Hedera Estate, Hedera A42

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed at my share of places in Dubrovnik, and Hedera Estate really surprised me in the best way. When you first pull up to Marka Marojice 31 in Lapad, it doesn’t scream “fancy hotel” from the street – it’s more like stumbling onto this gorgeous private estate that someone decided to share with travelers. The whole A42 designation makes it sound clinical, but honestly, once you’re inside, you forget all about addresses and just sink into this relaxed, almost residential vibe.

What I love about this place is how it sits in Lapad – you know, that peninsula that locals actually live on, not just the touristy Old Town bubble. You’re maybe a 15-minute bus ride from the medieval walls (and the buses run constantly), but here you can actually hear birds in the morning instead of tour groups at 7 AM. The estate itself has this Mediterranean garden thing going on that feels genuine, not manicured to death. I mean, there are citrus trees and lavender everywhere, and in the evening, the whole place smells incredible. The rooms – well, they’re what you’d expect from a solid 4-star, but with these little touches that show someone actually thought about comfort. Good water pressure, which matters more than people admit, and beds that don’t feel like they came from a hotel supply catalog.

The staff here gets it, you know? They’re not hovering with fake smiles, but they know their stuff about the area. When I asked about avoiding the cruise ship crowds, the front desk guy gave me this whole insider schedule about when to hit different beaches and restaurants. Parking’s included, which is huge because finding a spot in Dubrovnik can be a nightmare – especially during summer when the city basically doubles in size. The only thing I’d mention is that if you’re expecting a resort-style pool scene, this isn’t that kind of place. It’s more intimate, quieter, the kind of spot where you might end up chatting with other guests over breakfast about day trips to Korčula or whether it’s worth taking the cable car up Srđ Hill (it is, but go at sunset). I actually ended up extending my stay an extra night because leaving felt like leaving a friend’s really nice house. That 9-star rating it’s got? Yeah, that tracks.

Facilities