – 10 June 2025 (8/10)

  Nice and clean and a good location to local beaches and the main town. Everything in the apartment was easy to locate and was great for a short stay where you just want somewhere to sleep and shower.
  
  What could be improved: I would recommend air conditioning for in the living area for those staying on the sofa bed as some nights were quite stuffy. I’d also consider adding a full length mirror as it was hard to see when get ready.

• Good – Sasavulin from Serbia – 10 May 2025 (7/10)

  The apartment is in an older building, but it is well maintained. If you are lucky, it is possible to find free parking in front of the building, otherwise, parking in the area costs 17.5 € per day.
  
  What could be improved: We didn’t have internet in our apartment. Despite our complaint, the host didn’t do anything to solve the problem. The whole communication with them was them telling us where the keys were and, after we had already left, where to leave them. This was the first time that we haven’t even seen the apartment owner.

• Superb – Adkin from United Kingdom – 31 July 2024 (9/10)

  The host was extremely helpful, accommodating and communicative.
  
  What could be improved: There was no AC or fan in the lounge so it was quite warm to sleep on the sofa bed. (AC was great in the bedroom!)

• Exceptional – Rodriguez from Mexico – 4 July 2024 (10/10)

  Everything was perfect and the owners helped us with all the information we needed

• Superb – Samborska from Norway – 27 June 2024 (9/10)

  The hosts were really nice and helped us with everything we needed. We were even able to check in earler and were greeted nicely by the hosts. I have no complaints, the location was perfect and a big enough apartment for 3 friends.

• Excellent place and location to stay in Dubrovnik. – Phillip from Czech Republic – 30 May 2024 (9/10)

  Great Location and very clean
  
  What could be improved: The bed was not too comfortable.

• Exceptional – Isabela from Brazil – 1 October 2022 (10/10)

  The apartment was very well equipped, clean and comfortable. Close to bakeries and supermarkets. The owner was very attentive and provided us with all the important information.

• Superb – Pablo from Argentina – 14 September 2024 (9/10)

  El departamento es amplio y tiene un muy comodo balcon, con transporte publico que pasa a 100m

• Superb – Beatriz from Spain – 26 August 2024 (9/10)

  Lo que más nos gustó fue el trato con los dueños que estaban siempre pendiente de noaotras
  
  What could be improved: Lo que menos nos gustó es que el mobiliario es un poco antiguo

• Exceptional – Dana from France – 30 June 2024 (10/10)

  Locația a fost destul de comodă , 10 minute pe jos până la plajă. Apartamentul a fost curat și foarte confortabil. Antonija și soțul ei sunt oameni foarte prietenoși și ne-au oferit toată informația necesară.
  
  What could be improved: Televizorul nu are conectare la internet

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities