Apartments Swallow’s Nest

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Apartments Swallow’s Nest? The name actually makes sense when you see it – this place is tucked up on Kardinala Stepinca street in a way that feels perfectly nested above the Dubrovnik chaos, but still close enough that you’re not hiking forever to get anywhere good. I mean, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the Old Town walls, which honestly is the sweet spot. Close enough to pop back for a siesta, far enough that you’re not dealing with cruise ship crowds stumbling past your window at 6 AM.

The apartments themselves have that Croatian practicality I’ve come to appreciate – nothing fancy, but everything works and it’s spotlessly clean. The owner (I think her name was Marija?) clearly knows what travelers actually need. Good WiFi, proper shower pressure, and – this is key – functioning air conditioning that doesn’t sound like a helicopter landing. The kitchenettes are small but thoughtfully set up, and there’s a little Konzum grocery store maybe three blocks down where you can grab basics without paying tourist prices. What really won me over was the balcony situation – most units have them, and if you get lucky with one of the upper floors, you’ll catch glimpses of the Adriatic between the olive trees. It’s not a full sea view or anything, but there’s something nice about having your morning coffee while watching the light hit the water.

The location thing is tricky to explain without sounding like a guidebook, but here’s the deal – you’re in Pile, which is where locals actually live, not just where they work in tourist shops. There’s a bus stop right at the bottom of the hill that connects to the main station, and if you’re driving (which I don’t recommend in summer), there’s actually parking available, unlike most places in Dubrovnik. The street itself is pretty quiet, though you’ll hear some traffic during the day since it’s a main residential road. I stayed there in September and honestly, the 9.4 rating makes sense – it’s not luxury, but it’s exactly what you want from a three-star place. Clean, comfortable, and run by people who seem to genuinely care that you have a good stay. The check-in was smooth, they had local recommendations that weren’t just the obvious tourist traps, and when my bathroom light flickered out on day three, someone was up to fix it within an hour. For the price point – especially compared to what you’d pay for a hotel room in the Old Town – it’s a solid choice if you want to experience Dubrovnik without feeling like you’re living in a theme park.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $212. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Fantastic! – Conor from United Kingdom – 29 June 2025 (10/10)

  Great property in a really good location. Highly recommend to couples looking to stay in Dubrovnik!

• Lovely break – Gary from United Kingdom – 14 June 2025 (9/10)

  10 minutes to beach and restaurants and nice view

• Great area to stay, buses near or even a uber – Kim from United Kingdom – 19 May 2025 (9/10)

  lovely view, clean apparrment, little shop down the road.
  allowed in property early. great facilities
  thank you
  
  What could be improved: could do with a few lights on steps up to apartment expecially at night.
  Be aware of loads of steps, but that's normal with most apartments in Dbrokvnik
  It didn't bother us

• Very good – Ann from United Kingdom – 5 May 2025 (8/10)

  Modern, clean
  
  What could be improved: Steps to apartment

• Exceptional – Alex from United Kingdom – 18 October 2024 (10/10)

  Location was excellent and very easy to get into the old town on the bus. The apartment was spotless and the host very helpful – the balcony was fantastic. We would have no hesitation to stay here again if we returned to Dubrovnik.

• A lovely apartment in the amazing Dubrovnik area – Joanne from United Kingdom – 7 October 2024 (9/10)

  Lovely spacious clean apartment in a perfect location in the Lapad Bay area with excellent bus links into Dubrovnik old town and the surrounding area. The Lapad promenade and Sunset beach were just a 2 min walk away and the apt was also close enough to walk to Gruz harbour and around the Babin Kuk pennisular. Marijana was a lovely host who personally welcomed us and was always on hand to answer any questions we had.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Beautiful stay – Silvana from Canada – 3 October 2024 (10/10)

  It was spotless. Really cozy! Everything close by.
  The balcony was super nice with a great view. The host was extremely helpful and only a call away!
  
  What could be improved: Everything was perfect.

• Great apartment, close to everything. – Martin from United Kingdom – 22 September 2024 (9/10)

  Location was excellent

• Amazing apartment in perfect location – Rachel from Ireland – 26 August 2024 (10/10)

  Absolutely beautiful apartment, so clean, exactly like the pictures , stunning views from balcony, perfect location and the host was amazing ! We would definitely return and would recommend to anyone !

• Excellent holiday property – Wilson from United Kingdom – 5 May 2024 (10/10)

  Excellent location. Very well presented and extremely clean. Everything for a short stay. Beautiful views from balcony. Excellent communication and help from the owner when needed. Could not fault and definitely recommend.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing at all. Everything was great

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities