Hedera Estate, Hedera A36

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Hedera Estate? It’s tucked away on Dr. Ante Starcevica street in a way that feels deliberately hidden – like someone wanted to create a little sanctuary without advertising it to every tour bus rolling through Dubrovnik. I mean, you’re still right in the heart of things (the Old Town is basically a pleasant stroll away), but there’s this sense of stepping into someone’s beautifully curated home rather than checking into another cookie-cutter hotel.

The whole A36 designation makes it sound clinical, but honestly, once you’re inside, it’s anything but. The estate has this lived-in elegance that’s hard to fake – weathered stone that actually has stories, not the manufactured patina you see in newer places trying too hard to look historic. What I loved was how they’ve managed to blend old Dubrovnik character with modern comfort without making it feel like a museum or, worse, a sterile boutique property. The rooms have proper air conditioning (crucial if you’re visiting in summer – trust me on this), and the bathrooms are genuinely spacious, which is sort of a miracle in this part of the city where most places squeeze everything into medieval footprints.

Here’s the thing about staying here versus the more obvious choices closer to Stradun – you actually get to experience a bit of how locals live. There’s a bakery about two minutes away that opens ridiculously early, and the morning sounds are church bells and neighbors chatting, not cruise ship announcements echoing off ancient walls. The staff clearly knows the neighborhood; they’ll point you toward the small konoba that doesn’t have English menus but serves the best black risotto in the city, or tell you which entrance to use for the city walls when the main gates are swamped with tour groups. It’s that kind of insider knowledge that makes the 8.8 rating feel earned rather than inflated.

The estate itself has this wonderful courtyard area where you can actually sit with morning coffee without feeling like you’re performing for passing tourists. And look, I’ll be honest – it’s not the fanciest place you’ll ever stay, but it has character in a way that matters. The Wi-Fi works properly (not always a given in old stone buildings), there’s decent soundproofing between rooms, and the whole place has this relaxed energy that makes you want to linger rather than just crash between sightseeing marathons. Plus, and this is weirdly important, the shower pressure is excellent – something you don’t appreciate until you’ve spent a week in places where it’s basically a gentle mist.

If you’re the type who needs to be right on the main drag with everything happening outside your window, this might feel too quiet. But if you want to experience Dubrovnik like someone who actually lives there, while still having all the old city magic within easy reach, Hedera Estate gets the balance exactly right. It’s one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something special, even though (clearly) you’re not the first person to figure it out.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $112. Apartment with Balcony with 1 large double bed and 2 sofa beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Eli from Slovenia – 4 May 2025 (9/10)

  Nice place, quiet neighbourhood and a nice walk to the old town.
  
  What could be improved: Caffè machine would be useful.

• Genny from Canada – 21 October 2024 (8/10)

  Property was clean and comfortable.
  Location was approx 10 min by bus from old city. Walk was 30 minutes
  
  What could be improved: There was a deposit required. Everything cost extra so for example if you want an extra towel there is an extra charge. I have never stayed in an apartment or hotel where I have had to pay extra for basic services.

• Julian from United Kingdom – 5 July 2024 (10/10)

  Spotlessly clean, well appointed, modern, central.
  
  What could be improved: No negatives

• Mark from United Kingdom – 7 June 2024 (10/10)

  Location ,cleanliness and always the offer of help or assistance
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Suresh from Australia – 29 April 2024 (9/10)

  Openness and location.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Liviu from Romania – 20 July 2022 (10/10)

  Everything was great and we had a really good stay.
  The apartment was very spacious, comfortable, clean and very close to old town.

• Dasha from Netherlands – 8 April 2024 (9/10)

  We booked very last minute late at night, and immediately I was contacted by whatsapp to arrange check-in and key pickup. It was smooth and operators vere friendly and spoke perfect English. The flat is conveniently located, quiet, it is very new, big and clean with good furniture and all amenities. Great parking in the building.
  
  What could be improved: Grey sofa is firm and not too cozy. I missed real blankets, we were given 2 plaids with 1 sheet (not even a duvet cover). Shower is a bit small. We had some issues with Wifi but operators were eager to help us and it was resolved eventually.

• Lesley from United Kingdom – 14 May 2023 (9/10)

  clean comfortable good location
  
  What could be improved: hot water ran out on one occasion other than that no problems with property

• Andy from United Kingdom – 24 July 2024 (6/10)

  Beautiful apartment, very clean and very comfortable stay. Staff were fantastic to communicate with. Netflix as well!
  
  What could be improved: Two problems. The washing machine did not get hot enough so washing tablets didn’t dissolve properly. This was despite running clothes through twice. Secondly, the hobs were awful and not sufficiently hot to cook a meal.

• Oriana from Germany – 26 April 2025 (8/10)

  Sehr schöne große Wohnung., etwa 20 min zu Fuß von der Altstadt entfernt. Alles vorhanden was man braucht. Schöner Balkon und Parkplatz direkt am Haus.
  
  What could be improved: Etwas Lärm von der Straße. Leider keine Tabs für die Waschmaschine.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities