Hotel Aquarius Dubrovnik

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Hotel Aquarius? It’s tucked away on this quiet residential street in Lapad – Mata Vodopica – which honestly sounds way more complicated than it is to find. The thing is, most tourists get so fixated on staying right in Old Town that they miss out on neighborhoods like this. Lapad’s got this lovely, lived-in feel where you’ll actually see Croatian families going about their day, not just tour groups with matching hats. The hotel itself is pretty unassuming from the outside – I mean, it’s a solid 3-star property, not trying to be something it’s not – but there’s something refreshing about that unpretentious vibe.

What really won me over was how the staff seemed to actually know the area. The guy at reception (I think his name was Marko?) didn’t just hand me a tourist map and call it a day. He walked me through the best bus routes into the old city – and trust me, you’ll want to know this because parking in Dubrovnik’s historic center is basically impossible during peak season. The rooms have that clean, simple aesthetic that works well after you’ve been walking around all day. Nothing fancy, but the beds are comfortable and the air conditioning actually works (which, let’s be honest, is crucial in Croatian summers). I stayed in July and could hear the gentle hum of the AC units from other rooms, but it wasn’t disruptive – more like white noise that helped me sleep.

The location really grows on you once you settle in. There’s a small bakery about two blocks down that opens ridiculously early – perfect for grabbing fresh burek before the day trips start. And here’s something the guidebooks won’t tell you: the hotel’s about a 15-minute walk to Lapad Beach, which is this gorgeous stretch of pebbles and crystal-clear water that’s way less crowded than Banje Beach near the old town. You can actually spread out a towel without playing human Tetris. The evening stroll back from dinner in the old city is pleasant too – uphill, sure, but through these winding streets where you’ll peek into locals’ gardens and maybe catch the scent of someone grilling fish. That 8.5 rating makes sense when you factor in the value proposition. You’re not paying Old Town prices, but you’re still close enough to easily explore everything. The breakfast spread is decent – nothing Instagram-worthy, but good coffee and fresh bread, which is really all you need before a day of sightseeing. Would I stay here again? Absolutely. Sometimes the best travel experiences come from places that just do the basics really well.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $233. Standard Double Room with 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $239. Standard Double Room with Balcony with 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $255. Comfort Double Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $261. Comfort Double Room with Balcony with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $277. Deluxe Double or Twin Room with 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $283. Deluxe Double or Twin Room with 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $333. Junior Suite with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $339. Junior Suite with Balcony with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Lovely family run hotel. Fantastic location, nearby beach/boardwalks, restaurants, pharmacy – Richard from Canada – 12 October 2023 (7/10)

  The breakfast was great. Good selection of food to choose from.
  
  What could be improved: Our air conditioner filter was incredibly dirty. My understanding is the hotel is being renovated shortly. I am sure that will be taken care of during these renovations.

• Very relaxing experience with beautiful night views of lights. – Elvin from United States – 8 October 2023 (10/10)

  Close to restaurants, nice beach, pedestrian walkway, and bus stop to the old town. Excellent breakfast and very nice front property with a pool and plenty of sitting area.
  
  What could be improved: Loss of internet connection at times in some rooms

• Superb – Alexandra from Canada – 5 October 2023 (9/10)

  This is a great location!!! You’re so close to the beach and a pedestrian street with many restaurants.
  
  The pool is excellent way to cool down from a hot day!
  
  Staff was helpful and kind.
  
  What could be improved: It is true that the decor is a little dated, but does that really matter?

• Aquarius was comfortable and in a great location . – John from United States – 28 September 2023 (9/10)

  Great location , staff and room
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast could have had a little more dried fruit

• Relaxing – Cesar from Switzerland – 6 September 2023 (8/10)

  Nice staff and location
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Superb – Ilona from Ireland – 31 August 2023 (9/10)

  Friendly staff,great location,nice pool
  
  What could be improved: Carpets could be updated

• Exceptional – John from Australia – 30 August 2023 (10/10)

  Well located, close to many restaurants. Efficient, courteous staff.

• Excelent stay in Aquarius – Vedrana from Austria – 29 August 2023 (10/10)

  The stay at Aquarius was excelent. The bed was extra comfortable and the room super quiet. The stuff was friendly from the receptionist who expected us at the arrival and the room was prepared earlier that it is the regular check in time, which we requested. The breakfast was delicious and there was a great variety of foods and drinks for the breakfast. The service in the restaurant was super friendly, which I would like to extra mention. The pool with the possibility of underwater massage is a great relaxing facility and the internet was working great.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was just great.

• Nice experience – Sara from Belgium – 21 August 2023 (9/10)

  Very nice hotel, really close to the beach and still quite. Staff was very kind. I appreciated the pool. Good breakfast. Bus stop to the old town nearby. Better stay here than at the old town, which is crowded.
  
  What could be improved: I appreciated everything, but guests should be aware that the old town is not close. I did not feel this was a disadvantage, as the old town is quite crowded.

• Nice little hotel at perfect location – Dario from Croatia – 31 July 2023 (10/10)

  Friendly staff, quiet location close to the beach and beautiful promenade. Rooms are big, beds are comfortable, breakfast is delicious.
  
  What could be improved: We liked everything

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities