House Star 1

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about House Star 1? It’s tucked away in Old Town Dubrovnik in this perfect spot where you can actually hear the city walls breathing at night – I mean that metaphorically, but honestly, there’s something almost alive about staying this close to all that ancient stone. The hotel itself is pretty unassuming from the outside, which I actually loved because it feels like you’re discovering some local secret rather than checking into another tourist trap.

The rooms are what you’d expect from a solid 3-star place – nothing fancy, but everything works and it’s genuinely clean. What really got me was how the staff seemed to know every single shortcut through the maze of Old Town streets. The guy at reception (I think his name was Marko?) didn’t just give me directions to the main attractions – he told me which entrance to the city walls has the shortest line at 8 AM, and where to grab coffee that doesn’t cost a fortune. That kind of local knowledge is worth its weight in gold when you’re trying to navigate Dubrovnik’s summer crowds. Speaking of crowds, staying right in Old Town means you’re dealing with some noise during peak season, but honestly, by 10 PM things quiet down considerably, and there’s something magical about having those narrow limestone streets almost to yourself in the early morning.

The location really is the star here – you’re literally a three-minute walk from Stradun, but you’re on one of those tiny side streets that somehow stays relatively peaceful. I could walk to Onofrio’s Fountain for water refills, pop over to the Rector’s Palace without breaking a sweat, and still feel like I was staying somewhere with character rather than in some sterile hotel district. The building itself has that weathered Adriatic charm – you know, thick walls that actually keep things cool during the day, and windows that frame views of terracotta rooftops instead of parking lots. Sure, the elevator is about as wide as a phone booth and the WiFi gets a bit spotty during the evening rush, but honestly, these felt like minor trade-offs for the authentic experience.

What really sealed the deal for me was the breakfast situation – they serve it in this little courtyard area that catches the morning light perfectly, and while it’s not some elaborate buffet, the local bread and cheese selection actually tastes like Croatia instead of generic hotel food. The whole vibe just felt right, like staying with distant relatives who happen to run a small hotel rather than being processed through some corporate hospitality machine. For the price point and that unbeatable Old Town location, House Star 1 delivers exactly what it promises without any pretense.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $456. Three-Bedroom Holiday Home with 1 single bed, 1 double bed, 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities