Apartments Santa Maria

Apartments Santa Maria Overview

Look, I’ve stayed in a lot of places around Dubrovnik over the years, and Apartments Santa Maria is one of those spots that just gets it right. The moment you walk through that entrance on Ivana Rabljanina – which, honestly, most tourists will butcher the pronunciation of – you realize you’ve found something special. It’s tucked right into the Old Town fabric, I mean really woven in, not just sitting on the edges like some places that claim to be “in the heart of everything.”

What struck me first was how quiet it actually is, considering you’re literally surrounded by medieval stone walls and what can be pretty intense tourist foot traffic during peak season. The apartments themselves feel authentically Croatian without being kitschy about it – you know what I mean? Real wooden shutters that you’ll actually want to open in the morning, not fake rustic stuff. The kitchenettes are properly equipped too, which matters when you want to grab fresh fish from the Gundulić market (just a few minutes’ walk) and actually cook it instead of eating out every single meal. Fair warning though – the stone steps leading up can be a bit of a workout if you’re on an upper floor, but that’s just Old Town life.

Here’s the thing that really sold me on this place: the staff actually knows the neighborhood. Not just the obvious tourist spots, but they’ll tell you which bakery opens earliest (crucial for beating the cruise ship crowds), or that the best coffee is at that tiny place near the Rector’s Palace that doesn’t even have a proper sign. During my stay in September – probably the sweet spot for weather without the summer madness – they suggested heading to the city walls around 4 PM instead of morning, and they were absolutely right. The lighting was incredible, and we practically had sections to ourselves. You can hear the Adriatic from most of the rooms, which is either soothing or keeps you up depending on your sleep habits, but I found it pretty magical. The 9.3 rating isn’t just good reviews padding – it’s earned through those small details that make you feel like you’re staying in someone’s well-loved home rather than just another accommodation. Sure, it’s a 3-star property, so don’t expect a spa or concierge service, but honestly? When you’re steps away from the Stradun and can walk to Lokrum Island’s ferry in five minutes, who needs hotel amenities? Just book it – especially if you can snag one of the apartments with a partial sea view.

Apartments Santa Maria Accommodations

Reviews of Apartments Santa Maria

• Deborah from Canada – 18 May 2025 (9/10)

  Great location within old city walls and away from busy streets.
  Kind and helpful host.
  Very comfortable, nicely decorated apartment over two floors. Windows on three sides for good air flow. AC units on both floors when needed.
  Felt like locals popping out for food and walks.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.
  Expect some noise as people walk past. The stone walls amplify noise. The music school nearby might bother some. We found it charming.

• Melissa from Australia – 14 May 2025 (10/10)

  Close to everything, host was welcoming helpful and amazing, answered all of my enquiries promptly and thoroughly. Unlike many apartments in Dubrovnik there were very few stairs to negotiate. Kitchen had everything I needed and room most comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: nothing

• Michelle from New Zealand – 10 May 2025 (10/10)

  The location spectacular. Next to a music academy so lovely orchestral music. Clean comfy bed and best shower

• William from Spain – 4 May 2025 (10/10)

  Good location in the center, amazing host

• Jennifer from Germany – 2 May 2025 (9/10)

  The appartment has a fantastic location two minutes walk from the main street in the old town. The appartment owner is incredibly friendly and helpful and organised a transfer from the airport making our stay very comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: It would have been nice to have a curtain over the small glass panel in the door to block the light from the stairwell but if you’ve walked enough as we did every day then this doesn’t stop you from sleeping!

• Natalia from Peru – 25 April 2025 (10/10)

  Everything, great host as well

• Natasha from United Kingdom – 7 April 2025 (9/10)

  Amazing location, accommodating host and lots of room for the 2 of us!

• Waldemar from United Kingdom – 5 March 2025 (10/10)

  Location. The host was exceptional, he showed us where to park cheaper 🙂
  
  What could be improved: Everything was great

• Cheryl from United Kingdom – 2 March 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent location, clean and tidy the place was great.
  Host was friendly too.
  
  What could be improved: The property was as advertised

• Rakesh from Spain – 30 December 2024 (9/10)

  Great location and very friendly assistance. The apartment is very compact but it has everything you need to enjoy your stay in Dubrovnik.
  
  What could be improved: It took us a long time to work out the cooker! 😉

Surroundings

Facilities