Dubrovnik, Croatia
Look, I've stayed at plenty of hotels in Dubrovnik over the years, and honestly?
Look, I’ve stayed at plenty of hotels in Dubrovnik over the years, and honestly? The Royal Ariston gets it right in ways that a lot of five-star places just… don’t. First thing you notice pulling up to Kardinala Stepinca 31 is that you’re actually outside the Old Town chaos – which, trust me, is a blessing during peak season when those narrow streets are packed shoulder-to-shoulder with cruise ship groups. You’re maybe a 15-minute walk to Pile Gate, but it’s along this tree-lined street that feels refreshingly normal after a day of tourist madness.
The lobby has this understated elegance that I appreciate – none of that over-the-top marble nonsense you get at some places. What really impressed me was the staff’s genuine knowledge of the city. I mean, the concierge didn’t just hand me a generic map; she actually walked me through which sections of the city walls are less crowded around 4 PM and mentioned this little wine bar (turns out it was fantastic) tucked away near the Dominican Monastery that most visitors never find. The rooms themselves are spacious by Croatian standards – and if you’ve been squeezed into some of those Old Town boutique hotels, you know that’s saying something. I had a sea view room, and while you’re not hanging directly over the Adriatic, you get these lovely glimpses of the water between the cypress trees, especially from the balcony in the evening.
You know what sold me on this place though? The practical stuff that matters when you’re actually living somewhere for a few days. The air conditioning works properly (not always a given), there’s decent water pressure, and – this might sound silly – but the elevators are quick and quiet. I stayed here during shoulder season in October, and the whole place had this relaxed vibe where you could actually have a conversation in the restaurant without shouting over other guests. The breakfast spread was solid too, with local cheeses and this amazing fig jam that I’m pretty sure came from somewhere nearby, not from some industrial supplier. Parking was handled smoothly (they have a garage arrangement), which honestly saves you about 20 minutes of circling around looking for a spot in this city. The pool area gets good afternoon sun, and it’s one of the few places in Dubrovnik where you can actually swim without fighting for space on the rocks at Banje Beach. Would I stay here again? Absolutely – it strikes that perfect balance between luxury and livability that makes it feel like a genuine home base rather than just another hotel room.
Choose from 5 room types
| Room | Type | Beds | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Double or Twin Room with Balcony | Max persons: 2 | 2 single beds, 1 extra-large double bed | From $122 /night |
| Luxury Double or Twin Room with Balcony and Sea View | Max persons: 2 | 2 single beds, 1 extra-large double bed | From $149 /night |
| Royal Sky Room with Sea View and Balcony | Max persons: 2 | 1 extra-large double bed | From $181 /night |
| Luxury Triple Room | Max persons: 3 | 3 single beds | From $196 /night |
| Luxury Suite with Balcony and Sea View | Max persons: 3 | 1 large double bed, 1 sofa bed | From $218 /night |
The Location and the hotel rooms. The cleanliness. Me and my husband enjoyed the pool and spa. The staffs are very friendly and helpful.
What could be improved: Nothing
The room was spacious the view was amazing
What could be improved: For a 5 star resort the headboard on the bed was a leather type fabric was very badly damaged.
Very nice hotel, worth paying extra for a room with sea view.
What could be improved: You can’t acces the hotel from the parking, so you have to walk around. And there’s no elevator from the lobby, you have to go up the stairs and walk the corridor with your bags to get to the elevator.
The hotel is part of a complex of buildings, isolated and well maintained, the common areas are beautiful. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful. The rooms are clean and the beds and pillows are very comfortable. The breakfast had variety and many options. There are some restaurants at the complex, some of the reviews were not promising but we had dinner at the pizza restaurant and everything was amazing. We had a sea-view room and sleeping with the sound of the waves was an amazing experience.
What could be improved: The quality of the drinks at the breakfast was not corresponding to a 5-star hotel. The hotel is very large and it will be better if there were clearer instructions on how to reach certain parts of the hotel.
Clean, large rooms
What could be improved: Two pools out of action and steam room, bar was limited.
Wonderful room and sea view
What could be improved: Not applicable
The hotel was exceptionally clean, and the overall atmosphere was very relaxing and pleasant. Our room was spacious with a comfortable bed. Situated in a natural setting outside the city, the location added to the peaceful ambiance. A nice bonus was the ability to explore various pools at adjacent hotels. The chocolate chip cookies and desserts were a delightful treat, and the coffee was good. Service was both friendly and professional.
What could be improved: The internet connection was quite poor. In terms of dining, expanding the variety of food choices would certainly enhance the overall experience. While we were not left hungry, the meals did not quite reflect the standard one would expect from a five-star hotel. No sports activities.
Location, view from the room
The view itself is worth the price as well as the location.
Everything! This hotel is absolutely incredible and the room was amazing! We will be back and cannot wait!
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