

Hotel Description
You know what hit me first about Hotel Akademis Gariste? The fact that I could actually hear the morning bells from the cathedral drifting through my window – and I mean that in the best possible way. This place sits right on Garište street, which honestly might be one of the most underrated spots in Dubrovnik’s Old Town. While everyone’s fighting for views of the main drag, you’re tucked into this quieter corner that still puts you about two minutes from Stradun but without the constant stream of cruise ship groups marching past.
The hotel itself is refreshingly unpretentious for a place with a 9.1 rating. I mean, it’s a solid 3-star that actually feels like it knows what it’s doing rather than trying to punch above its weight. The rooms are clean and comfortable – nothing fancy, but the AC works (crucial in summer), and the stone walls keep things surprisingly cool even during those brutal July afternoons. What I really appreciated was how they’ve managed to preserve some of the original character without making it feel like you’re sleeping in a museum. The staff genuinely seems to care about the place, which you can tell immediately when the guy at reception actually remembers your name and asks how your day exploring the walls went.
Location-wise, this is where the hotel really shines. You’re literally inside the Old Town walls – I cannot stress enough how much easier this makes everything. While other people are dealing with the morning crush at Pile Gate, you’re already having coffee and planning your day. The narrow streets around Garište are perfect for those early morning walks before the city wakes up, and you’re close enough to slip back for an afternoon break when the midday heat becomes unbearable. Plus, and this might sound weird, but the acoustics in this part of the old town are amazing – you’ll hear musicians practicing in nearby buildings, kids playing in the small squares, all that authentic city life that makes Dubrovnik feel alive rather than just picturesque. Sure, it’s not the fanciest place you’ll ever stay, but honestly? Sometimes you just want a clean, comfortable base that doesn’t cost a fortune and actually enhances your experience of being in this incredible city rather than isolating you from it.
Rooms
- Estimated price from: $212. Superior Twin Room with 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
- Estimated price from: $212. Superior Queen Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2


Reviews
I’d stay here again in a heartbeat. I wish the A/C was cooler but it was still small considering the location, clea – Covey from United States – 26 June 2025 (9/10)
The location can’t be any better- it’s in the middle of everything! The included breakfast, comfy beds, blackout curtains, shower- all fantastic!
What could be improved: The a/c isn’t great. The centrally controlled so although you have a thermostat in your room, you can’t truly lower it. It runs about 75 degrees. I like my room cooler at night but that’s as cool as it gets.
Others commented on the lack of an elevator- while true, it’s not a major hotel so if you’re needing that you’ll need to look at chain hotels. The country has buildings centuries old and the airbnbs in them are not likely to have an elevator.Superb – Helyne from United States – 10 June 2025 (9/10)
Location
What could be improved: Breakfast starts too late. Need 7:30 start time
A/C wasn't cool enoughWonderful clean hotel in central old town Dubrovnik with friendly and helpful staff. – Mary from United States – 7 June 2025 (8/10)
Absolutely perfect location just inside the Pile gate, in a little alleyway so pretty quiet despite being just feet away from the main tourist walkway. Incredibly friendly and helpful staff. We were able to check in several hours early in both of our reserved rooms!
The room was very clean and modern.
What could be improved: The air conditioner did not seem to work properly. The staff showed us how to work it and said it had a three degree celsius leeway warmer or cooler. Yet when he showed it to us the thermostat was already warmer than the maximum set temperature. It continued to get warmer overnight, no matter how we set it. Our friends had the same issue in their room. Thankfully it was not unbearably hot, but warmer than we would have liked the room for comfort and sleeping.Superb – Elaine from United States – 5 June 2025 (9/10)
Beautiful, great location, helpful and friendly staff
What could be improved: Could only have 1 cup of coffee at breakfast, no elevatorSuper stay in an amazing location! – Jo from United States – 3 June 2025 (10/10)
Great location
Would stay here again!! – Cynthia from United States – 3 June 2025 (10/10)
The location-the extremely kind and proficient staff- our room was perfect – the breakfasts. We loved this hotel.
Great location, great staff – Diane from Canada – 31 May 2025 (10/10)
staff were really friendly and helpful. excellent service at front desk and in the breakfast room. Food was really good.
Convenient and relaxing venue, highly recommended! – Georgios from Cyprus – 6 May 2025 (9/10)
very welcoming staff, great service and friendly atmosphere.
Spacious clean rooms, with nice modern touches
What could be improved: Some flexibility to the breakfast ( e.g. adding a toast, jam, butter) would make it more complete..This is a lovely hotel, in a great location. – Vicky from Canada – 27 April 2025 (9/10)
Wonderful location, very clean, great breakfast and the staff went over and above every day.
What could be improved: Stairs to get to the roomA bit disappointing – Raymond from Philippines – 18 April 2025 (8/10)
The hotel is very close to the Pile Gate. Location is fantastic.
What could be improved: This is a academic hotel which means staff are majority students being trained in the hotel management business.
Their reception is only up to 3pm and after that time, nobody will be available even to answer inquiries.
There is also no housekeeping on weekends. So our rooms were not made up Saturday and Sunday.
Since we had to leave early in the morning and our room is at the 3rd floor, we had to carry down our luggage 3 flights of stairs without any assistance.
The hotel is nice but not for seniors with joint and medical problems.
SURROUNDINGS
What’s nearby:
- Buza Gate: 300 m
- Pile Gate: 20 m
- Sveti Vlaho: 250 m
- Orlandov Stup: 250 m
- Sponza Palace: 250 m
- Orlando Column: 250 m
- Palača Sponza: 250 m
- Onofrio’s Fountain: 5 m
- Walls of Dubrovnik: 50 m
- Love Stories Museum: 150 m
Restaurants & cafes:
- Restaurant Nava: 50 m
- Restaurant Jedro: 50 m
- Restaurant Onofrio: 10 m
Top attractions:
- Ploce Gate: 350 m
- Gradac Park: 550 m
- Minceta Tower: 350 m
- Fort Lovrijenac: 450 m
- Porporela jetty: 550 m
- Rector’s Palace: 350 m
- Revelin Fortress: 500 m
- Dubrovnik Maritime Museum: 450 m
- Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik: 900 m
Natural beauty:
- Mountain Mount Srd: 3.7 km
Beaches in the neighbourhood:
- Buza Beach: 400 m
- Banje Beach: 750 m
- Beach Šulić: 500 m
- Bellevue Beach: 1.3 km
- Porporela Beach: 500 m
Public transport:
- Bus Dubrovnik Main Bus Station: 3.3 km
Closest airports:
- Tivat Airport: 71 km
- Dubrovnik Airport: 19 km
Facilities
Bedroom:
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
Bathroom:
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
- Shower
Services:
- Meeting/banquet facilities Additional charge
Living Area:
- Desk
Food & Drink:
- Coffee house on site
- Bar
- Restaurant
Room Amenities:
- Socket near the bed
- Clothes rack
Languages spoken:
- English
- Croatian
Safety & security:
- Safety deposit box
Media & Technology:
- Flat-screen TV
- TV
Most popular facilities:
- Restaurant
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Bar
- Breakfast
Other for your stay:
- Adults only
- Air conditioning
- Non-smoking throughout
- Tile/marble floor
- Heating
- Private entrance
- Fan
- Ironing facilities
- Iron


Rules
Pets:
- Pets are not allowed.
Parties:
- Parties/events are not allowed
Smoking:
- Smoking is not allowed.
Check-in:
- From 14:00 to 20:00
- You’ll need to let the property know in advance what time you’ll arrive.
Check-out:
- From 07:00 to 11:00
Cancellation/prepayment:
- Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please check what conditions may apply to each option when making your selection.
Guest reviews
Staff:
Comfort:
Location:
Free WiFi:
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