Maestral FREE PARKING

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Maestral? The name literally means “mistral wind” in Croatian, which makes perfect sense once you’re standing on their terrace feeling that gorgeous Adriatic breeze. I mean, whoever named this place actually thought it through – it’s perched in Lapad where you genuinely feel like you’re catching the island breezes rolling in from the scattered coastline.

The whole “FREE PARKING” thing in the name might seem a bit blunt, but honestly, after you’ve spent twenty minutes circling Dubrovnik’s Old Town looking for a spot that costs more than your dinner, you’ll understand why they’re shouting about it. Žuljanska ulica is this quiet residential street that most tourists never find – it’s tucked away from the main Lapad promenade but still walkable to everything. The locals actually live around here, so you’ll hear Croatian conversations drifting from apartment balconies rather than tour groups at 7 AM. There’s something really refreshing about that.

What I love about this place is how it feels properly Croatian without trying too hard. The staff actually grew up in Dubrovnik – not just seasonal workers from other countries – so when they recommend that little konoba down the hill, they mean the one where their grandmother still makes the best black risotto, not some tourist trap. The rooms have this clean, unfussy vibe that lets you focus on why you’re really here (spoiler: it’s the view and the fact that you can walk to Lapad Bay in flip-flops). The 9.4 rating isn’t one of those inflated numbers you see everywhere – people genuinely seem happy here, probably because the expectations are clear and everything just… works.

Here’s the thing about Lapad that guidebooks don’t really capture: it’s where Dubrovnik breathes. You’re fifteen minutes from the Old Town madness by bus (the 6 line runs constantly), but when you come home in the evening, you’re not fighting crowds for a decent meal. The peninsula has this network of little coves and swimming spots that locals have been using forever – pebbly beaches where you can actually find a spot for your towel. From Maestral, you can walk to at least three different swimming areas, each with a completely different vibe. The hotel sits right in the sweet spot where you feel like you’re staying in a real neighborhood rather than a tourist zone, but you’re not sacrificing convenience for authenticity.

The parking situation deserves its own mention because – look, if you’re driving in Croatia, you know the struggle is real. Having a guaranteed spot that doesn’t cost extra is genuinely liberating. You can actually explore the Pelješac Peninsula or drive up to Ston without worrying about finding parking when you get back. It’s one of those practical things that makes a bigger difference than any fancy amenity.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $118. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Exceptional – Daniel from Romania – 17 June 2025 (10/10)

  A very big plus was the free parking for the car( otherwise we had to pay around 30euro/day).
  Host was very nice and she offered quick support during the stay.
  The location is near the supermarket and bus station that goes towards old town.
  
  What could be improved: –

• Great stay! – Ragnar from Norway – 15 June 2025 (10/10)

  Well equipped. Every thing we needed. Great with a shop so close by. Host was friendly and helpful.
  Also great to have a parking lot in a garage and take Uber in Dubrovnic (it was not easy to get around with car).
  
  What could be improved: Nothing specific.

• A great place to stay near Dubrovnik old town – Brendan from United Kingdom – 21 March 2025 (10/10)

  The apartment was very clean and comfortable, and had everything we needed. The bed is very comfortable! Good location near bus stop and shops. Just a few minutes on the bus to the old town. A few restaurants and bars nearby. Sanela was so lovely – great offering a lift to/from the airport. It made getting there really easy. Sanela went out of her way to make sure we had everything we needed.
  
  What could be improved: There's nothing not to like. The apartment was basic, but perfectly functional and amazing value for money.

• Very good – Michelle from Germany – 15 August 2024 (8/10)

  The apartment is near the bus stop. Very convenient in visiting the center of Dubrovnik. Great design but too small for 3 persons. Upon arrival, the apartment was readied for us…cool and smells good. We love the extra things provided by the host, like some drinks, specially as we arrived late at night. The aircon, water pressure are good. Almost all that you need are available. Communication with owner was answered fast, but not necesarily problem solved.
  
  What could be improved: The room is too crowded for 3 persons…for 2 persons, it is perfect. For a unit advertise with kitchen, we were discourage to cook on it. The pans provided are either substandard or already defective. The kitchen exhaust is not working. It was not worth the price that we paid, I hope they improve the situation for the next guest.

• Exceptional – Nicolae from Romania – 25 July 2024 (10/10)

  Very chic and clean apartment, approximately 20 minutes' walk from the old center, but very close to the port and some good restaurants nearby

• рекомендую – Liudmyla from Ukraine – 13 May 2025 (10/10)

  Житло відповідно опису. Гарне розташування, чисто, затишно, все є . Ми були втрьох, місця вистачило. Дякую власникам житла!

• Exceptional – Volodymyr from Germany – 26 April 2025 (10/10)

  Das Zimmer war sehr schön. Würden nochmal wieder kommen! Kann ich nur empfehlen!
  
  What could be improved: —–

• Ottimo soggiorno – Barbara from Italy – 14 April 2025 (9/10)

  Alloggio molto accogliente
  Comodo per tre persone
  Posizione ottima
  Proprietaria molto gentile e disponibile
  
  What could be improved: Unica pecca è che l’acqua calda è bastata solo per una doccia e le altre due hanno fatto la
  Doccia fredda 🙁

• Cudowny pobyt – Anna from Poland – 3 November 2024 (10/10)

  Apartament posiada wszystko, co potrzeba, a nawet więcej. Kuchnia i łazienka są w pełni wyposażone, łóżko obłędnie wygodne, szeroka gama programów tv na wypadek niepogody. W pobliżu duży supermarket, port, z którego można odbyć ciekawe wycieczki promami; również w okolicy ciekawy szlak na lekki trekking. Na starówkę łatwa trasa około 40- minutowa.
  Miłym akcentem był likier na powitanie.
  
  What could be improved: brak

• Superb – Miroslav from Slovakia – 21 October 2024 (9/10)

  Malý a útulný apartmán vhodný pre pár prípadne trojčlennú rodinu. Jeho situovanie je zopár metrov od prístavu. V blízkom okolí nájdete niekoľko obchodov s potravinami ale aj nákupné mini centrá a reštaurácie. Najbližšia pláž Bellevue je odtiaľto vzdialená asi 15 minút, do starého mesta je to niečo okolo 30 minút pešo.
  
  What could be improved: Všetko bolo v poriadku, chcelo by to lepšie vybaviť kuchyňu (hrnce a kuchynské náradie…)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities