Old Palace Apartment

Hotel Description

You know what? I’ve walked past this place dozens of times on Ilije Sarake Street, and honestly, I always wondered what it was like inside one of these old stone buildings tucked right into the heart of Old Town. The Old Palace Apartment isn’t actually a hotel in the traditional sense – it’s more like staying in someone’s carefully restored medieval home, which is exactly what makes it so special.

The location is absolutely perfect if you want to feel like you’re living in Dubrovnik rather than just visiting it. I mean, you’re literally steps from Stradun (the main pedestrian street), but far enough up one of those narrow side streets that you won’t hear the tourist crowds at night. The building itself has that gorgeous limestone facade that’s been weathered by centuries of Adriatic winds, and when you step inside, there’s this immediate sense of history – thick stone walls, original architectural details, but with all the modern touches you actually need. The apartment I stayed in had these amazing wooden shutters that you can throw open in the morning to let in that golden Mediterranean light, and honestly, waking up to church bells echoing off ancient walls never gets old.

What really impressed me was how thoughtfully everything was set up. The kitchen actually has proper equipment (not those sad hotel kitchenettes), which is great because the morning markets are right there if you want to grab fresh figs or local cheese. The bathroom was surprisingly spacious for an old building – I’d been prepared for one of those cramped medieval spaces, but they’ve clearly done some smart renovation work. And the Wi-Fi is solid, which matters if you’re trying to upload all those sunset photos from the city walls. The only minor thing is that the stairs are pretty steep and narrow, but that’s just part of the charm of staying in a 14th-century building – definitely pack light if you can.

The woman who manages the place was incredibly helpful with restaurant recommendations, and she gave me this insider tip about the best time to walk the city walls (early morning, before 8 AM, when the light is incredible and the crowds haven’t arrived yet). That 9.6 rating makes complete sense when you consider you’re getting this authentic Old Town experience at a fraction of what you’d pay at one of those fancy hotels outside the walls. Plus, you can stumble home after dinner at one of the konobas without worrying about catching the last bus or paying for a taxi. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’ve discovered something special, even though it’s been here for centuries.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $175. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 single bed, 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Perfect! – Mahalakshmi from United States – 29 May 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent host communicated with us, provided transfer from airport, met us outside the walls and walked us to the apartment, and gave us a mini tour and history lesson on the walk. Apartment is right in the middle of things!! We used the apartment as a stopping point in the middle of the afternoon to stretch legs/change/take a break. It is brilliant – best gelato down the street, amazing breakfast facing the dome and cathedral right down the street, hop skip and jump to Stradun ( Main Street). Noise proof apartment – can't hear a thing from outside. They had AC but we didn't need to use it. View from the windows is a side view of the beautiful cascading houses on the hill. Apartment itself is beyond ADORABLE – lots of space, comfy beds, comfy couch, lovely table to hang out, lots of closet spaces, well equipped kitchen. The bathroom was nice and spacious, has washer/dryer. Our host Gaspar was super nice – he brought us detergent and an iron box on request. Gave us all the salient points on a map, apartment is closer to one gat, totally walkable to either gates.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to not like. We are so happy we found this apartment
  Just some FYI – the apartment is on 3rd floor – so just be prepared for that- but small price to pay for the location and cuteness. Also it takes the guilt out of the multiple gelatos and all the yummy food that you will be consuming

• Fantastic, roomy apartment in great location. – Mary from United States – 26 May 2025 (10/10)

  Property manager Gaspar was extraordinarily friendly and helpful. Great location, spacious.

• Location! – Del from United States – 17 May 2025 (10/10)

  Cannot beat the location for being in the heart of Dubrovnik.
  It's an old building, so do not expect modern features.
  Spacious, comfortable and surprisingly quiet at night.
  
  Tip: by walking the walls at 8am from the Eastern Ploce Gate we avoided the throngs and almost had it to ourselves for an hour which was special. Seems the busloads mostly start at the other Gates; Pile or Buza.
  
  What could be improved: Since it is quite a walk up to the apartment could use a coffee maker, drip or french press, so people can make their own quickly.

• Location was wonderful. Great to have extra space with children. Loved the old building and history. Beautiful place. – Lahja from Ireland – 11 May 2025 (10/10)

  Location was great, right in the old town. Bed was comfortable. Great for families.
  
  What could be improved: NA

• Lovely, spacious and unique apartment in the heart of the old town – Michelle from Australia – 1 May 2025 (9/10)

  This space was fantastic. It is huge, high ceilings too. Plenty of room to spread out in.
  Gašper was simply amazing. Like a tour guide, met us at the Ploce Gate and walked us to the apartment, providing tips and info during the walk and making sure we were well settled in. Ðino was also great communicating via Whatsapp before and during our stay. They also organised our airport transfer in to the old town and the driver waited to make sure Gašper had found us – may be slightly more expensive but worth it!
  This is an old building. It is not a fancy hotel. It is comfortable and located in a perfect spot within the old town, behind the cathedral, lovely bright windows, all with shutters. There are all the creature comforts of TV, dishwasher, washing machine/tumble dryer, air con, full kitchen facilities.
  
  What could be improved: You can see the place is well maintained and upgraded over time. The pillows and towels could be replaced.
  Tips – the stairs up to the apartment are OK but not if you have mobility issues (and heavy luggage is possible but would be an effort). The over bath shower is good however the climb over the bath to hop in is quite high if you have any concerns in that regard.

• Exceptional – なかしまあきら from Japan – 20 December 2024 (10/10)

  Location. The room is big and comfortable. The host Gasper was very friendly and helpfull. Also let us check-in early and check out late.

• Exceptional – Eirini from Greece – 30 November 2024 (10/10)

  The house is in a really perfect location,everything is clean and comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: They could welcome guests with a few bottles of water, and a coffee machine is something that is missing.

• Magical – Kathryn from United States – 13 November 2024 (10/10)

  The location and the space
  
  What could be improved: It was hard to figure out the heat

• We have a great time in the apartment and the host is very responsive and great with communication – Bin from United States – 11 October 2024 (9/10)

  Location! Location! Location! This place has the best location to explore the city. It's right next to the cathedral. Very central and at the same time you don't have to climb the stairs. The host is extremely kind and hospitable.
  
  What could be improved: Wi- Fi is on and off all the time. It should be replaced.

• Amazing host and beautiful historic apartment! – Kenya from United States – 1 October 2024 (10/10)

  I loved my interactions with the host! The apartment is very spacious and located in a great area. I cannot recommend it enough!!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities