Katarina Old town

Hotel Description

You know what? I’ve walked past Katarina Old Town dozens of times before actually staying there, and honestly, I always thought it looked a bit understated from the outside. Turns out that’s exactly what makes it special – it’s tucked away on Nalješkovićeva, this narrow stone street that most tourists rush through on their way to the main drag, but locals use as a shortcut to avoid the Stradun crowds. The building itself has that weathered Dubrovnik limestone look that’s been polished smooth by centuries of hands running along the walls, and when you step inside, there’s this immediate sense of… well, relief, I guess? Like you’ve found something the cruise ship crowds haven’t discovered yet.

The thing about staying in the Old Town – and I mean really staying, not just visiting – is that you start to notice the rhythms of the place. Around 7 AM, you’ll hear the delivery trucks rumbling over the cobblestones (they’re the only vehicles allowed in before the gates close), and by 8 AM, the café owners are already hosing down their terraces. From Katarina, you’re literally two minutes from that morning coffee ritual at Festival Café, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, there’s this tiny place called Dubrovnik that serves the strongest espresso in the city – locals queue up there starting around 6:30. The hotel itself feels like someone’s converted family home, which it probably was at some point. The rooms aren’t huge, but they’re thoughtfully arranged with these thick stone walls that actually keep things cool during those brutal July afternoons when the temperature hits 35°C and the Stradun becomes unbearable.

What really sold me on this place, though, was the staff’s approach to the whole thing. They don’t hover or push restaurant recommendations, but when you ask about avoiding the crowds at the city walls, they’ll tell you to go right at 8 AM when they open, or after 5 PM when the tour groups are heading back to their ships. The woman at reception mentioned that the nearby Buža bar – you know, the one carved into the cliffs – gets impossibly crowded around sunset, but if you go around 4 PM, you can actually find a seat and watch the light change over Lokrum Island. These are the kinds of details that make the difference between feeling like a tourist and feeling like you’re actually experiencing Dubrovnik. Sure, it’s only three stars, but honestly, when you’re this close to everything that matters – the morning fish market, the late-night konoba scene, even the secret swimming spots the locals use – you’re not spending much time in your room anyway. The 8.7 rating makes sense when you realize what you’re paying for: location, authenticity, and that rare thing in Dubrovnik’s Old Town – a place that feels more like a neighborhood than a tourist attraction.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $177. Double Room with Private Bathroom with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Very good – Alan from New Zealand – 17 August 2024 (8/10)

  What could be improved: The many steps to carry luggage

• Solid place to stay in the old town! – Shun from Australia – 10 August 2024 (9/10)

  Simple bedroom with all the important amenities – air conditioning, comfortable bed, hot water. Best thing is probaby the location, which is right smack in the middle of the old town!
  
  What could be improved: Not much really. It was a little expensive but given its location, it's decent value.

• Great location, lovely host – Samantha from United Kingdom – 30 July 2024 (9/10)

  The location was very central so you could walk to anywhere in Dubrovnik old town. The property was lovely, clean and the host was really accommodating as it was a last minute booking. We had a late flight so the host kindly let us leave the luggage in the apartment whilst we explored the city.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, the only thing to be aware of for other travellers is that the property is located up a lot of steps but we didn’t mind this at all.

• Superb – Christine from Australia – 31 May 2024 (9/10)

  Clean. Very friendly and helpful host
  
  What could be improved: The stairs. We got a little lost using the gps from the link on property site. The taxi dropped us off at the wrong gate, but once we gotten hold of Katerina she set us on correct path. But by the time we had arrived at location, we had climbed many stairs.

• Perfect location in the centre of a beautiful town but still quiet. – Tom from United Kingdom – 16 May 2024 (9/10)

  Perfect location in the centre of a beautiful town but still quiet.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Mirell from Estonia – 5 October 2023 (10/10)

  Very good location! Enough big room!

• New, neat, clean, comfy, cool & central. – Toni from Australia – 4 September 2023 (10/10)

  Small, clean room on a very central location.

• Lovely. Perfect location. Easy. Very comfortable. – Hannah from Australia – 24 August 2023 (10/10)

  Clean and lovely. Very well equiped with everything we needed. Excellent correspondence with Katarina and wonderful driver service from the airport with directions and recommendations.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Great little spot for a short stay in Dubrovnik – Emma from United Kingdom – 19 August 2023 (8/10)

  Comfortable, excellent location, friendly and helpful host
  
  What could be improved: Very small, could’ve made better use of the space

• Great littke room in a amazing location with great communication from the owners. – Katie from United States – 7 August 2023 (10/10)

  The location was great! Very accommodating with our early flight in and gave us the option to leave our bags in a safe space and check in early. Got fresh towels each day. Very honest communication and offered to send in a technician to clean air filter because the guests before us smoked in the room. Overall, a great experience

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities