Hedera Estate, Villa Hedera XVII

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed in plenty of places in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, and Villa Hedera XVII actually gets it right in ways that most don’t. The thing is, when you’re staying inside those ancient walls, you’re usually dealing with either tourist trap hotels or places so “authentic” they forgot about comfort – but this one sort of hits that sweet spot.

First off, the location on Pećarica is honestly perfect if you know the Old Town layout. You’re tucked away from the main Stradun chaos (trust me, you don’t want to be right on that street in summer), but you can still roll out of bed and be at Onofrio’s Fountain in maybe two minutes. I mean, the address might not ring a bell if you’re planning from home, but once you’re there, you’ll realize you’re basically in the heart of everything without being in the middle of the tourist hurricane. The narrow stone streets around there have this amazing way of staying cooler even when it’s blazing hot outside – something about how the buildings channel the breeze from the harbor.

What really impressed me was how they’ve managed to blend the whole medieval vibe with actual modern comfort. The rooms have this worn stone texture that feels genuinely old (because, well, it is), but the beds are properly comfortable and the bathrooms actually work well. You know how some of these historic places have showers that barely drizzle? Not here. The water pressure is solid, which honestly matters more than you think after a long day climbing those city walls. The WiFi is reliable too – I know, not very romantic to mention, but let’s be real about what travelers need.

The staff really knows their stuff about the city, and I don’t mean just the obvious recommendations. They pointed me toward this little konoba down near the harbor that I never would’ve found otherwise, and suggested the best times to hit the walls before the cruise ship crowds arrive (early morning, by the way – like 8 AM early). During peak season, that kind of local insight is worth its weight in gold.

One thing worth noting – and this goes for anywhere in the Old Town – is that you’ll hear some street noise, especially in summer when people are wandering around until late. But honestly, it’s more charming than annoying. The sound of footsteps on stone and distant conversations in a dozen languages becomes part of the whole experience. Plus, the walls are thick enough that you’re not hearing every conversation from the alley.

The whole Hedera Estate setup feels more like staying in someone’s beautifully restored family home than a typical hotel. There’s attention to detail in weird little places – like the way they’ve preserved original architectural elements but added proper lighting so you can actually read at night. The 8.7 rating makes sense when you experience it; it’s not flashy or trying too hard, just genuinely well-done hospitality in an incredible setting. If you’re the type who wants to feel like you’re really living in Dubrovnik rather than just visiting it, this place delivers on that promise.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $992. Five-Bedroom Villa with 5 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 10

Reviews

• Alice from United Kingdom – 5 May 2025 (10/10)

  A beautifully appointed and perfect location. Amazing space and spotlessly clean. Loved the outside space and location. Very central but also quiet.
  
  What could be improved: No Champagne glasses! Otherwise brilliantly stocked kitchen.

• Neil from United Kingdom – 9 April 2025 (10/10)

  Extremely clean and well kitted out. Staff were very responsive and helpful
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Sian from United Kingdom – 13 September 2024 (10/10)

  The location was perfect for exploring the old town. The apartment was tastefully decorated with all the facilities you may require, spotlessly clean and very comfortable. The outside area was in keeping with the surroundings and seating was great for breakfast outside.
  
  What could be improved: Quite a lot of steps for one of our party who had her leg in plaster and needed a wheelchair, especially as there isn’t a toilet on the same floor as the kitchen/lounge. However when we booked this wasn’t a factor we needed to consider and she managed to cope with crutches.

• Sue from Australia – 12 September 2024 (10/10)

  Great position
  
  What could be improved: Didn’t have washing facilities or teabag/coffee
  Thought the quality of the fittings not so great.

• Gerald from United States – 20 July 2024 (10/10)

  The location was outstanding – in the middle of the old city…….with only 7 steps to climb.
  The courtyard was exceptional even though it was too hot to enjoy during a crazy July heat wave. The ancient ruins behind the property were quite interesting to our teenage kids. Amazing restaurants were only steps away from the property.
  
  What could be improved: There was no washer/dryer.

• Isabella from United States – 10 July 2024 (10/10)

  Amazing location and beautiful property! The house is modern and beautifully furnished. We had 8 people during our stay and were incredibly comfortable. We loved the outdoor patio. We also booked a driver through our villa, and had a wonderful experience.

• Frida from United States – 22 June 2024 (10/10)

  I loved the entire house. Rooms were so comfortable and huge. The house is actually bigger than in pictures.
  
  What could be improved: I would’ve loved more towels to be available during our stay. Everything else was great!

• Breda from Ireland – 25 May 2024 (10/10)

  Fantastic communication from the Villa Hedera reception staff. Helpful efficient and patient. Location was superb and close to centre of Dubrovnik. Villa was fabulous.
  
  What could be improved: Loved everything but had difficulty finding the Villa when we arrived.

• Nicola from United Kingdom – 9 May 2024 (10/10)

  This villa is amazing!  Very clean, modern, spacious and has all the facilities you will need. 5 really good sized bedrooms, all with ensuites. Fully equipped kitchen and spacious dining, living and outside area.
  The hosts are so friendly and helpful, they arranged our airport transfers and were always available to answer any questions we had.
  
  The location of the villa is just perfect, situated in the heart of Dubrovnik. I highly recommend this villa!
  
  We had such an amazing time in Dubrovnik, thank you!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing…..you will not be disappointed! 😊

• Kathleen from United States – 1 October 2024 (7/10)

  Key box was the perfect way to go.
  
  What could be improved: The check in time is 5pm which is not the norm and caused a great deal of issue and expense for us.
  You have to pay to store your bags and then wait 6-8 hours to get into the villa. At the price we paid we felt this was not good.
  I am a travel writer and travel basically half the year and stay in mostly vacation rentals like this one.
  I find the average time for check in in Europe rentals to be 2-4pm with the norm at 2-3pm. I was in Southern Italy for 2 weeks and each time my rentals contacted me to ask if we wanted to check in early (wonderful service). When I request a possible early check in for the villa I was either ignored or told when maintenance is done (which was at 5pm) This is a sahme to have to post this as it was a very nice villa and we loved it except for this.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities