Apartment Princino

You know what struck me first about Apartment Princino? It’s tucked away on this quiet residential street called Ulica Od Gaja, and honestly, I almost walked right past it because it doesn’t scream “tourist accommodation.” Which, as it turns out, is exactly why it’s so great.

The location is actually perfect if you know Dubrovnik at all – you’re about a 10-minute walk from the Old Town walls, but far enough away that you’re not dealing with the cruise ship crowds stumbling back to their hotels at midnight. I mean, this is a proper neighborhood where locals actually live, so you’ll see people hanging laundry and chatting with neighbors, not just tourists taking selfies every five meters. The walk into the historic center is mostly downhill (which means uphill coming back, fair warning), but it’s along these beautiful stone streets that give you a real feel for how the city flows beyond the main attractions.

What really impressed me about this place – and I’m guessing this is why it’s got that 9.4 rating – is that it feels like staying at a friend’s apartment rather than some sterile hotel room. The owners clearly put thought into the details without going overboard. The apartment itself is properly equipped, not just the bare minimum you sometimes get with three-star places. I actually cooked a few meals there using ingredients from the morning market (there’s a small grocery store literally two minutes away, by the way), and everything I needed was there. The Wi-Fi worked perfectly, which honestly can’t be said for everywhere in Dubrovnik’s old stone buildings.

Here’s something you won’t find in most hotel descriptions – parking is actually manageable here. I know that sounds boring, but if you’re driving in Dubrovnik, you know it’s a genuine concern. There’s street parking nearby that doesn’t cost a fortune, and the owners know the neighborhood well enough to give you proper directions, not just a pin on a map. The check-in was refreshingly straightforward too – none of that awkward waiting around in a lobby wondering if you’re at the right place.

The apartment stays surprisingly cool even in summer, probably because of those thick stone walls, and it’s genuinely quiet at night. You might hear the occasional scooter or neighbors chatting, but it’s real neighborhood sounds, not the constant hum of tourist traffic. During the day, you’ll catch glimpses of the Adriatic from certain angles, though I wouldn’t call it a “sea view” – more like a “if you crane your neck just right” situation, which is perfectly fine for the price point.

Look, this isn’t going to be the fanciest place you’ve ever stayed, but it’s exactly what you want if you’re planning to actually explore Dubrovnik rather than just lounge around a hotel. You’re close enough to walk everywhere that matters, far enough away to feel like you’re experiencing the real city, and the whole setup just works without any drama. Sometimes that’s worth more than marble bathrooms and a concierge.