Casa de Mateo Ellias

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Casa de Mateo Ellias? The fact that you’re literally sleeping inside Dubrovnik’s old stone walls – I mean, 8 Zlatarska ulica puts you right in the thick of things on one of those narrow medieval streets that tourists spend all day photographing. The building itself has that weathered Dalmatian stone look that’s been there for centuries, and honestly, walking up to it feels like you’re checking into someone’s ancestral home rather than a hotel. The entrance is pretty modest – you might even walk past it if you’re not paying attention – but that’s actually part of the charm. No flashy signs or doormen, just a heavy wooden door that opens into this cool, stone-walled lobby that immediately drops the temperature about ten degrees from the blazing Croatian sun outside.

The rooms are what you’d expect from a 3-star place in the Old Town, which is to say they’re clean and comfortable but not exactly spacious. The stone walls are thick enough that you don’t really hear your neighbors, though you will definitely hear the morning sounds of Stradun (the main street) filtering through – vendors setting up, tour groups assembling, that sort of thing. I actually found it kind of charming after the first night, like a natural alarm clock that gets you up early enough to beat the cruise ship crowds to the city walls. The bathrooms are updated and functional, though the water pressure can be a bit hit-or-miss depending on the time of day. What really works here is the location – you’re maybe a two-minute walk from Rector’s Palace and the cathedral, and you can duck into Dolce Vita for gelato or grab a morning coffee at Festival Café without dealing with any of the tourist trap places on Stradun.

Here’s the thing about staying inside the Old Town walls – it’s incredible for sightseeing, but you need to know what you’re getting into. There’s no parking anywhere near the hotel (you’ll need to use the Pile Gate parking garage and walk), and good luck getting a taxi to pick you up from the actual address. But honestly, once you’re settled in, you realize you don’t need any of that stuff. Everything worth seeing is within walking distance, and Casa de Mateo Ellias gives you this authentic feeling of actually living in medieval Dubrovnik, not just visiting it. The staff knows the neighborhood inside and out – they’ll tell you which konoba serves the best black risotto or when the late-night crowds finally clear out from the bars near the harbor. At 7.5 rating, it’s not going to blow your mind, but it’s solid, unpretentious, and puts you right where you want to be. Perfect for travelers who’d rather spend their money on amazing Croatian wine and fresh seafood than fancy hotel amenities they’ll barely use.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $371. Studio Apartment with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $450. Standard Twin Room with 2 large double beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $472. Deluxe Double Room with Shower with 2 double beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Absolutely wonderful stay. – Eleanor from United Kingdom – 29 September 2024 (8/10)

  The roof terrace was stunning, such a beautiful way to enjoy our breakfast and a drink before dinner. The bed was comfortable and the flat had everything that we needed. The shutters were really effective and kept out all light and some noise (there is always noise in the Old Town). The location of the apartment was absolutely wonderful, it was so close to the main street (Stradun) and the harbour area. But also close to the Buza gate so not too far to carry suitcases. The staff were great, a real pleasure to deal with.
  
  What could be improved: As others have mentioned the bathroom did have a bit of a smell at times, this then quickly disappeared. I think this might be present in all of the old town due to the ancient plumbing.

• Superb – Grethe from Norway – 19 June 2024 (9/10)

  Everything was excellent! Very, very lovely and serviceminded landlord. We will recommen
  d this flat, close to the Mainstreet, and with a big and nice Balcony.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!

• Charming character in great location – Steven from Australia – 31 May 2024 (9/10)

  Convenient location in the old town of Dubrovnik. Handy to be able to easily escape the crowds during the busy part of the day and then enjoy the old town when the day trippers have departed. The apartment had all of the features for a relaxing and comfortable stay. Communication with the host was timely and helpful. Charming character of the building with a relaxing outdoor terrace.

• Great location, easy to interact with the host and a very comfortable room and beautiful bathroom. – Colleen from United States – 18 April 2024 (9/10)

  The location in the Old City was perfect – inside the wall so I could get to all attractions there but close to the gate so I could easily go outside. And not too many steps!
  
  What could be improved: It took me a little while to get used to the bells ringing on the hour but that is not the property’s fault!

• Great location and base for the Old Town – Kristina from United Kingdom – 25 September 2023 (9/10)

  Great location in a quieter corner of the Old Town. The terrace was an absolute bonus for chilling out and people watching.

• Wonderfully located apartment perfect for short stays. – David from United Kingdom – 23 September 2023 (9/10)

  It’s location. Lovely to have use of the balcony.
  
  What could be improved: Would have been good to have a safe and more storage space.

• Perfect place to stay in the old town – Jade from United Kingdom – 3 July 2023 (9/10)

  An amazing location, easily accessible from Buza gate, good directions and access info from the host. Lovely clean and spacious apartment. We really loved staying here and would highly recommend.
  
  What could be improved: It would be good to have a coffee machine/coffee making facility. This is a minor issue!

• Great location and nice room – Robert from United States – 6 June 2023 (8/10)

  It was a great location and the price was good. I should have booked my other days at this location. It was very clean and had a nice porch to have a drink on in the evening.
  
  What could be improved: There is no place to hang clothes so you live out of your suit case. The shower door is only half length so water gets all over the bathroom floor which was a little weird. Not being able to hang clothes up could be an issue for some people.

• great location and clear instruction on access – Nathan from United Kingdom – 20 May 2023 (8/10)

  location. great shower pressure.
  
  What could be improved: very tight space.

• Very good – Beata from Ireland – 15 September 2022 (8/10)

  central location, clean, comfortable

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities